Finding my ideal retirement haven in Pennsylvania means balancing numerous factors that contribute to my golden years.
My comprehensive analysis evaluates each town based on seven essential criteria: Cost of Buying a Home (critical for my retirement budget planning courtesy of the Zillow Home Value Index), Healthcare Access (vital as I age), Weather (which affects my daily quality of life), Cultural Activities (keeping my mind engaged), Outdoor Activities (maintaining an active lifestyle), Crime Rate (ensuring my peace of mind as a homeowner), and Airport Proximity (for visiting family or enjoying travel).
I’ve assigned each town letter grades from A+ to D- across these criteria, offering myself a clear snapshot of their relative strengths and weaknesses for my retirement needs.
To make my exploration easier, I’ve arranged these retirement gems in alphabetical order rather than ranking them. This approach recognizes that the “perfect” retirement destination varies widely based on individual preferences—I might prioritize mortgage affordability while others might value cultural amenities or healthcare access.
I remember that my grading system is inherently subjective and reflects my assessment of how each location compares to others within Pennsylvania only, not against national benchmarks. This state-focused comparison provides me a more meaningful evaluation as I’m specifically considering the Keystone State for my retirement homeownership dreams.
Here’s the list.
1. Allentown
- Cost of Buying a Home: C+
- Healthcare Access: A+
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: A-
- Outdoor Activities: C+
- Crime Rate: D+
- Airport Proximity: B+
Allentown stands out for retirees thanks to its exceptional healthcare access, giving residents peace of mind about their medical needs. The median home price in Allentown is $286,124, which sits above the Pennsylvania median, and with property values continuing to rise in this Lehigh Valley hub, homeowners can expect solid appreciation of their investment despite the higher cost of home loans compared to other areas in the state.
The city boasts excellent cultural venues including the Allentown Art Museum and Miller Symphony Hall, while outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the Lehigh Parkway and nearby Lehigh Valley trails. Lehigh Valley International Airport is conveniently located just 15 minutes away, and the area is home to Lehigh Valley Health Network, one of Pennsylvania’s premier healthcare systems.
Three main activities:
- Exploring the vibrant Allentown Farmers Market
- Attending performances at the historic Miller Symphony Hall
- Visiting the America On Wheels Museum
2. Avis
- Cost of Buying a Home: A-
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: A-
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: B-
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: C+
Avis offers retirees excellent mortgage affordability with a welcoming small-town atmosphere and favorable climate. With a median home price of $177,595, significantly below the state median, homebuyers will find their dollars stretch further here, making it an attractive option for retirees looking to minimize housing costs without sacrificing quality of life.
The town provides access to multiple cultural events in nearby Lock Haven, while outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy proximity to the Pennsylvania Wilds region with abundant hiking and fishing opportunities. UPMC Lock Haven Hospital is about 15 minutes away, providing essential healthcare services, and the Williamsport Regional Airport is within a 45-minute drive for travel needs.
Three main activities:
- Fishing on the nearby West Branch Susquehanna River
- Attending community events at Lock Haven University
- Exploring the scenic drives through the surrounding mountains
3. Bethlehem
- Cost of Buying a Home: C
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B-
- Cultural Activities: A-
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: C+
- Airport Proximity: A+
Bethlehem captivates retirees with its rich cultural heritage and vibrant downtown areas that blend historic charm with modern amenities. The median home price of $327,281 places it among the more expensive Pennsylvania towns for homeownership, with home loan costs reflecting its desirability and historic character in this former steel town turned cultural hub.
The city’s cultural scene features the renowned Musikfest, Celtic Classic, and Bethlehem Bach Festival, while outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the South Mountain Preserve and Delaware Canal State Park. St. Luke’s University Hospital provides top-tier healthcare just minutes away, and Lehigh Valley International Airport is conveniently located about 10 minutes from the city center.
Three main activities:
- Exploring the historic Moravian District
- Shopping and dining in the charming downtown
- Attending the world-class Musikfest festival
4. Braddock
- Cost of Buying a Home: A+
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: C+
- Cultural Activities: C-
- Outdoor Activities: B
- Crime Rate: B+
- Airport Proximity: B-
Braddock offers extraordinary mortgage affordability for retirees looking to minimize housing costs while staying close to urban amenities. With an astonishingly low median home price of just $52,161, this Pittsburgh suburb represents perhaps the best value for homebuyers in the entire state, allowing retirees to own a home outright with minimal investment and redirect savings toward enjoying retirement.
The town’s proximity to Pittsburgh provides access to cultural events, while outdoor activities include nearby Frick Park and the Great Allegheny Passage trail. UPMC Braddock offers healthcare services within the community, and Pittsburgh International Airport is approximately 30 minutes away, making travel convenient for residents.
Three main activities:
- Participating in community revitalization projects
- Visiting the Braddock Carnegie Library
- Exploring the nearby Monongahela River trails
5. Bulger
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: C+
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B-
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: B+
- Airport Proximity: C
Bulger provides retirees with a peaceful rural setting combined with relatively good housing value in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. The median home price of $220,136 aligns almost exactly with the Pennsylvania median, offering fair value for homeowners seeking a quieter lifestyle while maintaining access to big-city amenities.
Residents can enjoy cultural attractions in nearby Washington and Pittsburgh, while outdoor recreation opportunities include Raccoon Creek State Park and the Panhandle Trail. Medical services are available at Washington Hospital approximately 20 minutes away, and Pittsburgh International Airport is about 30-40 minutes’ drive, providing reasonable travel access.
Three main activities:
- Hiking in nearby Raccoon Creek State Park
- Exploring local farm markets and countryside drives
- Attending events at The Meadows Racetrack & Casino
6. Chalfont
- Cost of Buying a Home: D
- Healthcare Access: C+
- Weather: A-
- Cultural Activities: C-
- Outdoor Activities: C
- Crime Rate: B+
- Airport Proximity: D+
Chalfont stands out for its safe, upscale suburban environment with excellent weather conditions throughout the year. With a substantial median home price of $567,378, it ranks among Pennsylvania’s most expensive communities for homebuyers, and obtaining a mortgage would require significant financial resources, reflecting its desirable location in Bucks County and proximity to Philadelphia.
The borough provides access to cultural venues throughout Bucks County, while outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Peace Valley Park and Lake Galena. Doylestown Hospital is approximately 15 minutes away offering quality healthcare services, and Philadelphia International Airport is about 45 minutes to an hour’s drive, making it less convenient for frequent travelers.
Three main activities:
- Boating and walking trails at Peace Valley Park
- Visiting nearby Doylestown’s museums and historic sites
- Shopping and dining in the charming downtown area
7. Davidsville
- Cost of Buying a Home: A-
- Healthcare Access: A-
- Weather: B-
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: C+
- Crime Rate: A
- Airport Proximity: C
Davidsville offers retirees an exceptional combination of safety, affordable housing, and surprisingly good healthcare access for a small town. The median home price of $184,051 comes in well below the state median, creating excellent mortgage affordability for retirees looking to minimize housing expenses while enjoying a peaceful rural setting.
The town provides access to cultural events in nearby Johnstown and Somerset, while outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Quemahoning Reservoir and proximity to Laurel Hill State Park. Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center is approximately 20 minutes away in Johnstown, and the nearest commercial airport is John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport, about 30 minutes distant.
Three main activities:
- Fishing and boating at Quemahoning Reservoir
- Exploring the nearby Flight 93 National Memorial
- Enjoying seasonal festivals in Somerset County
8. Delta
- Cost of Buying a Home: C+
- Healthcare Access: A-
- Weather: A-
- Cultural Activities: C+
- Outdoor Activities: B
- Crime Rate: A+
- Airport Proximity: C
Delta offers retirees an exceptionally safe community with favorable weather conditions and surprisingly good healthcare access for a small town. The median home price of $294,473 is higher than the state median, requiring larger financial commitment for homeownership in this charming borough located in southern York County near the Maryland border.
While limited in local cultural venues, residents can access attractions in nearby York and Lancaster, and outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the proximity to the Susquehanna River and Holtwood Dam Recreation Area. WellSpan York Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare about 35 minutes away, and Harrisburg International Airport is approximately an hour’s drive, with Baltimore-Washington International offering more flight options about 75 minutes south.
Three main activities:
- Exploring the Welsh heritage at the Old Line Museum
- Hiking at nearby Susquehanna State Park
- Taking scenic drives through the rolling farmlands
9. Donora
- Cost of Buying a Home: A+
- Healthcare Access: C
- Weather: A-
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: B-
- Crime Rate: B
- Airport Proximity: D+
Donora provides exceptional mortgage affordability for retirees seeking extremely low housing costs while maintaining reasonable proximity to urban amenities. With a median home price of just $49,197, this historic steel town offers perhaps the best value for homebuyers in the region, allowing retirees to potentially purchase homes outright with minimal investment while still being within reach of Pittsburgh’s amenities.
The town’s Donora Historical Society and Smog Museum offers unique cultural interest, while outdoor activities include nearby Monongahela River access and Cedar Creek Park. Mon-Valley Hospital in Monongahela provides healthcare services about 10 minutes away, and Pittsburgh International Airport is approximately 45 minutes by car, offering decent if not ideal travel connections.
Three main activities:
- Visiting the Donora Smog Museum to learn about environmental history
- Fishing and boating on the Monongahela River
- Exploring the nearby historic districts of Monongahela and Charleroi
10. Dushore
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: C+
- Weather: C+
- Cultural Activities: C
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: B+
- Airport Proximity: C-
Dushore attracts retirees with its excellent outdoor recreational opportunities in the beautiful Endless Mountains region. The median home price of $231,101 sits slightly above the Pennsylvania median, offering reasonable value for homeowners seeking a scenic rural setting with abundant natural beauty.
While limited in local cultural venues, the town hosts the Sullivan County Fair and offers proximity to larger towns for additional amenities. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy World’s End State Park and Loyalsock State Forest. Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre provides healthcare services about 40 minutes away, and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport is approximately 75 minutes by car, making travel connections less convenient.
Three main activities:
- Hiking the stunning trails at World’s End State Park
- Attending the Sullivan County Fair
- Scenic driving tours through the Endless Mountains
11. Erie
- Cost of Buying a Home: A-
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: A-
- Cultural Activities: A-
- Outdoor Activities: B
- Crime Rate: B-
- Airport Proximity: B+
Erie offers retirees excellent mortgage affordability combined with the amenities of a mid-sized city and beautiful lakefront setting. With a median home price of $181,256, significantly below the state median, homebuyers will find their housing dollars stretch further here while still enjoying a robust urban environment on the shores of Lake Erie.
The city boasts an impressive cultural scene including the Erie Philharmonic, Erie Art Museum, and Erie Playhouse, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Presque Isle State Park’s beaches and trails. UPMC Hamot and Saint Vincent Hospital provide excellent healthcare options within the city, and Erie International Airport offers convenient travel connections just minutes from downtown.
Three main activities:
- Relaxing on the beaches of Presque Isle State Park
- Visiting the Erie Maritime Museum and Flagship Niagara
- Attending performances at the historic Warner Theatre
12. Girardville
- Cost of Buying a Home: A+
- Healthcare Access: A-
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: B+
- Outdoor Activities: B-
- Crime Rate: B+
- Airport Proximity: B
Girardville provides exceptional mortgage affordability in a historic coal region town with a strong sense of community. With an extremely low median home price of just $39,219, this borough offers perhaps the most affordable homeownership in Pennsylvania, allowing retirees to potentially purchase homes outright and minimize housing expenses during retirement.
The town celebrates its Irish heritage with an annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, while cultural venues in nearby Pottsville and Hazleton offer additional entertainment options. Outdoor activities include exploring the Appalachian Trail and Tuscarora State Park. Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill provides healthcare services about 20 minutes away in Pottsville, and Lehigh Valley International Airport is approximately 75 minutes by car.
Three main activities:
- Participating in the lively annual St. Patrick’s Day parade
- Exploring coal mining heritage sites in the region
- Hiking portions of the nearby Appalachian Trail
13. Hellertown
- Cost of Buying a Home: C
- Healthcare Access: C+
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: B-
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: A+
- Airport Proximity: C+
Hellertown stands out for retirees due to its exceptionally low crime rate and excellent outdoor recreational opportunities in a charming small-town setting. The median home price of $342,000 is substantially above the state median, making home loans more expensive here, though the investment is justified by the borough’s safety record and proximity to both natural areas and urban amenities.
While modest in local cultural venues, residents enjoy easy access to Bethlehem and Allentown for entertainment options. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the Saucon Rail Trail and proximity to the Delaware River. St. Luke’s University Hospital provides excellent healthcare just minutes away, and Lehigh Valley International Airport is approximately 20 minutes by car, offering reasonable travel connections.
Three main activities:
- Walking or cycling the scenic Saucon Rail Trail
- Golfing at the prestigious Saucon Valley Country Club
- Enjoying community events at Dimmick Park
14. Indiana
- Cost of Buying a Home: A-
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: C+
- Cultural Activities: C+
- Outdoor Activities: B-
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: C
Indiana offers retirees excellent mortgage affordability in a safe college town environment with a vibrant community atmosphere. With a median home price of $184,995, well below the state median, homebuyers will find their dollars stretch further in this charming borough known as the birthplace of actor Jimmy Stewart.
The presence of Indiana University of Pennsylvania provides cultural benefits including theatrical performances and concerts, while outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy nearby Yellow Creek State Park. Indiana Regional Medical Center offers healthcare services within the community, and Pittsburgh International Airport is approximately 75 minutes away, requiring some travel planning for flights.
Three main activities:
- Visiting the Jimmy Stewart Museum
- Attending cultural events at Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- Exploring the scenic countryside and covered bridges
15. Jenkintown
- Cost of Buying a Home: D
- Healthcare Access: C+
- Weather: B-
- Cultural Activities: B+
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: B-
Jenkintown attracts retirees with its safe, walkable environment and charming downtown in a convenient location just outside Philadelphia. The median home price of $481,230 is more than double the state median, making mortgages considerably more expensive and potentially challenging for retirees on fixed incomes, though the premium reflects its desirable location and amenities.
The borough offers a surprising number of cultural attractions for its size, including the Hiway Theater and Jenkintown Festival of the Arts, while outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy nearby Alverthorpe Park and Pennypack Trail. Abington Hospital-Jefferson Health provides excellent healthcare just minutes away, and Philadelphia International Airport is approximately 30-40 minutes by car, offering good travel connections.
Three main activities:
- Strolling the walkable downtown with unique shops and restaurants
- Attending indie film screenings at the historic Hiway Theater
- Participating in community events like the Jenkintown Festival of the Arts
16. Lansdale
- Cost of Buying a Home: D
- Healthcare Access: C
- Weather: B-
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: B-
- Crime Rate: A+
- Airport Proximity: B-
Lansdale offers retirees an exceptionally safe community with convenient rail access to Philadelphia in a charming suburban setting. With a median home price of $469,590, more than double the state median, homeowners face steep costs for properties in this desirable Montgomery County borough, with mortgages requiring substantial financial resources that might strain retirement budgets.
The borough hosts cultural events like Lansdale Bike Night and Founders Day, while outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy nearby Lansdale Memorial Park and the Liberty Bell Trail. Jefferson Lansdale Hospital provides healthcare services within the community, and Philadelphia International Airport is approximately 45 minutes by car, with the additional benefit of direct train service to Philadelphia.
Three main activities:
- Shopping at the Lansdale Farmers’ Market
- Taking SEPTA trains for easy access to Philadelphia
- Attending community events like First Friday festivities
17. Mahanoy City
- Cost of Buying a Home: A+
- Healthcare Access: C+
- Weather: C+
- Cultural Activities: C+
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: C
Mahanoy City provides exceptional home loan affordability in a historic coal region community with a strong sense of local heritage. With an extremely low median home price of just $47,824, this borough offers some of the most affordable homeownership in Pennsylvania, allowing retirees to potentially eliminate housing payments entirely and allocate more resources to enjoying retirement.
While limited in local cultural venues, the borough maintains its coal mining heritage through local museums and events. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the proximity to Locust Lake State Park and Tuscarora State Park. Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill provides healthcare services about 20 minutes away in Pottsville, and Lehigh Valley International Airport is approximately 60 minutes by car.
Three main activities:
- Visiting the Mahanoy Area Historical Society
- Hiking in nearby Tuscarora and Locust Lake State Parks
- Attending local heritage festivals and community events
18. Mount Carmel
- Cost of Buying a Home: A+
- Healthcare Access: B-
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: C
- Outdoor Activities: C+
- Crime Rate: A
- Airport Proximity: B-
Mount Carmel offers exceptional mortgage affordability combined with a safe environment in a historic coal region community. With an extremely low median home price of just $50,162, this borough allows retirees to potentially purchase homes outright with minimal investment, eliminating mortgage payments and substantially reducing cost of living during retirement years.
While modest in local cultural amenities, the town maintains its rich coal mining heritage and hosts community events throughout the year. Outdoor activities include exploring nearby Weiser State Forest and the Roaring Creek Trail. Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital is about 15 minutes away, and Harrisburg International Airport is approximately 70 minutes by car, providing reasonable travel connections.
Three main activities:
- Exploring local coal mining heritage sites
- Hiking in nearby Weiser State Forest
- Attending Mount Carmel’s community festivals and events
19. Philadelphia
- Cost of Buying a Home: B+
- Healthcare Access: A-
- Weather: C+
- Cultural Activities: A
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: B-
- Airport Proximity: A
Philadelphia offers retirees unmatched cultural opportunities and world-class healthcare in a historic urban environment with surprising housing value. The median home price of $218,849 sits just below the Pennsylvania median, offering reasonable homeownership costs for a major city with extensive amenities that enhance the quality of life for retirees.
The city’s cultural scene is exceptional, with institutions like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation, and the Kimmel Center, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Fairmount Park and the Schuylkill River Trail. Multiple world-class healthcare systems including Penn Medicine and Jefferson Health provide exceptional medical care, and Philadelphia International Airport offers convenient direct flights to countless destinations.
Three main activities:
- Exploring the historic Independence Hall and Liberty Bell
- Visiting world-class museums along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
- Enjoying the diverse culinary scene throughout the city
20. Pittsburgh
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: A
- Weather: C+
- Cultural Activities: A+
- Outdoor Activities: C+
- Crime Rate: C-
- Airport Proximity: A-
Pittsburgh draws retirees with its exceptional cultural offerings and world-class healthcare in a city that maintains a neighborly feel despite its size. The median home price of $223,838 is almost exactly the state median, offering fair value for homeowners seeking an urban lifestyle with extensive amenities that contribute to an engaging retirement.
The city boasts outstanding cultural institutions including the Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie Museums, and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, while outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the city’s many parks and rivers. UPMC and Allegheny Health Network provide world-renowned healthcare throughout the city, and Pittsburgh International Airport offers convenient travel connections about 25 minutes from downtown.
Three main activities:
- Riding the historic Duquesne or Monongahela Inclines for spectacular city views
- Exploring the Cultural District’s theaters and galleries
- Watching professional sports at PNC Park, Heinz Field, or PPG Paints Arena
21. Reading
- Cost of Buying a Home: B-
- Healthcare Access: A-
- Weather: C+
- Cultural Activities: A+
- Outdoor Activities: C
- Crime Rate: C-
- Airport Proximity: A-
Reading offers retirees a surprising wealth of cultural attractions and solid healthcare options in a mid-sized city with a rich industrial heritage. The median home price of $242,348 is modestly above the state median, requiring a reasonable home loan investment for a city that provides numerous amenities to enhance retirement living.
The city boasts impressive cultural venues including the Reading Symphony Orchestra, Santander Performing Arts Center, and GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, while outdoor enthusiasts can explore nearby Blue Marsh Lake and the Schuylkill River Trail. Reading Hospital provides excellent healthcare within the city, and Reading Regional Airport serves local needs while Philadelphia International Airport is about 75 minutes away for international connections.
Three main activities:
- Watching the Reading Fightin Phils minor league baseball team
- Exploring the Reading Public Museum and its gardens
- Attending performances at the historic Santander Performing Arts Center
22. Republic
- Cost of Buying a Home: A+
- Healthcare Access: C+
- Weather: A-
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: A
- Airport Proximity: C-
Republic provides exceptional mortgage affordability in a quiet community with excellent outdoor recreational opportunities in southwestern Pennsylvania. With an extremely low median home price of just $51,179, this community offers some of the most affordable homeownership in the state, allowing retirees to minimize or eliminate housing costs and redirect resources to enjoying retirement activities.
While limited in local cultural venues, Republic’s proximity to Uniontown and Pittsburgh provides access to additional amenities. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate nearby Ohiopyle State Park and Youghiogheny River for exceptional recreation. Uniontown Hospital provides healthcare services about 15 minutes away, and Pittsburgh International Airport is approximately 75 minutes by car, requiring some planning for travel.
Three main activities:
- Whitewater rafting and kayaking on the nearby Youghiogheny River
- Hiking in Ohiopyle State Park
- Exploring the region’s rich coal mining heritage
23. Schuylkill Haven
- Cost of Buying a Home: B+
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: C
- Outdoor Activities: B-
- Crime Rate: A
- Airport Proximity: C
Schuylkill Haven offers retirees a safe, small-town environment with good housing value and a strong sense of community. With a median home price of $206,528, slightly below the state median, homeowners enjoy reasonable value in this charming borough that provides a pleasant setting for retirement living with lower financial pressure.
While modest in local cultural offerings, the borough hosts community events throughout the year, and nearby Pottsville offers additional cultural venues. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the Schuylkill River and nearby Sweet Arrow Lake County Park. Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill provides healthcare services about 10 minutes away in Pottsville, and Lehigh Valley International Airport is approximately 60 minutes by car.
Three main activities:
- Attending Schuylkill Haven Borough Day and other community events
- Fishing and boating on the Schuylkill River
- Exploring nearby Sweet Arrow Lake County Park
24. Scranton
- Cost of Buying a Home: A
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: C+
- Cultural Activities: A
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: C-
- Airport Proximity: A+
Scranton attracts retirees with its excellent cultural offerings and surprising mortgage affordability in a mid-sized city with rich industrial heritage. With a median home price of $167,405, well below the state median, homebuyers will find their dollars stretch significantly further here while still enjoying a robust urban environment with numerous amenities that enhance retirement living.
The city offers impressive cultural venues including the Scranton Cultural Center, Everhart Museum, and numerous galleries, while outdoor enthusiasts can explore Nay Aug Park and the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. Geisinger Community Medical Center and Regional Hospital of Scranton provide comprehensive healthcare within the city, and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport offers convenient travel connections just 15 minutes from downtown.
Three main activities:
- Visiting the Steamtown National Historic Site
- Exploring the Electric City Trolley Museum
- Attending performances at the historic Scranton Cultural Center
25. Slatington
- Cost of Buying a Home: C
- Healthcare Access: B-
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B+
- Outdoor Activities: B
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: B-
Slatington provides retirees with a safe small-town environment in a scenic location along the Lehigh River. The median home price of $309,021 is notably above the state median, making homeownership more expensive in this borough, with higher costs for home loans reflecting its desirable location in the Lehigh Valley with easy access to both natural areas and urban amenities.
While limited in local cultural venues, Slatington’s proximity to Allentown and Bethlehem provides easy access to their cultural offerings. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the D&L Trail and Blue Mountain for exceptional recreation. Lehigh Valley Hospital-Carbon provides healthcare services about 15 minutes away, and Lehigh Valley International Airport is approximately 25 minutes by car, offering good travel connections.
Three main activities:
- Cycling or walking the D&L Trail along the scenic Lehigh River
- Winter sports at nearby Blue Mountain Ski Area
- Exploring the quaint downtown shops and restaurants
Sources:
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (www.penndot.gov)
- U.S. Census Bureau (www.census.gov)
- Lehigh Valley International Airport (www.flyabe.com)
- Pittsburgh International Airport (www.flypittsburgh.com)
- Harrisburg International Airport (www.flyhia.com)
- Baltimore-Washington International Airport (www.bwiairport.com)
- University of Pittsburgh Health System (www.upmc.com)
- Geisinger Health System (www.geisinger.org)
- Penn State University Population & Demographic Studies (www.psu.edu)
- The Philadelphia Inquirer (www.inquirer.com)
- The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (www.post-gazette.com)
- Lehigh Valley Live (www.lehighvalleylive.com)
- The Scranton Times-Tribune (www.thetimes-tribune.com)
- John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport (www.flyjst.com)
- Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (www.flyavp.com)
- Reading Regional Airport (www.readingairport.org)
- Washington Health System (www.whs.org)
- Allegheny Health Network (www.ahn.org)
- Jefferson Health Abington (www.jeffersonhealth.org)
