10 Towns In Pennsylvania That Are Ideal For Seniors
There is no doubt that Pennsylvania, the second state to join the Union after Delaware, boasts one of the most enticing retirement appeals. From verdant forests to sweeping mountain ranges, Pennsylvania's natural beauty is of a kind that will make every waking moment filled with bliss and ecstasy. Financially, Pennsylvania does not tax retirement income, including Social Security benefits, boasts the lowest flat tax rate in the country, and maintains a moderate 6% sales tax, which is lower than in several states, including California, Rhode Island, and Minnesota. For those considering retiring in Pennsylvania, the following ten towns are among the most ideal for retirement.
Media
Designed as a planned community, Media offers the convenience of urban living without sardine-like crowds, jangling discord, or hurried pace. Hosting about 5,700 residents, this retirement hot cake is a popular draw with seniors craving a small-town feel, upscale neighborhoods, and access to big-city amenities. Known as "Everybody's Hometown," Media is a convenient 25 minutes drive away from Philadelphia via Interstate 95 and, hence, a town where seniors can catch a Broadway musical and access a medical facility (US News & World Report ranks Pennsylvania the 6th best state in health care access) — or visit an art gallery — all on a whim. To enjoy nature's warm embrace, Tyler Arboretum or Chester Creek Park often serve as amazing escapes. And since you will not want to live on some lonely island, you will love that seniors make up about 35% of the town's population.
North East
North East is a Pennsylvania town (not a direction) of about 4,000 residents that, for its setting, is among the most ideal for seniors. Criminally neglected, North East is hidden along the southern shores of Lake Erie, the southernmost of the Great Lakes. It is about a 25-minute drive away from the town of Erie. Retiring here will involve regularly teasing one's palete with the varied flavors of the region's wines, including at the Penn Shore Winery and Vineyards, an award-winning winery reputed to be the oldest in the state. Retirement life will also involve some antiquing (check out Treva's Trinkets and Treasures), fishing in sparkling streams, or just relaxing on the beach, alone or with a special other, and enjoying magical sunsets. What's more? Seniors make up an exciting 36% of the town's population and as many will agree, a town's social scene rarely gets any better than this.
Penn Wynne
For starters, the Pittsburgh-based ranking and review site niche.com, according to its reviews, rates Penn Wynne as the number one place to retire in Pennsylvania. This underrated gem is in the heart of Pennsylvania's Montgomery County, which, because of its Quaker heritage, was a center of the abolitionist movement. Today, Penn Wynne is largely an urban neighborhood, although with a unique rustic appeal partly because of its peaceful, tree-lined streets. To reinforce Penn Wynne's retirement allure, a staggering 88% of the town's residents are homeowners. But wait for the clincher. An impressive 41% of the town's population is made up of seniors. This means conversations about grandchildren and the good old days will be quite plenty, and is often the case, tinged with evocative nostalgia. For those who, once in a while, want the feeling of rolling with crowds and traipsing through malls, Penn Wynne is just about 8 miles from the City of Brotherly Love.
Bridgeville
Convenient access to Pittsburgh (Bridgeville is a mere 13 miles from the City of Bridges), many retirement communities, and access to natural features such as Chartiers Creek — are elements that all conspire to make Bidgeville a favorite with empty nesters. Boasting a population of about 4,600, this town is small and, hence, offers more authentic personal experiences. Plus, with a crime rate of about 12 per 1,000 residents, compared to the US average of about 22, retiring in Bridgeville will not involve worrying about burglaries and other forms of crime. Trader Jack's Flea Market often keeps pallets furnished with a regular supply of fresh farm produce — while the beautiful National Cemetery of the Alleghenies offers residents the chance to reflect on the sacrifices of military veterans and the true cost of freedom and liberty.
Plymouth Meeting
The experience of regularly taking your grandchildren to Sandy Hill Farm and interacting with the property's horses, goats, and rabbits — are among the experiences that make Plymouth Meeting a seniors' favorite. For perspective, seniors comprise an impressive 35% of the town's population. Plus, located 18 miles from Philadelphia, a city reputed to be a global medical hub from Colonial days, Plymouth Meeting provides access to renowned world-class hospitals. This includes Hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania-Penn Presbyterian, which the US News & World Reports consistently ranks as one of the best hospitals in the country. Then again, Plymouth Meeting is ideal for seniors who prefer interacting with relatively well-informed community members. This is because 27% of the town's population hold a Master's degree or higher— and will be capable of sustaining enriching and intelligent conversations.
Erie
Nicknamed the "Gem City" because it has been regarded as the gem of the Great Lakes, Erie has almost everything a senior will want. This peaceful lakefront town scores highly on natural appeal — while offering good access to big cities. Both Buffalo and Cleveland, for instance, are about 90 - 100 minutes away by car. Plus, while Pittsburgh is a bit further, it is still under 2 hours. Within the town's close precincts, the free-to-enter Presque Isle State Park could just be the best beach destination in Pennsylvania and can serve as a regular escape. Its incredibly clean sand will feel nice to walk on — and is the perfect diversion before embarking on the park's boating and biking adventures. Finally, since seniors comprise 28% of the town's population, retirement life will be anything but lonely.
O'Hara Township
The fact residents of O'Hara Township may have reached their version of paradise and are not considering moving — is lent credit by the fact that up to 87% of the town's residents are homeowners. That is more remarkable considering O'Hara Township is an upscale community whose median home value stands at about $312,000 — against the national estimate of about $244,000. Then again, O'Hara Township made it to the 100 Safest Small Towns in America, according to a Safewise study published in 2019. Besides the fact that residents here often feel safe, seniors comprise 41% of the town's population — meaning the social scene will feature like-minded individuals with similar life experiences. Also, since an impressive 35% of the town's population holds a Master's degree or higher, the chance to hold humorous and witty conversations with regular folk down the street can be an everyday event.
Doylestown
The vibrant town of Doylestown is a cute Pennsylvania charmer of about 8,200 well-educated residents that reclines at the crossroads of US Route 202 and Pennsylvania Route 611. It is about 33 miles separate from Doylestown and Philadelphia, making it ideal for seniors who, once in a while, will want to dash to the state's largest city for some item, activity, or service. Quaint shops (such as Lilies of the Field) and eclectic restaurants (such as the superb HONEY Restaurant) line Doylestown's enchanting streets and can be quite a pleasure to sample. As a senior, you may not get enough of both Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle, whose architecture is some of the most astounding in the area. The town's impressive menu of medical facilities includes Doylestown Hospital, which boasts more than 400 physicians in over 50 specialties. Besides, seniors comprise more than 41% of the town's population, meaning one can always enjoy the society of similarly-aged friends.
Camp Hill
How about retiring to a place that is just three miles from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's state capital? Aside from the fact you will enjoy the best of both worlds, big city access and small-town allure, retiring here will involve enjoying the services of Cleve J. Fredricksen Library, which many regard as among the best libraries in Pennsylvania. For history buffs, living in an area that witnessed the northernmost engagement of the 1863 Gettysburg campaign will make for a surreal experience. If you include the fact that Camp Hill is incredibly safe, that up to 28% of its residents are Master's degree holders or higher, and that 40% of its residents are seniors, you have all the elements that can make for an engaging and fun-filled retirement life.
Morrisville
Morrisville sits across the Delaware River from Trenton and was named for Robert Morris, a highly-regarded financier of the American Revolution. The fact that 72% of Morrisville's residents own their homes — is a factor that speaks to the town's retirement allure. Besides, about 30% of the residents are seniors aged 55 years and above, which means empty nesters will find relevant social circles where they can fit in. Morrisville is on the 165-mile D&L Trail and boasts arguably more trails than any other town similarly situated. Rich in history, some of the area's attractions that residents love to explore include Summerseat, reputed to have served as George Washington's Headquarters for about a week — as well as Graystones, a site that marks William Penn's first Pennsylvania land purchase.
The Takehome
Because of several factors, including a favorable tax policy, access to world-class medical facilities, and exciting outdoor attractions, Pennsylvania is consistently ranked among the country's top retirement destinations. Besides, Pennsylvania was the second state to join the Union and, hence, will provide seniors with the chance of reliving some of the country's most historic moments. For a retirement venue, towns such as Media, North East, and Penn Wynne are often top contenders. But others such as Bridgeville, Plymouth Meeting, and Erie are also excellent options.
