5 of the Best 55 Plus Communities in Pennsylvania

Disclaimer: Links and mentions of Pennsylvania 55+ communities in this post do not constitute an endorsement. Price ranges, services, and amenities can change — please visit a community’s website for the most up-to-date information. HomeLight always recommends doing your own research to determine which community destination is best for your situation.

Deciding where to retire can be one of the most significant financial decisions you make. Pennsylvania is a natural choice for many, with affordability, four seasons, and convenient proximity to several of the East Coast’s biggest cities. There is no income tax for residents earning from retirement, pension, or Social Security accounts, making it a popular choice for budget-minded retirees.

Over 2.5 million retired people call Pennsylvania home. Many are attracted to the affordable living, historic sites, and excellent healthcare available in the state. In this post, we’ve researched some of the best 55+ communities in terms of lifestyle, location, affordability, and safety.

To compile this list, we considered the following:

Location and amenities (proximity to beaches, golf courses, airports, and other points of interest)
Nearby access to quality healthcare
Established and enforced age restrictions (55+)
Ratings and reviews (55places.com, Niche.com, Yelp, Google)
Living options available (floor plans, housing types, and price points)
Homebuyer interest (popularity)
Security and surrounding crime rates

What is a 55+ community?

A 55+ community is an age-restricted community that may not necessarily be exclusive to retirees. These developments require residents to be over the age of 18, and they often require full-time residents to be over the age of 55; younger visitors are welcome for certain portions of the year. 55+ community members often enjoy convenient hobbies and amenities, including access to outdoor and fitness activities, social life infrastructure, and provided transportation to nearby places for shopping, entertainment, and healthcare.

These communities are a popular choice for Americans making a move to retire, downsizing as they prepare for retirement, or just simplifying their lives after reaching the age of 55. Housing options may include everything from single detached houses to duplex- or condominium-style units.

What are the most popular retirement cities in Pennsylvania?

According to U.S. News & World Report, some of the most popular or best cities in Pennsylvania for retired or older Americans include:

Harrisburg (population 61,164)
Reading (population 94,968)
Lancaster (population 63,625)
Scranton (population 77,997)
Allentown (population 129,524)

The news site notes a low cost of living available to retirees across the state and easy access to some of the nation’s top healthcare facilities as reasons why these cities are ideal.

Why do seniors choose Pennsylvania to retire?

There are many reasons why Pennsylvania is an appealing destination for Americans making a move to retire or to downsize in anticipation of retirement. Some of the most notable include: