Pennsylvania is one of the oldest and most historical states in the country.
It is filled with rich history and plenty of scenic landscapes and rural roads.
While living in Pennsylvania can be wonderful in many ways and provide benefits for residents, there are also some downsides or cons to living in this state.
Keep reading to find out about the top pros and cons potential residents should know about before deciding to move to Pennsylvania.
Contents
- Pros of Living in Pennsylvania
- 1. Limited Sales Tax
- 2. Outdoor Sports
- 3. Winter activities
- 4. Sweeping landscape
- 5. Delicious Traditional Foods
- 6. Good Schools
- 7. Diversity
- 8. Tons of Historic Landmarks
- Cons of Living in Pennsylvania
- Pros and Cons of Living in Pennsylvania – Summary Table
- Pennsylvania Safety Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
Pros of Living in Pennsylvania
1. Limited Sales Tax
While there is a sales tax on some goods in Pennsylvania, that does not mean all items are taxed.
Because of this limited sales tax, living in the state can be a significant help in saving money on purchasing some items.
Before moving to Pennsylvania, learn which items have a sales tax and which do not.
However, this tax break on some goods and services may be negated by the extra taxes required by local governments.
2. Outdoor Sports
Anyone who enjoys outdoor sports loves that there is something for everyone throughout the year.
Pennsylvania is home to plenty of sweeping scenery and landscapes perfect for boating, hiking, or playing traditional sports.
This is an ideal area for families to enjoy their downtime together and participate in many educational and exciting activities.
3. Winter activities
People who enjoy winter activities such as skiing, hiking, or riding a snowmobile are in Pennsylvania in the winter.
Pennsylvania receives significant snowfall, which is ideal for these outdoor activities throughout the winter months.
Anyone who enjoys a good winter landscape or a traditional holiday season will love the scenery and plentiful winter weather.
4. Sweeping landscape
When it comes to beautiful scenery, Pennsylvania has something for everyone.
Pennsylvania has it all if you enjoy the mountains, forests, or even clean rivers and streams.
There are plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy all it offers.
Individuals considering moving to this area can enjoy some outdoor activities during most times of the year.
It is also a great place to do photography and painting.
5. Delicious Traditional Foods
Pennsylvania has plenty of delicious food to offer visitors and residents.
Because Pennsylvania is a well-established state with a rich history, plenty of delicious dishes in recipes are available that embody traditional America.
Enjoy plenty of comfort dishes and local fare at just about any corner of the state.
However, Pennsylvania also has a thriving restaurant scene that represents most cultures from around the world.
6. Good Schools
Pennsylvania is home to some of the best schools in the country.
The schools include public schools and private institutions.
Anyone currently considering moving to Pennsylvania and wanting to learn more about the performance of schools in the area should take some time to investigate recent test scores and averages of students across the state.
7. Diversity
Pennsylvania is a very diverse place in its own unique way.
Pennsylvania is not only home to many cultures from across the world, but also to many religious organizations.
Pennsylvania is a state where it is possible to see many cultures and individuals from various religious groups and ethical backgrounds in one general location.
8. Tons of Historic Landmarks
Pennsylvania is rich in history and is home to many of the oldest structures and historical landmarks in the country.
This is especially true in the urban areas of Pennsylvania, where much of our country’s early history occurred.
Pennsylvania has been home to presidents and notable political figures who helped shape our country and whose museums and homes are still standing.
Anyone who is a history enthusiast will love the wide range of historical landmarks and areas that allow visitors to see where some important events occurred.
Cons of Living in Pennsylvania
While there are many reasons to live in Pennsylvania, there may be some cons to consider before determining if it is the right place to live.
1. Additional local taxes
Although there is not a sales tax on all items, there are additional local taxes that individuals may not be familiar with before moving to the state.
Some local taxes are required to help fund projects for cities and towns and help maintain or remodel the infrastructure.
Familiarize yourself with the necessary taxes in the area you want to move to and learn more about what is and is not taxed in terms of food and services and your location.
2. Difficult Traffic Conditions
If you are not used to driving or navigating difficult traffic conditions, you may have an issue living in Pennsylvania.
There are many traffic delays in this area of the country, especially in the larger cities.
Not only are there many motorists on the roads, but the way the roads are constructed and traffic flows make traveling by car confusing and potentially dangerous.
3. Toll Roads
People who are not used to having toll roads throughout the state may find this inconvenient.
There are toll roads on just about every major highway and bridge throughout the state.
These toll taxes are used to maintain roads and other related city and state projects.
While there may be alternate routes, usually, the roads with toll booths are the fastest and most reliable methods to get from one place to another throughout the state.
4. Confusing Traffic Signs
Pennsylvania is known for having confusing traffic signs that make traveling from one place to another difficult and time-consuming.
Rather than paying attention to the posted signage, using a reliable navigation tool is better to get where you need to go without as much confusion and hassle.
Keep in mind, however, that until one becomes used to the area, it may take some time to learn how to use on and off-ramps effectively, and highways and most places across the state, even with a navigation tool.
5. Brutal Weather in the Winter
Pennsylvania is no stranger to brutal weather conditions in the winter.
Due to its location in the country, it frequently gets heavy snowfall and ice storms.
Individuals who are not used to driving in heavy snow or surviving, winters with very cold temperatures may have an issue living in the state.
Before moving to Pennsylvania, be sure to learn more about the winter weather conditions and the appropriate equipment and take precautions to protect oneself and property throughout these difficult months of the year.
6. High Cost of Living
Pennsylvania has a relatively high cost of living compared to the rest of the country.
Housing prices in rent are considerably higher than in the rest of the country, which is something to consider before moving to the area.
It is worth taking some time to shop around to get the best deal to help keep prices low and stick to a budget.
It may also be helpful to hire a local real estate agent to sort through the housing options in the area to find a suitable match.
7. Multiple taxes
There are many taxes for residents in Pennsylvania.
These taxes are not typically found in other states across the country, so it is a good idea to find out which areas have additional taxes to consider.
Most of these taxes will usually be related to local government and projects designed to maintain infrastructure or improve the county or city.
8. Isolated Towns
Anyone who considers moving to an isolated town or travels off the beaten path may be taken by surprise by locals.
Some areas of Pennsylvania may not have friendly residents that welcome visitors in new residents with open arms.
Before considering moving to a small town, find out more about the local culture and any issues related to the area.
Pros and Cons of Living in Pennsylvania – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in Pennsylvania | Cons of Living in Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| 1. Limited Sales Tax | 1.Additional local taxes |
| 2. Outdoor Sports | 2. Difficult Traffic Conditions |
| 3. Winter activities | 3. Toll Roads |
| 4. Sweeping landscape | 4. Confusing Traffic Signs |
| 5. Delicious Traditional Foods | 5. Brutal Weather in the Winter |
| 6. Good Schools | 6. High Cost of Living |
| 7. Diversity | 7. Multiple taxes |
| 8. Tons of Historic Landmarks | 8. Isolated Towns |
Pennsylvania Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Pennsylvania Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest city in Pennsylvania?
Philadelphia is the largest and most populated area in Pennsylvania.
This large city is home to 1.5 million people and is several hundreds of miles in size.
Anyone interested in moving to Philadelphia should consider the dense mass of the population and the rising cost of living.
If the individual is considering moving to Philadelphia for work, consider the plentiful housing options on the outskirts of town that make working and living in this area more affordable and convenient.
Which city in Pennsylvania has the highest crime rate?
McKees Rock in Pennsylvania is the city with the highest crime rate in the state.
There is a high incidence of burglary and violent crimes throughout the mid-sized city.
Anyone currently interested in moving in or around this area should carefully assess the safety of the neighborhoods and avoid areas with a history of high criminal activity.
In order to avoid being a victim of any criminal activity, it’s essential to take precautions and be aware of any surrounding conditions.
Which city in Pennsylvania has the worst traffic?
Irwin, Pennsylvania, is the city with the worst traffic conditions and most accounts of traffic incidents such as collisions.
Anyone living in Irwin is advised to use extreme caution when driving in this area.
Be sure to have adequate insurance to protect people and property.
In a place like Irwin, it may be beneficial to have an installed phone app alerting you to dangerous traffic conditions along your route.
They can point out potential dangers or traffic delays and give an alternate route to help save time and keep you away from potentially dangerous situations.
What are the average winter temperatures in Pennsylvania?
The average winter temperature in Pennsylvania is 44 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, temperatures can fluctuate between 21 and 35 degrees on any given day and can plummet to sub-zero temperatures during snowstorms and severe winter weather conditions.
Anyone considering a move to Pennsylvania will want to invest in adequate winter gear that is ideal for snow and ice.
Additionally, it is also important to consider any additional equipment needed for your vehicle to keep you safe while traveling on treacherous roads.
What is the average cost of rent in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is not the most expensive state in the country in terms of rent in mortgage payments, but it is higher than many other states.
The average cost of rent for a 3-bedroom apartment is approximately 1200 to $2,000.
Before considering moving to any populated area, check out some rental options on the outskirts of the cities and towns to get a better deal and help save on your budget.
I currently live in Massachusetts and am looking to get out. I would like to live in a more rural setting. I need info. on rental availability and prices for rent. I need a small 2 or 3 room apartment to start, but do not want to live in a city. Is this even possible??? Taxes don’t bother me, I currently live in Taxachusetts! 😁 I don’t need welcome-ness, I am a very private, not social person. My husband also. I do need to know where Walmarts are for my husband works for Walmart and would hopefully be able to transfer. Winters do not bother me, I’m from New England. PA winters may be a bit different due to lake Erie, but nothing we couldn’t get accustomed to. I need said info to start the process of getting out of New England and hopefully be able to live in a place where people aren’t so nasty and hostile. I can deal with unwelcoming, I will mind my business as long as they do also. Thank you for the info
When I first went to PA to check out a mobile home in a rural area, I asked a local man with a pick up truck dressed in farmers clothes directions to the place I was looking for. He would not
answer me. When I asked him again, he said: ” When people ask of me something, they ask it in a
different way.” Seems the farmer wanted me to say ” Can you PLEASE tell me ……
So I said PLEASE and he than answered me. When I read some locals are cold to out-of- towners, they ain’t kidding. I also read on computer about the very high rising crime rate in York County. And I mean sky rocketing rise in violent crime. Where is Marshall Matt Dillon now that we need him. Get your act together York County. Is it the minorities? I am no racist. What seems to be the cause of the violence? Maybe than the police and laws should be much stronger.
It’s not just York, PA which has got bad. It’s also Lebanon, PA, Reading, PA. Allentown, PA, Harrisburg, PA, Philadelphia – the city of brotherly shove. While you may have a longer commute, stay away from trying to reside in the larger cities. Walmart is everywhere.
There is a lot of greenery here, but it took forever to even get beer and wine coolers in the convenience stores due to PA being a commonwealth – and I don’t drink. It’s a conservative state.
One of the nicest states I’ve visited for scenery, history and nature but it is true that locals can be cold and unfriendly. If you want to move somewhere rural with a tight knit and friendly feel, you might not fit in with PA. People like to be left alone and with their own there.
Pennsylvania is a state full of rich history and breathtaking landscapes, making it a desirable place to live.
However, there are also some downsides to consider, such as high taxes and difficult traffic conditions. Before making the move, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons to determine if Pennsylvania is the right fit for you.