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Quality of Life

Successful businesses know that quality employees are easier to attract and retain when they’re happy with their lives outside of work. The quality of life in Pennsylvania is exceptional on many counts. Businesses and employees alike appreciate the affordable land and housing costs, special tax incentives, and business-friendly attitude of our cities and small towns. The low crime rate, excellent schools, and top-notch healthcare also make Pennsylvania a great place to stay and raise a family.
Cultural and historic attractions, annual festivals, and plenty of professional sports mean there’s always something happening. Pennsylvania enjoys the beauty of all four seasons and offers many forests and parks for outdoor fun.

Affordable cost of living - Pennsylvania offers a low cost of living. The median housing value is at least $30,000 less than the national average. As an example, the national average house value is $134,100 and in Pittsburgh, the average is $92,600. Many other areas are even lower, such as $86,200 in Erie and $76,700 in Altoona.

Best places to work - Every year, Pennsylvania releases a study of the commonwealth’s 100 best places to work among medium- and large-sized companies.

Nature and outdoors – Nature lovers will find over 17 million acres of forest and 83,000 miles of rivers and scenic streams in the Pennsylvania Wilds. From the mountain woodlands of Allegheny National Forest, to historic towns with antiques and B&Bs – not to mention herds of free-roaming elk – the Wilds has something for everyone. Even when you're in the city, you're never far from the finest woodlands and natural areas in America.

History, the arts and entertainment - Pennsylvania can truly say "George Washington slept here." From Valley Forge to Braddock's Trail, Pennsylvania is the keystone to U.S. history. Cultural events are also remarkably diverse. You’ll find everything from dance to jazz to incredible street festivals and amusement parks at VisitPA.com.

Home of America’s “Most Livable City” – In 2007, Pittsburgh was named “Most Livable City” in Rand McNally’s Places Rated Almanac. It was the second time the city received the honor. Just one year earlier, Money magazine named Pittsburgh one of the “Best Places to Live.” Among its charms are a low cost of living, abundant cultural activities and several notable public and private universities.

Advanced Health Care – Pennsylvania is known throughout the world for the caliber of its health care. The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh’s Allegheny General Hospital are ranked among the best hospitals by US News & World Report. In addition, UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh is renowned for organ transplantation.

Professional Sports – Whatever sport you follow, Pennsylvania has something to cheer about. There are seven professional sports teams in the Commonwealth: the Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL), five-time Super Bowl winners, and the Philadelphia Eagles (NFL); the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA); the Philadelphia Flyers(NHL) and the Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL); and the Philadelphia Phillies (MLB) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB).