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Pennsylvania is a state full of surprises. It conjures up images of great city-scapes like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh as well as untouched forests and rolling mountains. It ranks just behind Florida as the fifth-most populous state in the country, yet Pennsylvania tends to stay under the radar. If you’re looking for a state that offers a wide variety of property types both urban and rural, the Pennsylvania real estate market is ripe for the picking.
More About Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania, like New York to the North and Ohio to the west, is a large state with several major metropolises that account for half the population. Pennsylvania is a massive state by any standard, almost three hundred miles long and about half as wide. You can find everything from dense urban centers to forested mountains that look virtually the same as they did back in 1681 when Pennsylvania was founded as a British Colony.
Pennsylvania real estate experiences all four seasons in equal measure, meaning you can go skiing in the Appalachian mountains in the winter and canoeing on the rivers in the summer. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two major cultural centers in the eastern U.S. that are constantly offering new things to do, ranging from concerts, football games, and major conventions. If you live in the eastern part of the state, you’ll be within three hours of D.C. and New York City, and if you live out in the western part of the state, you can get to most major cities in the Great Lakes region by car with ease.
Pennsylvania has historically been a manufacturing giant in the U.S. and still is to this day. Along with steel production, Pennsylvania is known for its food processing and, funnily enough, its cultivation of mushrooms.
Pennsylvania Real Estate Market
Pennsylvania has a real estate market made for homeowners. Home values in Pennsylvania have seen impressive growth over the last few years, and over the past ten years, real estate in Pennsylvania have appreciated 48%! The median price for single family homes for sale in Pennsylvania is $221,985, much lower than the national median of $374,000. This is great news for those first-time home buyers looking for a market that they can readily access.
The Pennsylvania real estate market is as diverse as they come, with plenty of urban, suburban, and rural properties up for grabs. The majority of the real estate for sale in Pennsylvania are single-family detached buildings with three bedrooms. Townhomes in cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia make up the next largest share of real estate for sale in Pennsylvania. Two-thirds of all Pennsylvania residents own their homes, with the remaining third renting.
To sweeten Pennsylvania’s housing market even more, there’s an even mix of modern and vintage homes for sale to be had in the state. You’ll find the highest priced real estate in and around Philadelphia and southeast Pennsylvania in general, but there are also plenty of luxury homes and properties all throughout the countryside.
Major Cities In Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
The most populous city in Pennsylvania and the second most populous on the East Coast in general, Philadelphia has a well-earned reputation as one of America’s most important cities. Founded way back in 1701, Philadelphia has been going strong ever since and can boast a plethora of competitive sports teams, a vibrant music scene and nightlife, and a strong city economy that functions as the economic powerhouse of the Delaware River valley, just as it did three hundred years ago. If you want to dive straight into Pennsylvania city life, get in touch with an agent and find a real estate for sale in Philadelphia.
Harrisburg
Pennsylvania's quiet, unassuming capital is located near the center of the state right alongside the Susquehanna River. If you’re not much of a city person, but you want to be near city amenities, Harrisburg real estate is a great place to call home. Drive fifteen minutes in any direction and you’ll be out in the country. Harrisburg is also within sight of the Appalachian Mountains, so for you weekend hikers, this is a great basecamp for exploring the natural wonder of Pennsylvania.
Pittsburgh
If Philadelphia was St. Louis, Pittsburgh would be Kansas City. The two cities are night and day from each other, both in size and attitude. Pittsburgh is significantly smaller than Philadelphia, both in area and population. Pittsburgh real estate has a more midwestern feel and got its start as an early frontier city way back at the beginning of the United States. If you’re new to Pennsylvania and city living in general but want to give it a shot, Pittsburgh is a much softer and (arguably) more welcoming landing than Philadelphia.
Scranton
Up in Pennsylvania’s northeast corner near the border with New York, Scranton is a charming little city surrounded by mountains and full to the brim with character. Scranton’s downtown has a unique mix of architectural styles and the surrounding countryside is full of fun outdoor activities to be enjoyed throughout the year. If you want to live a small-town lifestyle while staying closely connected to urban amenities, Scranton real estate is the place to be.
Schools In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has built a nationwide reputation for providing a solid education to all its young students across the board. You can find great schools just about anywhere in the state, not just centered around the major cities, but generally the best school districts are found near Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania is also home to world-renowned universities like Penn State and the University of Pittsburgh. We’ve compiled a brief list of some of the best school districts in the state, which might clue you in on where you might want to move to in Pennsylvania real estate.
Best School Districts in Pennsylvania
- Radnor Township School District - this school district serves a small suburb to the west outside of Philadelphia. The Radnor Township School District features six public schools covering grades K-12 and is considered the number one school district in Pennsylvania.
- Tredyffrin-Easttown School District - just south of King of Prussia, Tredyffrin-Easttown School District looks after over seven thousand students who are known for their proficiency both in math and reading.
- North Allegheny School District- This Pittsburgh suburban school district has a budget of well over $100,000,000 and a student body near 8,000, so they can invest thousands of dollars into each student’s education each year.
Pennsylvania Real Estate FAQ
Where are the top commercial airports in Pennsylvania?
- Allentown - Lehigh Valley International Airport
- Erie - Erie International Airport
- Harrisburg - Harrisburg International Airport
- Philadelphia - Philadelphia International Airport
- Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh International Airport
- Wilkes-Barre - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport
What is the most affordable city in Pennsylvania?
Lock Haven, PA
Which Pennsylvania city has the best school district?
Radnor Township
Things To Do In Pennsylvania
There’s plenty of fun to be had in real estate in Pennsylvania all year long. In the winter head to the mountains to any of the ski resorts found all across the state. Enjoy the summers visiting amusement parks like Hershey park (a real world Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, but with roller coasters) or floating on the Delaware River. In the fall, watch the leaves change and head to a Steelers game or take your kids trick or treating around the spookiest Philadelphia neighborhoods.
Living In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a super diverse state where almost any lifestyle can be lived. With big cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to explore, you can live out your youth in a downtown condo for sale or raise a family in a suburban single-family home. Alternatively, there’s plenty of countryside dotted with one-street towns and acres upon acres of isolated farmland. If you’re looking for privacy, look for Pennsylvania real estate in the north and center of the state where it’s largely rural, heavily forested, and mountainous.
Pennsylvania Climate
Pennsylvania experiences all four seasons in all four of their extremes. Winters are long, cold, and snowy, so if you enjoy winter sports, this is good news for you. Summers are typically very warm with frequent thunderstorms in late July and August. Pennsylvania has your typical mid-Atlantic climate with similarities to other regions around the Great Lakes.
Pennsylvania Fun Facts
- Pennsylvania is the center of the U.S. Chocolate industry.
- The Philadelphia Zoo is the first true zoo in the United States.
- Pennsylvania is ranked no.1 in mushroom production in the United States.