Best Pennsylvania Towns and Cities to Raise a Family

Pennsylvania is one of America’s biggest states, filled with major towns and cities. It is one of America’s cultural and commercial centers, with plenty of amazing communities to explore. Pennsylvania is one of the top options if you are seeking an excellent state in which to settle down and raise a family, with great schools, diverse communities, and welcoming towns and cities with family-friendly attractions.

Let’s look at some of the towns and cities in Pennsylvania that are best for raising a family.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s biggest city, is one of America’s most historical and exciting places to reside. It is famous for its top-notch museums and eclectic food scene. The big-city amenities of Philadelphia make it an ideal place to raise a family, with a huge range of school options and much to enjoy for people of all ages throughout the year. Famous family-friendly attractions and year-round events make Philadelphia a terrific place to live. With ample lucrative job opportunities, it is a city that should rank highly on any family’s list of places to settle in.

Greensburg is a quaint suburb of Pittsburgh in Western Pennsylvania. Home to a small population of 15,000, it is a welcoming city with much to enjoy. Greensburg stands out as a top option for families for several reasons. For starters, it has a highly-rated school district to position children for success. It also has a low cost of living and easy access to all of Pittsburgh’s amenities and job opportunities. With high-quality museums and family-friendly attractions, there is much to love about life in Greensburg.

West Chester is a comfortable suburb of Philadelphia with a small population of around 18,000. It is a pleasant community with a walkable downtown filled with quaint shops and restaurants. West Chester is a perfect home for families due to its welcoming atmosphere and low crime rate. This small, safe city boasts family-friendly attractions like the American Helicopter Museum. It is also only a short drive from Philadelphia, so it is ideal for families that want easy access to the city while residing in a tranquil community. 

Bethlehem, a busy scenic city home to around 75,000, is centered on the Lehigh River, with forests and hiking trails by the running waters. Bethlehem has family-friendly museums and a vibrant food scene, with top-notch schools as well. The best time here is during the holidays, which is when the city comes alive. Having been founded on Christmas Eve in 1741, even boasting the nickname “Christmas City, USA,” Bethlehem has a reputation as a premier festive city, with gorgeous light displays and an array of holiday events. The city’s wholesome spirit is displayed prominently during this merry time.

Chambersburg is a small, quiet community home to 22,000 in South Central Pennsylvania. It is famous for its role in the Civil War and houses old buildings and museums that spotlight this history. There is much to enjoy for families here, including parks and entertainment centers that are a blast for all ages. Chambersburg is only a short drive to Michaux State Forest, a gorgeous natural setting where families can enjoy hikes on some of the state’s most scenic trails.

Despite a relatively small population of 50,000, Harrisburg is a particularly enjoyable place to live. Pennsylvania’s state capital is a scenic and historical city along the Susquehanna River, with gorgeous architecture and famed museums. Hersheypark is a chocolate-themed amusement park that provides exciting entertainment for the whole family and the National Civil War Museum includes engaging reenactments in this picturesque city. Harrisburg has high-quality schools and excellent safety ratings, making it one of the top options in the state for families.