The Best Place To Live In Pennsylvania

Making the decision to buy a home often revolves around picking a place to put down roots. Whether you plan to live there for a few years or the rest of your life, buying a home in a location fitting for your family is a must. As you look at your options for communities in Pennsylvania to determine the best place to live for your family, be sure to consider all valuable data about it, such as how affordable the location is and the cost of living, as recommended by Rocket Homes. It's often important to consider the school district, parks, crime rates, and transportation and traffic.

With all these in mind, where is the best place to live in Pennsylvania, then? The best place will differ based on what's most important to you and your family, but there is one location that seems to stand out for multiple reasons.

Pittsburgh is one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania, according to U.S. News & World Report. According to the data from the organization, the city is ranked 6th nationally when it comes to the cheapest places to call home and ranks 20th for best locations for retiring. It's also ranked 26th as the best overall place to live in the country. The median age here is 43.1 years old, and the average annual salary for residents is $54,300. With an unemployment rate of 9.9% and a median house price of $222,479, there's a lot to think about when choosing Pittsburgh to live in. Why is it one of the best locations to call home?

When it comes to affordability, Pittsburgh, PA, has a cost of living that's 5.5% lower than the national average, according to Salary.com. That may mean that factors such as housing, energy, and food cost less here than in other areas of the country. It does note that the cost of healthcare is higher in Pittsburgh than nationally.

While costs are important, it's also critical to consider the overall quality of life in a city. In Pittsburgh, there are a few key things that help it stand out. The city is home to 163 parks with over 3,800 acres of parkland overall, according to the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. The city offers many programs, including recreational facilities with programming for adults and children, senior centers, public pools, splash pads, festivals, and local events. It's also noted for Schenley Park and Highland Park, two local landmark parks with exceptional facilities.

Though there are numerous private and charter schools in the area, the Pittsburgh Public Schools provides 43 locations to serve the needs of 25,000 students in the school district. It's the second largest in the state, with numerous innovative programs and services for students. Yet another factor to consider is the city's culture, which is heavily influenced by professional sports teams, according to Pulse at Chatham University. It's also a city that is noted for its artists, numerous ethnic neighborhoods, and social justice programs.