Keystone Blog
Known as the Keystone State, Pennsylvania is a great place to live. It offers stunning natural beauty, a low cost of living, and many educational and job opportunities. Residents are friendly, and there are many beautiful homes scattered across the state, whether you prefer a small-town feel or city living.
As one of the oldest states in America, the state has a rich history and cultural heritage. There are many historic sites, museums, music venues, and more, so there's always something new to do. Learn more about the Keystone State and whether it's a good fit for you and your family.
Pennsylvania is one of the most affordable states in the U.S. Compared to many other places, it has lower health care and grocery costs. Property taxes are higher than average, but the state offers special tax cuts for retirees.
One reason Pennsylvania is considered so affordable is its location. Two of the states nearby, New York and New Jersey, are extremely expensive places to live. Many individuals enjoy Pennsylvania because it's close to large cities like D.C. and NYC but is less expensive. It's possible to work out of state while living here, creating a wide margin between income and living expenses.
The Keystone State has many educational opportunities for your family. Several well-known universities include the University of Pennsylvania, Penn State, and Carnegie Mellon. There are also many quality options for K-12 education, ranging from private to public schools, charter schools, and homeschooling.
Some major industries in Pennsylvania include education, health care, technology, energy, agriculture, and manufacturing. These diverse industries have created a strong economy with many opportunities to make a living. According to stats from Pennsylvania's Department of Community & Economic Development, nearly 38% of households earn more than the national median income annually.
Pennsylvania is a wonderful state for families. In fact, a survey by Consumer Affairs named Pennsylvania one of the top five best states to raise a family in 2025. In addition to having diverse education options and a strong economy, there are many fun activities that are perfect for family vacations and day trips. Examples include Hersheypark, Knoebels, Kennywood, and the Carnegie Science Center. Whether you want an educational opportunity or a theme park, Pennsylvania has options for everyone.
The many beautiful parks and hiking trails make it easy to spend time outside together. Regardless of where you live in Pennsylvania, there's access to nature and hobbies that will keep your whole household active.
The average temperatures in Pennsylvania are 10-40 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and 60-90 degrees during the summer. This varies based on location, with northern cities like Scranton and Erie measuring cooler than southern cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
Pennsylvania offers diverse landscapes, from mountains to forests, lakes, rivers, and farmland. Although it doesn't have a coastline itself, residents who live on the east side are relatively close to the beach in adjoining states. Many people love living in the Keystone State because of its outdoor activities — from hiking and fishing to skiing and kayaking, there are a wide variety of recreational choices.
Some incredible parks to visit include:
If you love the outdoors, Pennsylvania is a wonderful state to call home. You may find it challenging to choose which outdoor opportunities to prioritize because there are so many — the good news is that living in the state lets you take as much time as you want to check these destinations off your bucket list.
Pennsylvania is the second oldest state in the U.S., after Delaware. Formed in 1787, it was a pivotal place for early American history — it's where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the Constitutional Convention was held. Because so many historic events happened here, there are many interesting sites and museums to visit in the area.
Pennsylvania is named after William Penn, a Quaker who believed in religious freedom. He established it as a place where people could live and worship the way they wanted, without punishment from the government. At the time, his ideas were revolutionary. Many countries in Europe had an established religion that people were required to follow.
Many Quakers moved to Pennsylvania because of this religious liberty, and the area became a hot spot for abolitionists who helped enslaved people escape during the Civil War. The most significant Civil War battle site in the state is Gettysburg, located south of Harrisburg, and it's well worth a visit.
The best places to live in PA depend on the lifestyle you prefer. In addition to wonderful places to live, the state offers many exciting cities and towns for weekend getaways. If you don't want to travel far from home, you can explore the following vibrant areas for culture, good food, and a memorable trip:
Many people also enjoy visiting Amish country in Lancaster County. You can learn more about the Amish way of life, experience a buggy ride, and explore the many markets that offer baked goods and other handmade products.
At Keystone Custom Homes, we help families build their dream homes in prime locations from the mid-Atlantic to the Southeast. Many of our Pennsylvania homes are located near Harrisburg, Lancaster, and Philadelphia in the southeast part of the state.
When you work with us, we'll help you find the right homesite and floorplan based on your family's needs. Our Designers can help you add custom touches to make the home your own, and we'll communicate with you throughout construction. Once your home is complete, we'll walk through it with you to ensure everything is just right.
Contact us today at 717-368-9831 to get started on your dream home in the Keystone State!
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