10 Safest Towns In Pennsylvania For Senior Living
Pennsylvania presents a compelling case for new retirees seeking a destination to settle down. Between its rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful outdoors, there is something to satisfy all preferences. Beyond the busyness and chaos of the big metropolises such as Philadelphia, small backcountry communities emerge as the perfect place to establish retirement roots. Along with a slow pace of life, they offer a winning blend of cost-effective housing, outdoor recreation, and reliable healthcare to address the needs of seniors.
Amidst the state's rolling hills and scenic countryside, these safest towns in Pennsylvania for senior living stand out as havens for spending your golden years. From the charming suburb of Brentwood to the serene township of Grove City, they are an enticing option for those ready to embark on the next phase of their lives.
Gallitzin
Gallitzin impresses senior citizens with its captivating past and stunning outdoor scenery. The small town was founded in the 1840s when the Pennsylvania Railroad reached the area. It preserves this heritage at the Allegheny Portage Railroad Site, whose interactive displays recount the story of this landmark maiden railroad traversing the Allegheny Mountains. Access to Gallitzin State Forest ensures seniors plenty of recreation options. They can hike the nearby Clark Run Rager Trail to stay on their feet and active.
Gallitzin has several retirement communities, such as Emerald Estates, where seniors feel a sense of belonging. Meanwhile, the Cambria County Agency on Aging runs various programs to benefit older adults, such as a senior activities center. Buying a home in Gallitzin costs an average of $80,000, far below the state average of $270,000.
Crafton
Crafton invites senior citizens to spend their sunset years in a warm atmosphere with friendly neighbors. This pleasant Pittsburgh suburb also guarantees incoming retirees quick access to all the urban comforts in the large city. The outdoors beckons residents to embrace an active lifestyle with opportunities at the 10-acre Crafton Park. If you are not walking peaceful trails or relaxing in its shaded picnic spaces, you can pass the time playing amateur golf at Crafton Mini Golf.
The existence of Wright's Gym presents residents with an excellent opportunity to get fit through sustained workouts. Elsewhere, the Crafton Medical Center guarantees reliable health care without needing to visit Pittsburgh, while the median housing price here is $245,000.
Braddock
Safety and affordability make Braddock an enticing proposition for establishing retirement roots. If cost-effectiveness is at the top of your priorities, there are hardly better towns in Pennsylvania for senior living. Braddock's average property value is $65,900, way below the United States average of nearly $360,000. The sleepy community houses Braddock's Battlefield History Center, which tells the engrossing story of the 18th-century Battle of Monongahela. This remarkable facility always delivers a nostalgic experience.
With less than 2,000 people in Braddock, there is an almost automatic strong sense of community where everybody knows everybody. Townsfolk usually gather at popular downtown hangouts, including Brew Gentlemen, for some good old catching up. Also, the Braddock Family Health Center is always on hand to deliver quality medical services when called upon.
Brentwood
Brentwood is another Pittsburgh suburb where it doesn't cost a fortune to enjoy a high quality of life. This retirement haven goes easy on your pension, given its median housing price of $193,400. Additionally, residents access lovely nature spaces for laid-back moments outside. Brentwood Park is a local favorite, offering many amenities, including ball fields, a swimming pool, and a pavilion. Retirees who like to engage their minds can always find informative resources to absorb knowledge inside the Brentwood Library.
Multiple senior living communities help assure pensioners peace of mind in their advanced ages. The Brentwood Care Center hosts essential support programs, like free meals and medical checkups, to improve their welfare. Lastly, primary medical care is locally available at the AHN Brentwood Neighborhood Hospital.
Ashland
Ashland has a rich railway heritage that manifests through many of its local attractions. It hosts the Museum of Anthracite Mining, which highlights coal mining history in northeastern Pennsylvania at its height in the 19th century. Guests can browse various artifacts to get a feel for how life was during that period. Ashland boasts Pennsylvania's only geyser; The Big Mine Run is a visual spectacle that amazes natives and visitors while offering spectacular nature photography opportunities.
There is enough room outside to address any recreational needs in Ashland, including Higher Ups Park. Further, pensioners can comfortably invest in a permanent home, given a low average housing price of $179,000, despite being under an hour from Hershey.
Grove City
Grove City achieves a winning balance of rural feel and urban access, given its small population and proximity to Pittsburgh. This means pensioners can benefit from the city's premier facilities without dealing with its downtown bustle. Residents in Grove City take pride in a strong sense of community. This is thanks to multiple community-based attractions, including the Robert E. Thorn Field. Families constantly congregate at the 3,500-seater stadium to rally behind their football team. The same applies to Keystone Safari Zoo, which offers a kid-friendly environment for townsfolk to encounter gentle giants like giraffes.
Meanwhile, the Grove City Senior Community Center dedicates its efforts to improving the welfare of retirees through meals, health care, and social support. Those planning to acquire a home in Grove City can expect a price of around $189,000, so retirees won’t have to break the bank to purchase their dream home.
Brackenridge
One of the advantages of settling in Brackenridge is that it is only 30 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, which proves crucial when you need various city conveniences. Despite the proximity, the small town maintains an easygoing atmosphere ideal for senior living. For instance, it boasts the Brackenridge Memorial Park, a lovely oasis in the middle of the town. Retirees can live an active lifestyle with constant walks along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, which passes through the community.
Brackenridge is only a 3-minute drive from the Allegheny Valley Hospital in neighboring Natrona Heights, which means reliable health care is within touching distance for seniors. Lastly, a decent home in the city costs approximately $128,000, lower than Pennsylvania's average.
Tyrone
This relaxed village on the banks of the Little Juniata River is designed for retirees who choose peace and isolation in the golden years. It is surrounded by vibrant nature, encouraging residents to embrace the outdoors. The Tytoona Cave Nature Center Preserve Area inspires seniors to adopt a new hobby with scenic trails and nature photography opportunities. Meanwhile, the Tyrone Area Historical Society and Museum invite newcomers to learn about regional history by examining informative artifacts from the bygone eras.
Penn Highlands Tyrone is where residents get medical attention locally and has a range of specialists for various conditions. Also, those who crave a sense of belonging can join other residents in watching fun-filled football games at Gray Veterans Memorial Field. Homes in Tyrone have an average value of $120,500. Add on the community environment with many residential focused areas for a lovely place to spend one’s golden years.
Sunbury
This picturesque river town 55 miles north of Harrisburg has an impressive blend of natural allure and rich history, making it the perfect spot for fresh retirees in Pennsylvania. Sunbury has idyllic nature areas tailored for relaxing and unplugging. Newcomers will appreciate the serenity in Keithan's Bluebird Gardens, which features excellent bird-watching adventures. On the other hand, the historically inclined will pull towards the Northumberland County Historical Society, which preserves and interprets the town's colorful past. No matter where you are, the Susquehanna River provides a scenic view all around.
Frequent gatherings at the Sunbury Market House result in camaraderie among townsfolk as vendors and buyers engage in friendly business interactions. Retirees can also anticipate support from the Sunbury Senior Action Center, which dedicates resources like hot meals, medical checkups, social gatherings, and more to the overall welfare. Finally, the average home cost here is $172,500, a steal when you look at the beautiful environment.
Derry
Pensioners who envision outdoor activity in retirement will easily select this bedroom community as their new home. It houses Keystone State Park, a 1,200-acre wilderness area with numerous recreational activities, from mountain biking and hiking to camping. The reserve also hosts a pristine lake, ideal for anglers and picnickers. There are more outdoor opportunities at the Derry Community Park, an exciting alternative if you want a more family-friendly setting to spend time with grandkids.
Premier health facilities in nearby towns surround Derry. For instance, it takes less than 15 minutes to drive to IHS Latrobe Hospital in Latrobe, where pensioners can have all their health needs addressed by specialists. For those contemplating buying a new home, the average median value is $145,000.
Final Thoughts
The choices one makes heading into retirement can make or break the rest of their sunset years. Chief among these decisions is the level of safety in the place you want to adopt as a new home. If you don't want to keep on looking behind your back, the above towns in Pennsylvania for senior living fit their bill. Besides their overall security, they sweeten the deal with beautiful natural surroundings in Sunbury and a budget-friendly cost of living in Braddock, helping to stretch your pension.
