Pennsylvania is one of just four commonwealth states in the USA, which means it places the well-being of its citizens above all else. The state slogan ‘Find Your Happiness’ only accentuates the state’s focus on peace and prosperity for all.
These characteristics, along with excellent schools and appealing natural spaces, make Pennysylvania a great choice for those looking for a family-friendly environment for raising their children.
Read on to explore the best places to live in Pennsylvania for families.
Devon
According to Niche, Devon is the best place to raise a family in Pennsylvania. Despite the high home prices in this affluent suburb, 97% of the residents own their homes.
This stable environment creates a great sense of community in this small suburb that is home to just under 2,000 people. The best schools in the area include the following:
- Conestoga High School
- Valley Forge Middle School
- Devon Elementary School
- Hillside Elementary School
- Tredyffrin-Eastown Middle School
It’s a beautiful suburb offering easy access to the bustle of Philadelphia and is just five miles away from the King of Prussia Mall, which is the second-largest in the USA. The 20-acre Jenkins Arboretum is a wonderful place for nature lovers to enjoy hundreds of birds flitting among the flowers and the chance to spot foxes, turtles, and hawks.
The area has a thriving equestrian community and hosts the annual Devon Horse Show, which is supported by competitors from around the country.
Arts and culture await exploration at the American Historical Theater as well as nearby Villanova and Lafayette Hill. The town has an intimate restaurant scene, with a few cafés as well as international eateries.
Chesterbrook
This small town has topped Niche’s list of best places to live in America for four years in a row. It’s located just outside Philadelphia and has a population of just 4,800 people.
The low population numbers ensure a tight-knit community feel, and there are several A+-rated schools in the area, namely:
- Conestoga Senior High School
- Valley Forge Middle School
- Valley Forge Elementary School
It’s a reasonably affluent neighborhood with a median household income of $130,000, where over 70% of residents own their homes. Chesterbrook Academy is the only private school in this suburb.
Upscale houses, condos, and apartments dominate the green landscapes in Chesterbrook, while the Valley Forge National Historical Park offers an escape to nature along the northern boundary of the city.
The King of Prussia Mall with its world-class shops and restaurants is just a few minutes away, and the SEPTA rail service offers convenient access to Philadelphia.
Penn Wynne
Following hot on the heels of Cheserbrook when it comes to top neighborhoods, Penn Wynne holds pride of place on the western perimeter of Philadelphia within the suburb of Wynnewood. It has a population of 5,932 people, and 87% of them own their homes.
The top public schools in Penn Wyne include:
- Lower Merion High School
- Bala Cynwyd Middle School
- Penn Wynne School
There are three highly-rated private schools in Penn Wynne, including a Jewish Day School, and a kindergarten.
Penn Wynne is about a mile from the Overbrook train station, allowing for an easy commute into the city, and it boasts an excellent walkability score. It’s also easy to access family-friendly restaurants, services, and shopping from here.
The wide sidewalks of Penn Wynne are always abuzz with people walking their dogs, cycling, or jogging, which further enhances the sense of community.
If you’ve had enough of life in busy cities like Harrisburg, PA, finding a buyer for your home and moving to the quiet suburb of Penn Wynne is a great option for you.
Pittsburgh
If you prefer the city scene, Pittsburgh is an excellent option for raising your family. It’s a friendly, mid-sized city with plenty of employment opportunities, especially in the tech and robotics industries.
You’ll pay a lot less for a home here than you will in Silicon Valley, but you could still enjoy the benefits of working for major corporations like Google.
There’s no shortage of excellent schools in Pittsburgh, either. Some of the best ones include:
- Fairview Elementary School
- Eisenhower Elementary School
- Markham Elementary School
- Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy
- Mt. Lebanon Senior High School
The best private schools in the city include Shady Side Academy, Winchester Thurston School, and Sewickley Academy.
Kids love the annual Roboworld exhibit and other wonders on offer at the Carnegie Science Center, while the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium are perennial favorites.
Paddling a kayak through the center of downtown is a unique activity on offer in the city, but you’ll find plenty of other family-friendly activities on offer, too. These include:
- Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- Kennywood Amusement Park
- Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
- Idlewild and Soak Zone
- The National Aviary
It’s the perfect place for a fresh start if you’re a newly single parent wanting a brighter future for your kids.
Fox Chapel
Located just outside Pittsburgh, Fox Chapel is the best way to combine city attractions with a peaceful suburban lifestyle. Fox Chapel has just over 5,000 residents and is an affluent area where 96% of people own their homes.
Top public schools in Fox Chapel include:
- Fox Chapel Area High School
- Fairview Elementary School
- O’Hara Elementary School
Residents of Fox Chapel have access to the best private schools in Pittsburgh, too. It’s a beautiful place that was once home to sprawling mansions and many green spaces, many of which are still around today.
The suburb is completely residential, apart from schools, churches, and private clubs. It owns over 300 acres of parkland where residents can enjoy walking, bird watching, or relaxing outdoors. This parkland system connects with the Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve and five acres of parkland in McCahill Park for recreational activities, too.
It’s the perfect place for those who place a high emphasis on natural outdoor family pursuits.
Moving to One of the Best Places to Live in Pennsylvania for Families
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