Here are some of the things you should consider if you are looking into retiring in Pennsylvania.
Cost of Living
Pennsylvania ranks 32nd on the list of most expensive states to live in. Our cost of living index is based on a US average of 100. An amount below 100 means Pennsylvania is cheaper than the US average. A cost of living index above 100 means Pennsylvania is more expensive than the US average. Pennsylvania’s index is 101.7. The average home in Pennsylvania costs $173,700 compared to the national average of $231,200. Here are the average costs of renting in Pennsylvania. A studio apartment rents for $700 per month. One-Bedrooms rents for $807. Two-Bedrooms rents for $999 per month. Three-Bedrooms rents for $1,272 per month. The average energy bill for residents is $107 per month.
Climate
Pennsylvania experiences a humid continental climate with hot and humid summers and cold winters in the majority of the state. The southeast corner displays a humid subtropical climate due to the diverse topography of the state. Pennsylvania, the Keystone State, is part of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast states of America and consists of mountains, high plains, rivers, river valleys, coastal plains, lakes, and many other natural features. The Appalachian Mountains divide the state into two parts – the western part is colder than the east and is more rainy and snowy.
Pennsylvania has summer day temperatures in the 75°F to 95°F range, while nights are in 55°F to 70°F span. Winter highs are 33°F to 45°F, while lows register in the 19°F to 30°F range. July is the peak of summer, which rarely touches 100°F, while January is the trough of winter when the temperatures often go below 0°F. The mountainous interior of Pennsylvania is cold during the winter; the west – particularly the northwest areas near Lake Erie receives abundant snowfall over 100″ and heavy rainfall. Pennsylvania has evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year that averages 42″. July receives peak rainfall, while February is the snowiest month of the year. Snowfall registers 23″ statewide with the mountains and highlands recording far more than the average. Eastern valleys that lie on the leeward side of the mountains record less rain and warm temperatures. Pennsylvania receives ample rainfall with an average of 180 days of sunshine during the year – cloudy skies are common in the state throughout the year.
Taxes
Pennsylvania exempts all forms of retirement income from taxation for residents 60 and older. That can mean thousands of dollars in annual savings as compared with other states in the region. It also has relatively low sales taxes. Some ways in which Pennsylvania is not quite so retirement tax-friendly: It has an inheritance tax, and property taxes are higher than average. There are no taxes on Social Security retirement benefits in Pennsylvania. Retirees with income from other sources may still be required to pay federal income taxes on Social Security, however.
For most retirees and all seniors, income from retirement accounts, which includes 401(k)s and IRAs, is fully exempt. Income from pensions is also exempt for anyone who is more than 59.5 years old. So if you are 65 and receive $15,000 annually in Social Security retirement benefits, $10,000 in pension income and another $20,000 from your IRA, you will not have to pay state taxes on your income in Pennsylvania. Keep in mind, however, that you may have to pay federal taxes.
The average effective property tax rate in Pennsylvania is 1.58%, which ranks as the 12th highest in the U.S. Some of the highest rates in the state are found in the Pittsburgh area. Allegheny County has an average effective property tax rate of 2.06%. However, there are property tax relief programs that will help lower the bill for seniors throughout the state.
Senior citizens in Pennsylvania may qualify for a rebate on their property taxes or rent if they meet certain requirements. First and foremost, they must be at least 65 years old. The program is also available to widows and widowers 50 and older and people 18 and older with disabilities. These Pennsylvania residents must also have income no greater than $35,000 if they own their home. For renters, the income limit is $15,000. That income includes 50% of Social Security retirement benefits, along with income from any other source.
Seniors who meet these criteria will receive a rebate of between $250 and $650 to help offset property taxes. The size of the rebate depends on income. If you earn $8,000 or less per year, you receive the full rebate. If you earn more than $18,000, you receive a $250 rebate. Between those levels the rebate is $500 (income of $8,001 to $15,000) and $300 (income of $15,001 to $18,000). Another property tax relief program that benefits all Pennsylvania homeowners is the state property tax reduction allocation. This is a state-funded homestead exclusion that reduces taxable values across the states. The amounts vary by county. In 2017, the exclusion saved homeowners in some counties more than $300.
The statewide sales tax rate is 6%, which is relatively high. Only two local governments have their own sales taxes in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia County has an additional 2% rate and Allegheny County (which contains Pittsburgh) has an additional 1% rate. Elsewhere in the state, the rate is 6%. Additionally, retirees in Pennsylvania benefit from a number of exemptions on common products. Clothing, groceries, prescription drugs and residential fuels are all exempt from the Pennsylvania sales tax. Pennsylvania retirees who are planning their estate should be aware of the state’s inheritance tax. This tax affects the recipients of any inheritance, who must pay a portion of the value of the property they receive in taxes. The inheritance tax rate varies depending on the relationship of the inheritor to the decedent. The tax is 4.5% for direct descendants, such as children and grandchildren, 12% for siblings and 15% for anyone else.
Things To Do
Andy Warhol was a Pittsburgh-born artist who was a leading figure in the Pop Art artistic movement. The Andy Warhol Museum is a seven-story structure containing an extensive permanent collection of his works as well as a large archive of documents relating to Warhol himself. The Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center is the starting point for any visit to the Gettysburg Battlefield, a site crucial in the American Civil War. The museum and visitor center are located in the Gettysburg National Military Park and have ranger-led programs and are both a depot for bus tours of the battlefield as well as the place to purchase field guides and CDs for self-guided tours.
Reading Terminal Market is an enclosed public market next to Philadelphia’s downtown Convention Center. It is situated in Reading Terminal’s former train shed and has been there since 1890. Over one hundred merchants offer mouth-watering food, home-baked goods, and much more. The Lackawanna County Coal Mine in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is a retired coal mine that offers guided tours of the mine and a glimpse into what mine conditions used to be like. In a mine car, visitors descend into the Clark coal vein on an hour-long tour and can view mine tunnels and learn about anthracite mining.
Food
Thinly sliced and griddle-fried beef, with or without onions, topped with Cheez Whiz, American or provolone (you choose), and piled into a long crusty roll this is the Philly icon. Though Pat’s and Geno’s are the household names, many locals prefer John’s Roast Pork, where the steak is cooked to order and the rolls are seeded. The family-run sandwich shack has been around since the 1930s, and though named for another classic Philly sandwich, it’s the local go-to spot for cheesesteaks too. Pierogies are a regional tradition, especially near the Polish Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Apteka, a sleek but homespun spot, is giving new life to the Eastern European dish. Apteka has both the typical mushroom-and-sauerkraut pierogies and a more innovative smoked potato with briny turnip and mustard greens.
Like an herbier and slightly minty cousin to root beer, birch beer (in creamy red, brown and clear options) is available throughout Pennsylvania Dutch Country. It’s made with the sap of birch trees, which is distilled to make birch oil or extract. The classic brown birch is Reading Draft’s most-popular flavor, which you can pick up just a couple of miles from the soda company’s factory at Say Cheese! Restaurant in West Reading. Eat this sticky-sweet pie on a back porch in the summertime and the name makes sense (the less charming reason for the name is the Shoo Fly molasses brand popular in the late 19th century). The “wet-bottom” molasses pie that Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, loves best has a thin pastry crust on the bottom, a sugary crumb cake topping and a middle-layer of thickened molasses that gets cooked until it’s just set but still gooey. Go to Zig’s Bakery in Lancaster Central Market for the standard-setting version of the Pennsylvania Dutch classic. You can get a mini pie to enjoy with a cup of coffee at the market, or pick up a whole pie to take home.
Transportation
Public transportation is available in every county in Pennsylvania, with a wide range of services including Fixed-route transit service in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, 21 small urban areas and 22 rural areas. 44 systems offering shared-ride services in all Pennsylvania counties. 13 intercity bus routes. There are over 20 Amtrak station in Pennsylvania located in the cities of Altoona, Ardmore, Coatesville, Cornwells Heights, Downingtown, Connellsville, Elizabethtown, Exton, Greensburg, Harrisburg, Huntingdon, Johnstown, Lancaster, Latrobe, Lewistown, Middletown, Mount Joy, Paoli, Parkesburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, North Philadelphia, and Tyrone. There are two main airports in Pennsylvania the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia International Airport.
Communities
Traditions of America at Sewickley Ridge in Sewickley, Pennsylvania welcomes homebuyers aged 55 and better. Situated near Pittsburgh this active adult community offers the best of both worlds: a quiet neighborhood close to exciting city life. True to Traditions of America s reputation, this well-designed community will offer resort-style amenities that allow active adults to stay physically and socially active. With a full-time lifestyle director, residents throughout Traditions of America at Sewickley Ridge will enjoy a variety of clubs, activities, and events held throughout the year. Homebuyers looking for a low-maintenance, new construction home can select from a variety of thoughtfully designed single-family and attached floor plans. With breathtaking views and carefree living, it’s easy to see why Traditions of America at Sewickley Ridge is ideal for today’s active adult.
Once built, Traditions of America at Sewickley Ridge will have an exclusive clubhouse for its residents. This 7,700 square-foot facility is planned to have a heated outdoor pool, fitness center with locker rooms, and sauna. The clubhouse will be the hub of social activity with a card room, billiards, sports bar, and catering kitchen. Residents will enjoy staying fit outdoors with the walking and biking trails that are planned to sprawl throughout the community.
Construction of Traditions of America at Sewickley Ridge began in 2013 and plans to have 241 residences. Active adult homebuyers can choose new construction attached cottages or single-family homes built by Traditions of America. There are five attached floor plans that range in size from approximately 1,261 to 1,643 square feet with at least two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an attached two-car garage. Buyers can customize their homes by adding an optional second-floor that offers an extra bedroom and bathroom, perfect for guests.
The single-family homes range in size from approximately 1,274 to 2,314 square feet with at least two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an attached two-car garage. Single-family homes also offer second-floor options that provide an extra bedroom and bathroom. Homeowners will enjoy living in homes with maintenance-free exteriors, first-floor master suites, and oversized garages. These well-designed residences have energy-saving appliances and patios or decks. Landscaping, weeding, and lawn mowing are taken care of, giving homeowners a truly laidback lifestyle.
Now that homeowners don’t have to worry about outdoor chores, they will have more time to enjoy their favorite hobbies and explore new interests. Traditions of America at Sewickley Ridge will have an activities director that will plan all of the exciting events, classes, and trips for the community. Whether you want to attend a happy hour, fitness class, or book discussion, there will be activities sure to spark your interests.
Traditions of America at Sewickley Ridge is situated in the North Hills suburb of Sewickley, Pennsylvania. Located on Duff Road, the community enjoys a convenient location just 12 miles away from Pittsburgh. Living so close to Pittsburgh offers never-ending entertainment with historic attractions, theaters, and culture at your fingertips. Outdoor recreation is abundant with North Park and Kennywood Park nearby. Living in a North Hills suburb offers great shopping opportunities at Beaver Valley Mall, Cranberry Mall, and Mall at Robinson. Pittsburgh International Airport is about 30 minutes away from Sewickley, allowing hassle-free travel for long-distance trips. With so much to do and see in the surrounding area, it’s easy to see why homebuyers are flocking to Traditions of America at Sewickley Ridge. Homes in Traditions of America at Sewickley Ridge range in price from the high $400s to the mid $500s.
Wildflowers at Hillview is a sought-after active adult community in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. This 55+ community in Chester County, formerly known as “Villages at Hillview,” offers a variety of home styles available as both new construction and resale. Residents enjoy low-maintenance home ownership in a vibrant active adult community. Since 2003, Orleans Homes has been developing Wildflowers at Hillview based on the needs and desires of working adults and retirees. Its thoughtful community plan includes indoor and outdoor facilities throughout five amenity centers.
The 16,000 square-foot clubhouse is the newest and largest facility in the community. It includes a ballroom and catering kitchen for special events, craft room, and billiards room. There is also a game room with poker tables, perfect for card nights and board games. Unlike most 55+ communities in Pennsylvania, the fitness center is a separate facility from the clubhouse. Here residents can enjoy working out at their own pace or join a group exercise class. Yearlong swimming is available with an indoor pool and spa as well as an outdoor pool and spa. The third amenity center in Wildflowers at Hillview is The Lodge. This is the second-newest facility and hosts events in the reception hall and computers in the tech center. There is even a library that provides a cozy place to read or start a book club.
The Cabin is one of the oldest buildings found in the community. It offers great indoor amenities like two game rooms, billiards tables, and two televisions. Just outside of The Cabin are a picnic grove, bocce ball court, and horseshoe pits. Lastly, The Cottage is a historic house that used to host farmworkers and their families. This charming home is now used for small gatherings with multi-purpose rooms and a catering kitchen. A reading room, which is now a library, offers an ideal location to catch up on the latest title. Wildflowers at Hillview is a thoughtful 55+ community that includes an amenity for everyone. Those looking to practice their overhand will enjoy using the tennis courts while others will enjoy the scenic ponds, community gardens, and trails throughout the grounds.
The first home within this active adult neighborhood was built in 2003. Orleans Homes built 672 residences. A variety of single-family and attached homes can be found on a resale-only basis. The villas are attached ranch-style homes situated in quad formations and offer between 1,529 and 1,659 square feet. Homes include two bedrooms and two bathrooms with an attached two-car garage. An optional second floor includes a third bedroom and bathroom, ideal for overnight guests.
Many townhomes have been built within Wildflowers at Hillview throughout the years. These multi-level attached home options range in size from 1,332 to 2,139 square feet. Homeowners can find a new or resale home that has two or three bedrooms, one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half bathrooms, and an attached garage. A variety of new resale single-family homes are available to homebuyers as well. These detached residences range in size from 1,448 to 2,311 square feet. They include two or three bedrooms, two or three bathrooms, and an attached two-car garage. All homes include first-floor master suites and many offer optional second levels.
The lifestyle offered in Wildflowers at Hillview caters to a variety of interests and hobbies. Groups that regularly meet include the arts and crafts club, Mah Jongg club, and quilting club. Those looking to stay physically active will enjoy attending an exercise class or challenging neighbors to a game of billiards, bocce ball, horseshoes, or tennis. Whether your interests include playing games like bridge, canasta, and poker or practicing your green thumb at the community garden, there is sure to be something to capture your attention while living in Wildflowers at Hillview.
Wildflowers at Hillview is located in Coatesville, Pennsylvania near Downingtown. Just down the road, residents have multiple travel options that include major roadways like the Coatesville Downingtown Bypass (Route 30) and public transportation via the Coatesville Amtrak Station. Coatesville is a charming city that holds community events like luncheons and volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Its prime location in Chester County offers many golf courses, recreational attractions, and historic landmarks within driving distance. When traveling farther is necessary, both New Castle Airport in Delaware and Philadelphia International Airport are about an hour’s drive away. Wildflowers at Hillview is an ideal 55+ community that combines low-maintenance homes and top-notch amenities in a peaceful, yet convenient location in Eastern Pennsylvania. Homes in Wildflowers at Hillview range in price from the low $200s to the low $400s.
Conclusion
If you were considering retiring in Pennsylvania I hope this helped you with your decision.
Whether looking to buy, sell or possibly both you need an agent that can help you reach your goals. If you need help finding an agent contact us and we can connect you to an agent on our list of the nation’s top real estate agents.