9 Most Comfortable Towns in Pennsylvania for Seniors
Pennsylvania's senior population is growing more than 20 times faster than the growth rate of the state's entire population. Over 2.5 million seniors currently live in the state of Pennsylvania, making up 21.3 percent of the state's population. The percentage of seniors in Pennsylvania is projected to climb to 27.5 percent by 2030. Many seniors are drawn to the Keystone State for its tax benefits. Others are simply looking for a comfortable town in which to spend their golden years. Pennsylvania is known for its scenic beauty, rich history, and welcoming communities. In these nine comfortable Pennsylvania towns, a relaxing, fulfilling lifestyle awaits those looking for a slower pace of life.
Camp Hill
Camp Hill was recently voted the best small town in the US for retirees, by GoBankingRates.com. Situated in the West Shore area of the Cumberland Valley, Camp Hill is only two miles from Harrisburg, the state capital. As of 2022, its population is 8,133, and 23 percent of its residents are over the age of 60 (per the US Census). The median home price in Camp Hill is $347,000, and rent averages $1,500 per month, per Realtor.com. Seniors will love Camp Hill for its slower pace of life, large percentage of seniors living there, and proximity to hospitals and amenities.
Camp Hill's walkable downtown area is filled with restaurants, ranging from Cedars Lebanese Restaurant to Watershed Pub; shops, such as the unique metaphysical shop Amber & Alchemy and 32nd Street Mercantile, a general store; and Market on Market, Camp Hill's farmer's market. The town holds seasonal community events each year, such as the Plein Air Art Walk in May, the Harvest Hop in October, and the Holiday Evening Stroll in December. Seniors may enjoy attending these events to meet their fellow residents.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate that Camp Hill has more than 10 parks, some of which, like Oyster Mill Park, provide access to the Conodoguinet Creek for boating and fishing. Those who want to learn a bit of history and get some exercise can take the Maurice Goddard Trail, a 4.3-mile trail that runs through Camp Hill.
Seniors contemplating a move to Camp Hill can also feel secure in knowing that good hospitals are located there. Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center is right in town. Other hospitals, like UPMC Harrisburg, are in Harrisburg, just two miles away.
Gettysburg
Although many people associate Gettysburg with the Civil War, it is also a small town with a vibrant downtown area, access to larger city amenities, and a rich culture all its own. With a population of 7,709, 16 percent of whom are over the age of 60, Gettysburg offers seniors a tight-knit community with ample senior services available. While the median home price in Gettysburg is $422,800, monthly rent averages a more affordable $1,300.
You cannot escape history in Gettysburg. The Gettysburg National Military Park and Gettysburg National Military Museum provides visitors with a comprehensive look at the Battle of Gettysburg and the town's place in history. Those seeking something else should check out Gettysburg Ghost Tours, guided tours of the historic downtown area.
Just 14 miles down the road, you will find Caledonia State Park, a 1,125-acre park on the South Mountain offering unique experiences. One of them is Sunday School at Cathedral in the Pines within the park. This nondenominational program is presented every Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Well-Span Gettysburg Hospital is a renowned hospital right in the town of Gettysburg. Other amenities for seniors include the Adams County Office for Aging, which can put seniors in touch with home-delivered meals, personal care services, senior centers, and more.
Clarks Summit
A small town seven miles from the larger city of Scranton, Clarks Summit offers a close-knit community and amenities that appeal to seniors. Its population is 5,091, and 32 percent are over the age of 60, meaning that there is much attracting seniors to this town. Living in Clarks Summit is relatively affordable, with median home prices of $367,400, and rent at $1,350 monthly.
The distinct seasons you will experience in Clarks Summit means that there are different outdoor recreational opportunities each season. Skiing is available in nearby Scranton at Montage Mountain in the winter. Hillside Park, encompassing 100 acres of former state-owned farmland in Clarks Summit, offers sports facilities, a community garden, a dog park, and public fishing at Eston Wilson Lake with handicap-accessible fishing piers.
Downtown Clarks Summit is filled with shops, such as the women's clothing store Treat; restaurants, like Tully's Good Times; and art galleries, like Miss Jenny's Art Gallery. Public transportation via the COLTS bus takes riders all over Lackawanna County during daytime and evening hours. This can be especially valuable for seniors who do not prefer to drive.
Good medical centers are located in Scranton, including Commonwealth Health Regional Hospital and Commonwealth Health Moses Taylor Hospital. Senior living facilities in Clarks Summit range from the independent Bedford Tower Apartments to the more supportive Clarks Summit Senior Living.
Boyertown
A suburb of Reading, Boyertown is the oldest historic town in the Americana Region of Pennsylvania, founded in 1601. With a population of 4,244, and almost 30 percent of residents over age 60, there are many amenities attracting seniors to Boyertown. It also helps that median home prices average $349,500 and monthly rent averages $1,250.
If you want to learn more about this historic town, visit Boyertown Area Historical Society on Chestnut Street. This non-profit organization houses a wealth of information on the town's history. The Bahr Mill Complex is also a great landmark to visit, as it is a grist mill complex listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The downtown area of Boyerstown is hopping with shops, like the Stellar House Gift Shop; restaurants, including The IronStone; and art studios and galleries, like Taylor Backes Glass Studio. The State Theatre, originally built in 1912, is still standing, showing movies and available for rental.
Boyertown Area Multi-Service is an organization that puts seniors in touch with necessary services, like Meals on Wheels and the Center at Spring Street, the area's senior center. Hospitals are located in nearby Pottstown (just 10 miles down the road), like Pottstown Hospital, Reading Hospital 21 miles away in Reading, and Physician's Care Surgical Hospital, just 20 miles away in Royersford.
Chambersburg
In the Cumberland Valley in the South Central part of the state, Chambersburg offers seniors a slower, more affordable way of life. The town's population is 21,917, with 25 percent over age 60. Median home prices average $319,900, and monthly rent averages $1,600. Chambersburg is close to senior amenities as well as attractions in nearby towns.
Chambersburg's downtown area houses restaurants, like Bistro 71; wine shops, such as Screaming Bambino Cellars; coffee shops, like Denim Coffee; and eclectic stores, including Willow and Birch Home Store. Also located downtown is the Capitol Theatre, the Heritage Center, Memorial Square, and the Old Jail. Historic Main Street is filled with Victorian architecture. Self-guided walking tours of the downtown area provide the best way to see it all. Live music is held downtown on weekends in spring, summer, and fall.
Chambersburg Memorial Park covers 37 acres and provides sports fields, a bandshell for outdoor concerts and live performances, and a .75-mile asphalt pathway through the park. Within the borough, there are 10 parks, in addition to an aquatic center and a community center.
The Chambersburg Senior Activity Center offers seniors recreation, social activities, arts and crafts, computers, and nutritious noon meals Monday through Friday. Good hospitals are available in town, like WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital in Chambersburg.
Somerset
Located in the Laurel Highlands and the county seat of Somerset County, the town of Somerset has a population of 6,030, 30 percent of whom are over age 60. The affordability of living in Somerset attracts many seniors. Median home prices average $202,540, and monthly rent averages $860.
The borough of Somerset was incorporated in 1804. Today, it is the only town in Pennsylvania with an entrance to the Pennsylvania Turnpike within its town limits. The Somerset Borough Historical District contains many county government buildings, including the Courthouse, and reflects a variety of architectural styles such as Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Classical Revival.
Laurel Hill State Park is located in Somerset and covers 4,062 acres, with the 63-acre Laurel Hill Lake a popular destination. A system of trails runs through the park, and environmental education programs occur throughout the year.
The Area Agency on Aging of Somerset County support seniors throughout the county, providing health, nutrition, and social resources. The Somerset Senior Center also provides noon meals, as well as activities for seniors. Good hospitals in the area include UPMC Somerset.
Altoona
Altoona, in Blair County, is a fairly affordable place to live, which draws many seniors to the area. Its population is 43,821, and 24 percent are over age 60. Median home prices in Altoona are $135,000, and rent $1,100. Altoona is about two hours east of Pittsburgh.
A former railroad town, Altoona now hosts the Railroaders Memorial Museum. This museum operates the World Famous Horseshoe Curve, one of the engineering marvels in the world and an Altoona landmark. Visitors can explore the museum and find observation areas for scenic views of the Laurel Highlands.
The Allegheny Ridge Heritage Area offers outdoor recreation including trails and kayaking, as well as breathtaking views of the Allegheny Ridge, rising 1200 feet above sea level. Another popular outdoor destination near Altoona is Chimney Rocks Park, about nine miles down the road. This park overlooks historic Hollidaysburg and offers trails, overlooks, and community activities.
Blair Senior Services in Altoona helps put seniors in touch with discounted transportation, in-home services, and insurance counseling. Senior Life Altoona also provides services to help seniors remain independent at home. Hospitals in Altoona include UPMC Altoona and Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona.
York
Sitting in south central Pennsylvania near the Maryland Border, York has a population of 44,782, 18 percent of whom are over age 60. U.S. News and World Report ranked York among the top 10 places to retire in the US. The authors cited housing affordability (the median home price is $249,900 and monthly rent averages $1,350); good, accessible healthcare; and overall happiness in their determination.
York has a bustling downtown area filled with arts and culture. The Central Market provides produce and local baked goods, as well as arts and crafts from local vendors. It is housed in a building that is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Colonial Complex spans four historic buildings downtown -- the Golden Plough Tavern of 1741, the General Horatio Gates House of 1751, the Colonial Courthouse of the late 1700s, and the Barnett Bobb Log House, circa 1812. All are available April through October for guided tours.
Heritage Rail Trail County Park is a popular outdoor destination for seniors, with its 30-mile trail running from York to the Mason-Dixon Line (accommodating all levels of fitness -- you do not have to hike or bike the entire trail). In addition, there are 11 county parks in York County, such as Rocky Ridge Park and William Kain Park. Annual events in York include the Penn-Mar Irish Festival, the York State Fair, and Christmas Magic -- A Festival of Lights.
The York County Senior Center offers seniors activities and a noon meal. Seniors will appreciate that there are good hospitals, such as WellSpan York Hospital and UPMC Memorial, right in town. Many senior housing options are also available, such as Presbyterian Senior Living, with levels from independent living to skilled nursing provided.
Johnstown
Johnstown lies about 60 miles east of Pittsburgh, in Cambria County. Its population is 18,429, 28 percent of whom are over age 60. Its affordability is a big draw for seniors, as homes average $119,900 and monthly rent averages $900. Seniors also appreciate the friendly, small-town community atmosphere, combined with being closer to a large city's amenities.
Johnstown's historic district includes 109 buildings, such as Cambria Iron Office Building and Johnstown City Hall. The State Theater of Johnstown, circa 1926, on Main Street shows plays, movies, and live music performances. Connoisseurs of classical music can see the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra perform at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.
Outdoor enthusiasts will like that Johnstown has a WalkWorks program, a walking group in town that meets on Wednesdays for a 1.8 mile walk through the downtown area. The town's Roxbury Park, on 30 acres of land, offers sports fields, a walking path, and picnic pavilions.
The Cambria County Area Agency on Aging provides seniors with support and access to resources they might need. Hospitals in Johnstown include Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center and Select Specialty Hospital.
Find Your Ideal Comfortable Town
Choosing the perfect place to retire is an important decision for seniors looking for the ideal balance of comfort, convenience, and quality of life. The excellent healthcare, vast recreational opportunities, and peaceful atmosphere in comfortable Pennsylvania towns such as Camp Hill and Clarks Summit offer the perfect, welcoming environment for seniors. These towns provide a good example of why so many seniors are relocating to Pennsylvania in their golden years.
