Pennsylvania - Real Estate

Move to Pennsylvania

Home to the Declaration of Independence and Liberty Bell, Pennsylvania is rich in history, people, culture and scenery. The residents are very proud of their great state and its diversity. Great schools, low living costs, a thriving economy and low crime rate has greatly increased the population over the past few decades. From the Amish to the Hispanic, Pennsylvania's diverse residents are known for their friendliness and strong work ethic. From Philadelphia to Erie, the state's beautiful landscape houses hundreds of acres of forests, farmland, valleys and mountains. Education is very important to the residents, with one of the best school systems in the nation; over 75 percent of high school graduates go to college. With hundreds of universities and colleges scattered throughout the state, the intellectual atmosphere draws a number of people. Food is also an important factor to the locals, from the infamous Philly cheesesteak to Tastykake to Hershey's chocolate.

The median home price in Pennsylvania is around $160,000. With a flat rate on individual income tax of 3.09 percent and a cost of living at the national average, Pennsylvania is an attractive place for those looking to relocate near a large city without the expense.

Pennsylvania has a wide range of landscape including farmland, rural towns, tree-lined suburbs and large metropolitan areas. Here you'll find a variety of homes ranging from town-houses on cobblestone streets to farmhouses on acres of land. There is a place for everyone in Pennsylvania; families will be attracted to the first-rate school systems and higher education, retirees will enjoy the low cost of living in the quiet, small towns and young singles will gravitate toward the big cities, with plenty to do and see. Many of the state's residents are only a quick train ride away from Washington DC, New York and Atlantic City.

Pennsylvania's diversified economy ranks it 6th in the nation. Industries that promote its growth include tourism, finance and insurance, agriculture, petrochemicals, food processing, natural gas, electrical equipment, steel, advanced manufacturing and technology. Comcast Corporation, Merck and Olympus America are headquartered here. Pennsylvania ranks third in the nation for most number of colleges and universities including the renowned University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and Carnegie Mellon University.

While many visitors come to Pennsylvania to view our nation's rich history, the state's residents are drawn to these sites as well. Spend a day at one of the many museums, theaters, state parks and festivals. The larger cities feature upscale shopping, dining and relaxation, with world class salons and spas. For the outdoor enthusiast the area's wilderness offers plenty of fishing, hiking, camping, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting and more. During the winter months skiing in the Pocono Mountains attracts both residents and visitors.

Due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Pennsylvania experiences four distinct seasons, with a dramatic temperature change between the summer and winter. Precipitation throughout the year averages between 30-54 inches. Pennsylvania's landscape also varies; from east to west you'll find more industrialized cities, while Central Pennsylvania is covered with forest, farmland, valleys and The Appalachian Mountain range.

To learn more about specific communities in Pennsylvania, request a Free Relocation Packet prepared by a HomeRoute Preferred™ local community expert. This exclusive guide will be customized to your specific home search and help you prepare for your upcoming move to Pennsylvania.

Information provided courtesy of HomeRoute.