7 Charming Pennsylvania Communities To Retire Around Philadelphia
Pennsylvania is a great state in which to retire because of its affordability, access to top-notch healthcare, tax-friendly policies, and natural beauty. As of 2020, more than 2.5 million of Pennsylvania's 13 million residents were age 65 and over. Social security, retirement accounts, and pension income are exempt from Pennsylvania state taxes for Pennsylvania residents age 60 and over. Another unique benefit seniors in Pennsylvania can look forward to is the Pennsylvania Lottery, the only state lottery that allocates all of its proceeds to residents over 65. If you are looking to retire in Pennsylvania, read on to check out some of the best towns to relocate within two hours of Philadelphia.
Lititz
Nine miles north of the city of Lancaster, and an hour and a half's drive from Philadelphia, the small town of Lititz has a population of just over 9,300, about a quarter of whom are over the age of 65. According to Realtor.com, the median home price in Lititz is $533,700 (as of February 2025), slightly higher than the state average.
Many residents enjoy shopping at the Lititz Farmers Market Thursday evenings from May through October. Foodies should check out the Wilbur Chocolate retail store in Lititz, as well as the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, which gives tours and tastings. Restaurants abound in Lititz and include The Savory Gourmet on Broad Street. The Taste of Lititz Festival is held each June and highlights local restaurants' offerings. Lititz Senior Center offers programs and services for those age 60 and over. If the need for medical services arises, UPMC Lititz located in town handles emergency care as well as women's health, cancer, and other specialties.
Ephrata
Also in Lancaster County, the town of Ephrata is 45 miles east of Harrisburg and about 65 miles to Philadelphia. Of its population of just over 13,700, 17.8% are over age 65. Current median home prices are near the state average, at $386,800 and Ephrata's strong sense of community is a major draw for retirees who decide to relocate here.
Nature lovers will appreciate the natural beauty and abundant outdoor space in Ephrata, including Ephrata Linear Park, and the eight-mile Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail. History buffs may wish to visit Ephrata Cloister, one of America's first communal religious society. The Green Dragon Farmers Market and Auction, one of the country's largest farm markets, is open Fridays and is quite popular throughout and outside of the region, drawing shoppers from nearby states such as New York and New Jersey. WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital is conveniently located in town to serve most medical needs.
Jim Thorpe
The borough of Jim Thorpe in Carbon County, Eastern Pennsylvania is about an hour and a half's drive from Philadelphia. This town of 4,500 in the Pocono Mountains provides the charm of a European village and the thrills of mountain sports, and was described as the "Little Switzerland of America" by Times Leader in 2021. It is also known as the Gateway to the Poconos, with world-class skiing right at hand. Low median home prices of $310,000 are another draw for retirees who move to Jim Thorpe to pursue an active, fulfilled retirement.
Named for Olympian Jim Thorpe, a celebration in his honor takes place in the town each May. Other annual events residents and visitors attend include the Fall Foliage Festival and Winterfest. New residents should take a scenic train ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway to appreciate the beauty of the town and the area. The Jim Thorpe/Penn-Kidder Senior Center offers a variety of programs and services for retirees. St. Luke's Hospital-Carbon Campus is just seven miles down the road in Lehighton for medical concerns.
Lebanon
The county seat of Lebanon County, Lebanon has a population just under 27,000, with 17% of its residents over the age of 65. It is about 88 miles, or just under a two hour's drive northwest of Philadelphia, and 30 miles east of Harrisburg. Lebanon's proximity to those cities and to the closer cities of Lancaster (25 miles south) and Hershey (15 mile west) make it an attractive retirement destination, as does the relatively low median home price of $357,500.
If you have never tasted Lebanon bologna, you should make this a priority when you move to Lebanon. The tangy, smoky flavor is a Pennsylvania Dutch specialty that was invented here. The Lebanon Farmers Market is open Thursday through Saturday and showcases many delicious PA Dutch specialties such as this. After eating, you may wish to hike the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail, 19.6 miles of trail along the old Cornwall-Lebanon Railroad. The Maple Street Senior Center offers services and activities to those age 60 and over. WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital, the local community hospital, is easily accessible when medical needs arise.
Boyertown
The borough of Boyertown in Berks County has just over 4,200 residents, and is about an hour's drive from Philadelphia. Low median home listing prices of $268,500, along with its proximity to the larger cities of Philadelphia, Reading, and Pottstown, are common reasons for people to retire here.
Boyertown's downtown area houses the Boyertown Area Historical Society, which can tell you more about the long history of the town dating back to 1601. Auto enthusiasts will want to stop by the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles. For historic walking tours and ghost stories about Boyertown, check out Old Soul Stroll. You might wish to grab dinner at The Ironstone before or after your tour. The Center at Spring Street is a multi-service center for seniors age 60 and over. In addition, Pottstown Hospital is just six miles away should you be in need of medical services.
Kennett Square
In Southern Chester County, you will find Kennett Square, 40 miles from Philadelphia and 15 miles from Wilmington, Delaware. Its population is just under 6,000, with almost 15% over age 65. Affordable housing is not easy to find in Kennett Square, with median home prices at $650,000. However, there are many rental properties and four retirement communities available (including Cedar Woods and Kendal Crosslands) that are alternative residences for retirees in Kennett Square.
Kennett Square is located in the beautiful Brandywine Valley, near the Brandywine River. Longwood Gardens, providing 1,100 acres of indoor and outdoor plants and trees, enthralls outdoor lovers. Eclectic shops in downtown Kennett Square include Wayvine wine shop, Chantilly Blue clothing store, and Philter Coffee shop. The Market at Liberty Place houses small restaurants perfect for a quick bite. The Kennett Area Senior Center offers programs and activities for those age 60 and above. Chester County Hospital in West Chester is just 13 miles to the northwest of town, should the need for medical services arise.
York
The capital of York County in south central Pennsylvania, York is about 100 miles or a two-hour drive from Philadelphia, 25 miles from Harrisburg, and 50 miles from Baltimore, Maryland. Its population is just under 45,000, with 12.1% over 65. Homes are affordable here, with median home listing prices at $282,400. York's affordable housing, combined with its prime location and amenities, draw many retirees to move here. This is also evidenced by York's placement among US News and World Report's top 10 places to retire in 2024.
Outdoor space is plentiful in York and includes the York County Heritage Rail Trail, which runs for almost 30 miles from York to the Mason-Dixon Line. York's Central Market is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, with vendors including farm stands, restaurants, and crafts. The September House Senior Center and White Rose Senior Center both serve seniors over the age of 60. WellSpan York Hospital and UPMC Memorial are both in York for medical needs, and Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital is in town for those needing rehab services.
Pennsylvania has many small towns just outside of the Philadelphia region that are perfect for retirees. Whether you want to live in a town closer to the city but still retain that small-town feel, in places such as in Kennett Square; or enjoy the pastoral beauty of the Lancaster County towns of Lititz or Ephrata, you can find the ideal spot to which to relocate in Pennsylvania during your retirement years.
