Moving To State • Pennsylvania

Moving to Pennsylvania: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Mar 27, 2025
9 min read

If you’re thinking about moving to Pennsylvania, you’re not alone. The Keystone State atttacts newcomers for good reason! With bustling metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and quiet rural towns, there’s a place to match your desired pace of life.

As much as there is to love about Pennsylvania, it’s smart to weigh the good and the not-so-good before you buy a new home and pack up your belongings.

Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about moving to Pennsylvania to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Jump to the Pennsylvania information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to PA
Top car shippers to PA
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in Pennsylvania

Like any big move, relocating to Pennsylvania comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the Keystone State to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of living in PA

✓Low cost of living
✓Abundant fun and recreational activities
✓Beautiful landscapes
✓Ample economic opportunity
✓Excellent education options

Cons of living in PA

✖Harsh winter weather
✖Bad driving conditions
✖Nuclear power plants
✖Unpredictable weather
✖High taxes on gasoline

Things to do in Pennsylvania

Whether you’re moving to Pennsylvania work, family, or just a fresh start, you’ll want to get the most out of your new home state — and that includes finding fun things to do. The good news is that, no matter your interests, Pennsylvania has lots of fun places to explore and things to do.

You can visit these places with your family or use them to meet new people if you’re alone. With so many choices, you’re sure to find something that suits you and makes you feel comfortable.

Popular Attractions in Pennsylvania

Hersheypark
Gettysburg National Military Park
Fallingwater
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Visit Strasburg
Independence National Park and the Liberty Bell
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Eastern State Penitentiary
Presque Isle State Park

Museums in Pennsylvania

Eastern State Penitentiary
The Hershey Story Museum
National Civil War Museum
SteelStacks
Steamtown National Historic Site
Asa Packer Mansion
Duquesne Incline
AACA Museum, Inc.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Barnes

Parks in Pennsylvania

Gettysburg National Military Park
Presque Isle State Park
Core Creek Park
Allentown Fish Hatchery
Rocky Ridge County Park
Lititz Springs Park
Point State Park
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Fort Hunter Mansion and Park
Nay Aug Park

Fun facts about Pennsylvania

Each state has a unique character molded by its history, culture, and residents. Learning about its small details and quirky traditions helps you understand what life there is truly like.

These fun facts about Pennsylvania, will give you a glimpse at what makes the state unique, and may even give you a few more reasons to make the move.

Pennsylvania was founded by William Penn. The name of the state comes from the name of the founder’s father (Admiral William Penn) and not his own. The founder William Penn wanted the state to be named “Sylvania”. (Sylvania is a Latin word meaning “woodlands.”)
In October 1682, the younger William brought 360 settlers who believed in religious freedom and a fair government to form this 12th of the 13 English colonies.
Pennsylvania is the second state, after Delaware, to ratify the Constitution of the United States of America. At the time it was the most ethnically and religiously diverse of the thirteen States.
The Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of American Independence, is located in Pennsylvania. The bell can be seen in the Liberty Bell Center in Independence National Historical Park. The bell was commissioned from London in 1751 by the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly. The bell was rung at the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.
During the American Revolution, the Liberty Bell was moved from Philadelphia to Allentown. It was returned after the British evacuated Philadelphia. On the bell Pennsylvania is spelled with only one “n”. When the bell was created this was an acceptable form of spelling Pennsylvania.
On September 19, 1982, the first internet emoticon, the humble smiley, was invented at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh by Professor Dr. Scott Fahlman. Today, according to some estimate, more than 6 billion emoticons are sent every day
The Pennsylvania Packet and daily Advertiser was the nation’s first daily newspaper. It was published first on September 21, 1784.
The first piano in America was built by Johann Behrent in Philadelphia in 1775.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has the highest density of haunted houses and hence it is also considered one of the most haunted cities in the U.S.
The first computer in the world–The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer–was invented at the University of Pennsylvania in 1946.
The first Zoo in the United States of America was opened in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 1, 1874.
The first public library was founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1731 in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia is also the place where the first American Flag was sewn in 1777 by Betsy Ross.
In 1883, the City Hotel in Pennsylvania was the first building to be lit with Thomas Edison’s three-wire system.

Pennsylvania population and demographics

While you’re thinking about relocating to Pennsylvania, it’s important to look beyond facts and figures to get to the story they tell about the Keystone State.

A state with more people might have more jobs, entertainment, and better infrastructure. On the other hand, a state with fewer people could mean a quieter lifestyle and close-knit communities.

Average education levels show the availability of job opportunities or access to local schools and colleges. Political breakdowns may indicate a state’s values and priorities.

Understanding who lives in Pennsylvania, how they live, and what they value can make it much easier to decide if it’s the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable and connected.

Metric	Pennsylvania
Population	12,961,683
Female	50.7%
Male	49.3%
College graduation rate	36.54%
Political leaning	Republican 51-49
Crime index	17.62

Pennsylvania weather

Climate plays a huge role in shaping your day-to-day life, so it’s an important factor to consider when deciding whether Pennsylvania is right for you. Looking at seasonal highs and lows and average rain and snowfall can help you imagine how much time you’ll be spending outdoors, preparing for storms, and adjusting to temperature extremes.

Summer highs can influence your energy bills and how much time you spend away from the AC. Winter lows determine the type of wardrobe and heating system you’ll need. Annual snowfall can range from light flurries to major storms that affect travel and daily life.

Whether you love sunshine, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snow altogether, knowing the climate can help you decide if Pennsylvania aligns with your lifestyle and comfort level.

Metric	Pennsylvania
Summer high	83ºF
Winter low	19ºF
Annual rain	44″
Annual snow	38″

Income and cost of living in Pennsylvania

A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in Pennsylvania.

Knowing which industries boost the economy can help you evaluate job prospects in your field or foresee job market stability. If you’re thinking about renting or buying a home, housing costs are probably a major factor when deciding whether to move.

The cost of living index shows how much your money is worth compared to the national average. A lower index usually means daily expenses such as groceries, transportation, and housing are cheaper.

These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in Pennsylvania and make a confident, informed decision about your move.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Professional and business services ($101.8 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($95.7 billion)
Real estate and rental and leasing ($95.4 billion)
Manufacturing ($91.5 billion)
Finance and insurance ($52.7 billion)
Information ($48.5 billion,)
Wholesale trade ($44.7 billion)
Retail trade ($37.1 billion)
Construction ($33.3 billion)
Transportation and warehousing ($29.1 billion)

Metric	Pennsylvania
Average rent cost	$1,110
Average home cost	$268,824
Average income (per capita)	$73,170
Cost of living index*	99
Unemployment rate	3.4%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	3.07%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in Pennsylvania

If education influences your decision to move, a state’s schools reflect its career opportunities and community resources.

Whether you’re planning to go back to school yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want to live in a state with strong academic options, it’s worth checking out what Pennsylvania has to offer.

Here are some of the top schools in Pennsylvania:

University of Pennsylvania
Penn State University
Carnegie Mellon University.
University of Pittsburgh
Temple University
Drexel University
Lehigh University
Swarthmore College
Villanova University
Bryn Mawr College
Bucknell University
Thomas Jefferson University
Duquesne University
Dickinson College
Lock Haven University

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Pennsylvania

We’ve reviewed hundreds of moving companies and worked directly with customers to identify the top movers across the country.

If you’re planning on moving to the Keystone State, here are the best moving companies to help you transport your belongings to your new home wherever you are headed from.

Cost of moving to Pennsylvania

Before you take the leap to Pennsylvania, it’s a good idea to get a handle on moving costs. On average, hiring professional movers will run you about $131 per hour. The total cost depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving. Cross-country moves, for example, will definitely hit your wallet harder than a quick hop across state lines.

The type of move you choose can make a big difference in cost, too.

To keep costs down, choose one of the best moving container companies. You do the packing and loading and they handle the driving for you, so it’s kind of like a middle ground between DIY and full-service.

Want to save even more? The most affordable option is to get a rental truck. With this options, you’ll do all of the heavy lifting, including packing, loading, driving, and unloading.

But if you’d rather not break a sweat, professional interstate movers can do all the work for you. Just keep in mind that this convenience comes at a price. Be sure to get quotes from several different movers to find one that fits your budget and moving needs.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to Pennsylvania

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania car insurance requirements

When moving to Pennsylvania, make sure you follow state laws by getting car insurance with at least $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Think about adding extra coverage such as collision and comprehensive. Always keep proof of insurance in your car.

Pennsylvania drivers license requirements

When you move to Pennsylvania, you must get a Pennsylvania driver’s license within 60 days of becoming a resident. You’ll need to show proof of identity and residency, and pass written, vision, and road tests. You may also have to give up your out-of-state license.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Pennsylvania?

Moving to Pennsylvania is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Pennsylvania is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Pennsylvania?

On the cost of living index, Pennsylvania has a score of 99. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Pennsylvania?

The average income in PA is $73,170, and the an unemployment rate is 3.4. Home prices are $268,824, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $1,110.

What is the downside of living in Pennsylvania?

Like any place, Pennsylvania has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Keystone State include:

Harsh winter weather
Bad driving conditions
Nuclear power plants
Unpredictable weather
High taxes on gasoline

Pennsylvania Moving Resources

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