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If there is a state home to a plethora of attractions and amenities, beautiful serene landscapes, and exceptional retirement communities, it is Pennsylvania.
You can go on the internet and check for the best retirement state or city in the US, and guess what will pop up first alongside and often ahead of Florida. Yes, you assumed right; it will be the Keystone State. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or arts and culture lover,
Pennsylvania will captivate you with its lure and endless prospects, especially as a retirement destination.
What’s so great about The State of Independence?
Too many things! Let us dive into the overview and explore the best aspects that make Pennsylvania truly astonishing for retirees!
Excellent healthcare facilities:
Pennsylvania is home to renowned medical centers and hospitals, such as the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside, Jefferson Health-Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Lancaster General Hospital, and more!
Medicare Advantage options:
The state of Pennsylvania provides a wide range of Medicare Advantage plans, offering additional benefits and coverage beyond traditional Medicare. Currently, up to 262 Medicare Advantage plans are accessible to seniors in Pennsylvania.
Famous attractions:
From Gettysburg National Military Park to Hershey’s Chocolate World, plenty of famous attractions exist in Quaker State. Seniors can also visit places like The Liberty Bell, Independence National Historical Park, The Andy Warhol Museum, Amish Country in Lancaster, and so much more!
Plenty of activities to do:
Pennsylvania invites seniors to enjoy activities like fishing, camping, birdwatching, and more. The culturally rich state is home to even great dining experiences with exceptional fine dining restaurants. Moreover, the natural scenic beauty leaves room for adventurous escapes.
Pros and cons of retiring in Pennsylvania
As with any city or state, retiring comes with advantages and disadvantages. Let us unveil what retiring in Pennsylvania pros and cons are and how they factor in when it comes to choosing the destination.
Pros of retiring in Pennsylvania
1. Rich history
One of the best things about finding the golden years in the Quaker State is its rich history. Seniors will love the birthplace of America because it is filled with the fascinating history of the United States, including iconic landmarks like Independence Hall and Gettysburg National Military Park.
2. Vibrant cultural scene
With a rich history comes a unique Pennsylvania culture. Seniors can experience a thriving arts and cultural background, from world-class museums and theaters to music festivals and art galleries.
3. Natural beauty
From a vibrant culture, the state boasts stunning landscapes (Pocono Mountains, Lake Erie coastline) and realistic scenarios that seniors will love to breathe in. The countryside is spectacular, especially for seniors who love outdoor spring and summer activities.
4. Four distinct seasons
Older adults who love a balance among the weather can enjoy the beauty of all four seasons, from vibrant fall greenery to snowy winters and blossoming springs.
Cons of retiring in Pennsylvania
1. Harsh winters
With four seasons come winter, and Pennsylvania experiences some of the coldest winters with significant snowfall in specific regions. It may not be ideal for seniors who prefer milder climates.
2. High taxes
The state has relatively high property taxes. This can impact retirees on a fixed income and those under the age of 60.
3. Traffic congestion
Like many urban areas, cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh can have heavy traffic congestion, mainly during peak rush hours.
4. Limited healthcare selections
While the Keystone State has many reputable healthcare facilities, access to certain hospitals and medical clinics in rural areas can be more limited. Only in major cities are the best hospitals located.
What to expect from the retirement communities in Pennsylvania?
Retirees in Pennsylvania can expect the following services and care types from the senior living communities.
Assisted living – Senior communities with assisted living will offer adapted care and support for retirees needing help with daily activities, access to healthcare professionals, and stimulating social activities.
Independent living – This care type is for seniors who love their independence. Generally, retirement communities with independent living offer spacious apartments or cottages, promoting a self-sufficient and vibrant lifestyle with community engagement and varied amenities.
Memory care – Retirement communities with memory care offer specialized support for seniors with memory-related conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s. They provide a secure environment, personalized care plans, and cognitive-enhancing programs.
Nursing home – Nursing homes offer round-the-clock medical care and rehabilitation services for seniors with complex medical needs, provided by trained healthcare professionals.
Home care – For those looking at retirement in the comfort of their homes, home care agencies offer assistance and support for seniors, including help with daily tasks, medication management, and companionship by trained caregivers.
5 Best places to retire in Pennsylvania
Let’s get down to it. Before we come up on our list of the top retirement homes in Pennsylvania, consider the following locations for retirement because they offer the best of the best!
1. Lancaster
This city has often been voted the best place to retire in Pennsylvania for a good reason, too. The city is home to some of the best retirement communities in the state and is home to excellent healthcare facilities.
2. Pittsburg
If seniors are looking for a mix of urban and historic charm, then Pittsburg is the place to be when it comes to retirement.
3. Harrisburg
Why not retire in the state capital and reap the benefits the central city has to offer? From great retirement communities to charming historical attractions, Harrisburg has enough activities to keep an older retiree engaged and happy.
4. York
York is situated in south-central Pennsylvania and offers retirees an appealing atmosphere with historical sites, beautiful parks, and a thriving arts community.
5. Reading
Known for its rich history, Reading offers older adults a vibrant cultural scene with museums, theaters, and a lively downtown. Seniors can enjoy scenic parks and farmers’ markets, and Reading is close to Philly!
Best small towns to retire to in Pennsylvania
While cities are great, towns offer a different charm to seniors looking to retire amidst a calm, serene environment. These towns listed below are exactly that and can be considered the ideal places for seniors to retire to, who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
1. Hershey
2. New Castle
3. Franklin
4. Johnstown
5. Media
Retire in Pennsylvania: Top 9 retirement communities
Here are the top retirement communities that Pennsylvania has to offer!
Sunrise of Dresher – Dresher
Nestled in a tranquil setting, Sunrise of Dresher offers a warm and inviting environment with personalized care services, engaging activities, and beautifully designed living spaces. The retirement community offers assisted living, memory care, and nursing home services.
Calvary Fellowship Homes – Lancaster
A well-reviewed retirement community, nothing says a golden welcome like the one Calvary Fellowship Homes provides! Seniors can expect well-decorated rooms and spacious activity areas for an engaging senior lifestyle.
Deer Meadows Retirement Community – Philadelphia
Aside from Rocky, the movie Philadelphia and the infamous cheesesteak, Deer Meadows Retirement Community can be considered the next best thing! They have wellness centers for an active, independent lifestyle and trained staff to give nursing home services. The décor is mind-blowing too!
Seaton Springwood – York
Seaton Springwood is a charming retirement community with a peaceful atmosphere and modern amenities. Seniors will love this place because the ambiance is enough to boost their cognitive health!
Country Meadows Retirement Communities – York
Another top-rated community is Country Meadows Retirement Communities. They offer a resort-style living experience, featuring beautifully landscaped grounds, spacious accommodations, and a wide range of recreational and social opportunities.
Sunrise Of Mccandless – Pittsburgh
Sunrise of McCandless offers a nurturing and compassionate environment for seniors, with personalized care plans. They offer assisted living, memory care, and nursing home services for older adults.
Maidencreek Place – Reading
This retirement community provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere for seniors, offering comfortable living spaces, a caring staff, and a wide range of facilities to brag about! Maidencreek Place has often been rated as one of the best retirement communities in Pennsylvania.
Homestead Village – Lancaster
Homestead Village is a well-known retirement establishment. For those looking at a homely environment plus all the best amenities and services of top-notch retirement facilities, look into Homestead Village.
Woodcrest Villa – Lancaster
We saved the best for last. One of the best top-rated retirement communities, Woodcrest Villa, boasts a vibrant and comprehensive senior community featuring spacious rooms, and a wide range of recreational activities, promoting an active and rewarding retirement lifestyle.
How costly is retirement in Pennsylvania?
If you plan your financials well and know how to pay for senior care types like home care, for example, even the expensive will become affordable. That being said, let us take a look at the average cost of retirement in the Quaker State!
Assisted living – $4,350
Nursing home (private room) – $11,836
Nursing home (semi-private room) – $11,037
In-home care (homemaker services) – $5,259
Why not read about the financial insights that will help you navigate the path to your ideal retirement in Pennsylvania?
Final thoughts
So is Pennsylvania a good state to retire in? Without a sliver of thought, the answer should be yes! By now, we hope this blog article has made a compelling argument as to why you should earnestly be considering packing your bags and retiring in The Keystone State.
A state which is home to vibrant cities, quaint towns, and never-ending attractions, finding the golden years in Pennsylvania can be a fantasy made into reality. Let’s remember the best retirement communities and top locations that retirees can choose from and begin their journeys into a senior living!
And while you are at it, why not enhance your journey into the golden years with the following articles?
- Meditation for seniors
- Yoga for the elderly
- Core strength exercise for seniors
- Martial arts for seniors
FAQs
Is Pennsylvania an affordable place to retire?
Surprisingly Pennsylvania is a relatively affordable place to retire in. Pennsylvania has been named one of the best states to live in alongside Florida for retirees. The cost of living on average is 2%-3% lower than the national average.
How much money do I need to retire in Pennsylvania?
The amount of money needed to retire in Pennsylvania varies depending on factors like lifestyle, healthcare needs, and location. Those looking to retire in upscale senior communities will find it expensive when compared to affordable retirement homes. A good amount to have in the bank should be around $700,000 to have a comfortable retirement.
What part of PA is best to retire?
Depending on the budget of retirement and the specific requirements, Lancaster County is an excellent place for retirement. Seniors wishing to be smacked with fresh air and scenic routes can look into northeast Pennsylvania. In such regions, seniors can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking.
Do retirees pay state tax in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is very tax-friendly for retirees. Firstly, there is no tax on retirement income, like from 401k and IRA. Social Security income is also tax-exempt, just like with pension. It should be noted, however, that this exemption is only for older adults aged 60 or above.
