Best places to live in Pennsylvania
Written by:
March 31, 2021
realtor.com
Best places to live in Pennsylvania
What do you look for in an ideal town? Proximity to trails, lakes, and beaches? How about top-ranked schools for your children? Would you like a professional or college sports team nearby, or do you prefer museums and art walks?
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Pennsylvania using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
On the list, there’s a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.
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#25. Radnor Township
- Population: 31,820
- Median home value: $663,900 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,488 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $127,161
- Top public schools: Radnor Senior High School (A+), Radnor Middle School (A+), Ithan Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: The Agnes Irwin School (A+), Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy (A+), Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (A+)
- Pictured: 770 Godfrey Rd, Villanova ($14.0 million, 10 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $663,900 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,488 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $127,161
- Top public schools: Radnor Senior High School (A+), Radnor Middle School (A+), Ithan Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: The Agnes Irwin School (A+), Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy (A+), Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (A+)
- Pictured: 770 Godfrey Rd, Villanova ($14.0 million, 10 bedrooms)
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#24. East Marlborough Township
- Population: 7,388
- Median home value: $447,500 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,383 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $124,079
- Top public schools: Unionville High School (A+), Chadds Ford Elementary School (A+), Pocopson Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Upland Country Day School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 108 Pennfield Dr, Kennett Square ($1.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $447,500 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,383 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $124,079
- Top public schools: Unionville High School (A+), Chadds Ford Elementary School (A+), Pocopson Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Upland Country Day School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 108 Pennfield Dr, Kennett Square ($1.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#23. Marshall Township
- Population: 9,053
- Median home value: $363,100 (89% own)
- Median rent: $1,396 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $135,208
- Top public schools: North Allegheny High School (A+), Marshall Elementary School (A+), Bradford Woods Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: KinderCare Learning Center (unavailable), Tender Care Learning Center of Cranberry (unavailable), Wexford KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1458 Monroe St, York ($165,000, 0 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $363,100 (89% own)
- Median rent: $1,396 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $135,208
- Top public schools: North Allegheny High School (A+), Marshall Elementary School (A+), Bradford Woods Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: KinderCare Learning Center (unavailable), Tender Care Learning Center of Cranberry (unavailable), Wexford KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1458 Monroe St, York ($165,000, 0 bedrooms)
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#22. Conshohocken
- Population: 8,029
- Median home value: $306,900 (48% own)
- Median rent: $1,596 (52% rent)
- Median household income: $87,241
- Top public schools: Plymouth-Whitemarsh Senior High School (A+), Conshohocken Elementary School (A+), Plymouth Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 631 Harts Ridge Rd, Conshohocken ($2.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $306,900 (48% own)
- Median rent: $1,596 (52% rent)
- Median household income: $87,241
- Top public schools: Plymouth-Whitemarsh Senior High School (A+), Conshohocken Elementary School (A+), Plymouth Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 631 Harts Ridge Rd, Conshohocken ($2.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#21. O'Hara Township
- Population: 8,892
- Median home value: $257,800 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,484 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $96,926
- Top public schools: Fox Chapel Area High School (A+), Fairview Elementary School (A+), O'Hara Elementary School (A+)
- Pictured: 647 Arbor Ct, Pittsburgh ($815,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $257,800 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,484 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $96,926
- Top public schools: Fox Chapel Area High School (A+), Fairview Elementary School (A+), O'Hara Elementary School (A+)
- Pictured: 647 Arbor Ct, Pittsburgh ($815,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#20. Fox Chapel
- Population: 5,121
- Median home value: $662,400 (96% own)
- Median rent: No data available (4% rent)
- Median household income: $205,987
- Top public schools: Fox Chapel Area High School (A+), Fairview Elementary School (A+), O'Hara Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Shady Side Academy (A+)
- Pictured: 145 Old Mill Rd, Pittsburgh ($3.3 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $662,400 (96% own)
- Median rent: No data available (4% rent)
- Median household income: $205,987
- Top public schools: Fox Chapel Area High School (A+), Fairview Elementary School (A+), O'Hara Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Shady Side Academy (A+)
- Pictured: 145 Old Mill Rd, Pittsburgh ($3.3 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#19. Charlestown Township
- Population: 5,941
- Median home value: $483,400 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,066 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $140,179
- Top public schools: Valley Forge Middle School (A+), Valley Forge Elementary School (A+), Great Valley High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Charlestown Playhouse (unavailable), Kindercare Learning Center #303038 (unavailable), Great Valley KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 400 S Church St, West Chester ($925,000, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $483,400 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,066 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $140,179
- Top public schools: Valley Forge Middle School (A+), Valley Forge Elementary School (A+), Great Valley High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Charlestown Playhouse (unavailable), Kindercare Learning Center #303038 (unavailable), Great Valley KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 400 S Church St, West Chester ($925,000, 7 bedrooms)
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#18. Lemont
- Population: 2,188
- Median home value: $257,000 (69% own)
- Median rent: $891 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $74,130
- Top public schools: State College Area High School (A+), Houserville/Lemont Elementary School (A), Mount Nittany Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Montessori School of the Nittany Valley (unavailable)
- Pictured: 241 Whitehill St, Lemont ($475,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $257,000 (69% own)
- Median rent: $891 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $74,130
- Top public schools: State College Area High School (A+), Houserville/Lemont Elementary School (A), Mount Nittany Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Montessori School of the Nittany Valley (unavailable)
- Pictured: 241 Whitehill St, Lemont ($475,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#17. Jenkintown
- Population: 4,433
- Median home value: $308,400 (64% own)
- Median rent: $1,379 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $108,523
- Top public schools: Jenkintown Middle/High School (A)
- Top private schools: Lightbridge Academy of Glenside (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1514 Cherry Ln, Jenkintown ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $308,400 (64% own)
- Median rent: $1,379 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $108,523
- Top public schools: Jenkintown Middle/High School (A)
- Top private schools: Lightbridge Academy of Glenside (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1514 Cherry Ln, Jenkintown ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#16. Devon
- Population: 1,869
- Median home value: $657,700 (92% own)
- Median rent: $2,177 (8% rent)
- Median household income: $193,015
- Top public schools: Conestoga Senior High School (A+), Tredyffrin-Easttown Middle School (A+), Valley Forge Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 500 S Waterloo Rd, Devon ($3.5 million, 9 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $657,700 (92% own)
- Median rent: $2,177 (8% rent)
- Median household income: $193,015
- Top public schools: Conestoga Senior High School (A+), Tredyffrin-Easttown Middle School (A+), Valley Forge Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 500 S Waterloo Rd, Devon ($3.5 million, 9 bedrooms)
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#15. Exton
- Population: 5,382
- Median home value: $365,800 (41% own)
- Median rent: $1,641 (59% rent)
- Median household income: $103,694
- Top public schools: Exton Elementary School (A), East High School (A), Henderson High School (A)
- Top private schools: New Horizons Montessori Academy Childcare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 417 Bowen Dr, Exton ($799,999, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $365,800 (41% own)
- Median rent: $1,641 (59% rent)
- Median household income: $103,694
- Top public schools: Exton Elementary School (A), East High School (A), Henderson High School (A)
- Top private schools: New Horizons Montessori Academy Childcare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 417 Bowen Dr, Exton ($799,999, 4 bedrooms)
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#14. Franklin Park
- Population: 14,589
- Median home value: $350,200 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,673 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $134,688
- Top public schools: North Allegheny High School (A+), Franklin Elementary School (A+), Marshall Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Anthony School Programs (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2106 Reis Run Rd, Pittsburgh ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $350,200 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,673 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $134,688
- Top public schools: North Allegheny High School (A+), Franklin Elementary School (A+), Marshall Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Anthony School Programs (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2106 Reis Run Rd, Pittsburgh ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#13. East Whiteland Township
- Population: 11,841
- Median home value: $415,200 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,535 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $114,486
- Top public schools: Great Valley High School (A+), Great Valley Middle School (A+), Kathryn D. Markley Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Villa Maria Academy Lower School (A+), Fusion Academy Malvern (unavailable), Brandywine Children's House (unavailable)
- Pictured: 12 Hunt Club Ln, Malvern ($4.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $415,200 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,535 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $114,486
- Top public schools: Great Valley High School (A+), Great Valley Middle School (A+), Kathryn D. Markley Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Villa Maria Academy Lower School (A+), Fusion Academy Malvern (unavailable), Brandywine Children's House (unavailable)
- Pictured: 12 Hunt Club Ln, Malvern ($4.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#12. Blue Bell
- Population: 6,250
- Median home value: $475,900 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,708 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $132,204
- Top public schools: Wissahickon Senior High School (A+), Plymouth-Whitemarsh Senior High School (A+), Wissahickon Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 525 Lewis Ln, Ambler ($6.9 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $475,900 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,708 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $132,204
- Top public schools: Wissahickon Senior High School (A+), Plymouth-Whitemarsh Senior High School (A+), Wissahickon Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 525 Lewis Ln, Ambler ($6.9 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#11. Berwyn
- Population: 3,531
- Median home value: $475,200 (68% own)
- Median rent: $1,351 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $102,147
- Top public schools: Conestoga Senior High School (A+), Tredyffrin-Easttown Middle School (A+), Hillside Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Regina Luminis Academy (B), St. Norbert Elementary School (unavailable), Tarleton School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2320 S Valley Rd, Berwyn ($17.7 million, 10 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $475,200 (68% own)
- Median rent: $1,351 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $102,147
- Top public schools: Conestoga Senior High School (A+), Tredyffrin-Easttown Middle School (A+), Hillside Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Regina Luminis Academy (B), St. Norbert Elementary School (unavailable), Tarleton School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2320 S Valley Rd, Berwyn ($17.7 million, 10 bedrooms)
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#10. Park Forest Village
- Population: 10,299
- Median home value: $289,800 (58% own)
- Median rent: $1,072 (42% rent)
- Median household income: $72,083
- Top public schools: State College Area High School (A+), Radio Park Elementary School (A), Park Forest Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Park Forest Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1381 Circleville Rd, State College ($789,500, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $289,800 (58% own)
- Median rent: $1,072 (42% rent)
- Median household income: $72,083
- Top public schools: State College Area High School (A+), Radio Park Elementary School (A), Park Forest Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Park Forest Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1381 Circleville Rd, State College ($789,500, 5 bedrooms)
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#9. Aspinwall
- Population: 2,724
- Median home value: $286,400 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,051 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $84,375
- Top public schools: Fox Chapel Area High School (A+), Fairview Elementary School (A+), O'Hara Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 305 Center Ave, Pittsburgh ($579,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $286,400 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,051 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $84,375
- Top public schools: Fox Chapel Area High School (A+), Fairview Elementary School (A+), O'Hara Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 305 Center Ave, Pittsburgh ($579,900, 4 bedrooms)
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#8. Mount Lebanon Township
- Population: 32,303
- Median home value: $268,500 (72% own)
- Median rent: $928 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $100,011
- Top public schools: Mt. Lebanon Senior High School (A+), Foster Elementary School (A+), Hoover Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Seton LaSalle Catholic High School (A-), St. Bernard School (unavailable), Mount Lebanon Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 830 Byler Cir, Lebanon ($187,360, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $268,500 (72% own)
- Median rent: $928 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $100,011
- Top public schools: Mt. Lebanon Senior High School (A+), Foster Elementary School (A+), Hoover Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Seton LaSalle Catholic High School (A-), St. Bernard School (unavailable), Mount Lebanon Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 830 Byler Cir, Lebanon ($187,360, 3 bedrooms)
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#7. Narberth
- Population: 4,345
- Median home value: $506,000 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,414 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $110,300
- Top public schools: Lower Merion High School (A+), Harriton Senior High School (A+), Merion Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Margaret School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 331 Sprague Rd, Narberth ($2.2 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $506,000 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,414 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $110,300
- Top public schools: Lower Merion High School (A+), Harriton Senior High School (A+), Merion Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Margaret School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 331 Sprague Rd, Narberth ($2.2 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#6. Boalsburg
- Population: 4,642
- Median home value: $324,900 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,170 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $105,891
- Top public schools: State College Area High School (A+), Mount Nittany Middle School (A), Mount Nittany Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Saint Joseph's Catholic Academy (A)
- Pictured: 270 Meadow Lark Ln, Boalsburg ($885,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $324,900 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,170 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $105,891
- Top public schools: State College Area High School (A+), Mount Nittany Middle School (A), Mount Nittany Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Saint Joseph's Catholic Academy (A)
- Pictured: 270 Meadow Lark Ln, Boalsburg ($885,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#5. Swarthmore
- Population: 6,318
- Median home value: $415,200 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,021 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $107,778
- Top public schools: Strath Haven High School (A+), Swarthmore-Rutledge School (A+), Strath Haven Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 525 Walnut Ln, Swarthmore ($1.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $415,200 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,021 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $107,778
- Top public schools: Strath Haven High School (A+), Swarthmore-Rutledge School (A+), Strath Haven Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 525 Walnut Ln, Swarthmore ($1.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#4. Houserville
- Population: 1,972
- Median home value: $225,700 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,257 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $90,750
- Top public schools: State College Area High School (A+), Houserville/Lemont Elementary School (A), Mount Nittany Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 315 Holly Ridge Dr, State College ($795,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $225,700 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,257 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $90,750
- Top public schools: State College Area High School (A+), Houserville/Lemont Elementary School (A), Mount Nittany Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 315 Holly Ridge Dr, State College ($795,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#3. Ardmore
- Population: 12,808
- Median home value: $355,400 (59% own)
- Median rent: $1,415 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $96,780
- Top public schools: Lower Merion High School (A+), Harriton Senior High School (A+), Penn Valley School (A+)
- Top private schools: Regina Angelorum Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 127 Valley Rd, Ardmore ($1.8 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $355,400 (59% own)
- Median rent: $1,415 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $96,780
- Top public schools: Lower Merion High School (A+), Harriton Senior High School (A+), Penn Valley School (A+)
- Top private schools: Regina Angelorum Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 127 Valley Rd, Ardmore ($1.8 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#2. Penn Wynne
- Population: 5,932
- Median home value: $366,000 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,416 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $123,854
- Top public schools: Lower Merion High School (A+), Bala Cynwyd Middle School (A+), Penn Wynne School (A+)
- Top private schools: Friends' Central School (A+), Perelman Jewish Day School - Stern Center (unavailable), Robert J. Wilf Preschool & Kindergarten (unavailable)
- Pictured: 317 Ingeborg Rd, Wynnewood ($1.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $366,000 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,416 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $123,854
- Top public schools: Lower Merion High School (A+), Bala Cynwyd Middle School (A+), Penn Wynne School (A+)
- Top private schools: Friends' Central School (A+), Perelman Jewish Day School - Stern Center (unavailable), Robert J. Wilf Preschool & Kindergarten (unavailable)
- Pictured: 317 Ingeborg Rd, Wynnewood ($1.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#1. Chesterbrook
- Population: 4,800
- Median home value: $323,000 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,832 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $130,000
- Top public schools: Conestoga Senior High School (A+), Valley Forge Middle School (A+), Valley Forge Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Chesterbrook Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 400 S Church St, West Chester ($925,000, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $323,000 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,832 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $130,000
- Top public schools: Conestoga Senior High School (A+), Valley Forge Middle School (A+), Valley Forge Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Chesterbrook Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 400 S Church St, West Chester ($925,000, 7 bedrooms)
