Pennsylvania, known for its rich history and diverse landscapes, offers a unique blend of affordability and opportunities. Let’s explore key aspects of life in the Keystone State.
Cost of Living
Pennsylvania boasts a cost of living that’s 4% lower than the national average:
- Housing costs are 17% lower than the national average
- Utilities are 7% higher
- Food costs are on par with the national average
- Healthcare is 2% lower
- Transportation costs are 8% higher
The yearly Pennsylvania cost of living is approximately $49,040 per typical adult[1].
Housing Market
The Pennsylvania housing market remains relatively affordable:
- Median home value: $272,477 (as of June 2024)
- Year-over-year increase: 5.3%
- Average time on market: 7 days[8]
While prices have risen, they remain below the national median of $433,500, making homeownership more attainable for many Pennsylvanians.
Education
Pennsylvania’s education system shows both strengths and areas for improvement:
- Ranked 39th in education according to U.S. News & World Report[4]
- Several high schools in the state rank among the top in the nation
- Radnor High School, for example, ranked 6th best public high school in Pennsylvania[3]
The state continues to work on enhancing its education system, with a focus on improving overall educational outcomes.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Pennsylvania presents a positive picture:
- Ranked 11th in overall healthcare quality and access according to U.S. News & World Report[4]
- Ranked 5th in the U.S. for best healthcare access according to Forbes Advisor[10]
- Has the 6th highest number of primary care physicians per 10,000 residents (19.78)[10]
Pennsylvania boasts some top-tier medical facilities and specialties, making it a strong state for healthcare.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Pennsylvania’s infrastructure faces some challenges:
- Ranked 43rd in infrastructure according to U.S. News & World Report[4]
- Ranked 41st in the country for overall cost-effectiveness and condition of its highway system[6]
- Commuters spend an estimated 22.9 hours a year stuck in traffic[6]
The state has recognized these issues and is working on improving its infrastructure, with a focus on road and bridge maintenance.
In conclusion, Pennsylvania in 2024 offers a compelling mix of affordability and quality of life. While challenges exist in areas such as infrastructure, the state’s lower-than-average cost of living, strong healthcare system, and ongoing improvements in education make it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between affordability and opportunity in the Northeast.
Citations:
[1] https://www.unbiased.com/discover/banking/what-is-the-cost-of-living-in-pennsylvania
[2] https://innago.com/pennsylvania-housing-market-trends-forecast/
[3] https://delco.today/2024/12/radnor-high-school-6th-best-in-pa/
[4] https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/pennsylvania
[5] https://www.media.pa.gov/pages/health-details.aspx?newsid=1890
[6] https://www.unionprogress.com/2023/04/30/study-pennsylvania-state-transportation-system-drops-to-41st-in-the-country/
[7] https://www.rentcafe.com/cost-of-living-calculator/us/pa/
[8] https://www.zillow.com/home-values/47/pa/
[9] https://vista.today/2024/10/top-50-public-high-schools-in-pennsylvania/
[10] https://www.cpbj.com/pa-ranked-fifth-in-us-by-forbes-for-health-care-access/
