Read This Before You Search for Homes for Sale in Pennsylvania

When someone decides they want to move to a new area, having a lot of questions is normal. For those considering homes for sale in Pennsylvania, there are a few questions that seem to come up more often than others.

Addressing these common inquiries can help anyone with a desire to move to the Keystone State to better prepare as they house hunt.

Is Pennsylvania a Good State to Live in?

Pennsylvania is part of the Northeastern region of the United States. It also is on a Great Lake and contains portions of the Appalachian Mountains. In U.S. News and World Report rankings of states, it ranks highly for healthcare and public safety.

Pennsylvania is also an area that is growing in industry, with plenty of job opportunities. It is great for education, being home to the University of Pennsylvania and Carnegie Mellon University, among other higher education institutions.

Pennsylvania has a rich American history, as it was one of the 13 original colonies. There is natural beauty throughout the varied regions of the state. The state is also home to the oldest Amish settlement in the country.

Finally, the state has a decent cost of living. In 2024, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development reported that the median income needed to live comfortably in the state was $77,173.

What Is the Best Place to Live in Pennsylvania?

Each person will have their own preferences and ideas about what makes an area the best. However, looking at common considerations people make when moving to a new area can help to identify the more preferred areas. These include:

Crime rate
School quality
Employment opportunities
Recreation
Transportation
Healthcare availability

U.S. News and World Report publishes a list of the best places to live in each state. For those looking at homes for sale in Pennsylvania, it can help to check out the cities that rated highly.

Harrisburg

Harrisburg was rated as the top city due to easy access to various outdoor recreation sites and other popular attractions, such as Hersheypark and Amish Country. The city also has an affordable cost of living with reasonable housing costs. People who live here also usually have very short commutes to work.

Pittsburgh

The second-highest ranked Pennsylvania city was Pittsburgh. This city has endless possibilities for employment, and a cheap housing market. It is growing quickly and the quality of life is continuously increasing.

Lancaster

Lancaster came in at number three on the list of best places to live in Pennsylvania. This town is rather rural with a lot of farmland. However, it is also home to abundant career opportunities, such as those at the Kellogg's plant or Mars Chocolate North America. Like the other cities on the list, the cost of living is low.

Other Places of Note

Looking beyond this list, other areas that people often bring up as the best places to live in the state include:

The Poconos
Scranton
Kennett Square
Glen Mills
Chadds Ford

To find the best Pennsylvania real estate for yourself, you have to consider your needs and wants. Then, you can check out some of these top cities to see which one suits you.

What Is the Average House Cost in Pennsylvania?

The housing market is ever-changing, so providing the average house cost depends on the current date. A look at median rates for homes for sale in PA may be an easier way to get an idea of the general pricing for homes for sale in Pennsylvania, since average prices can fluctuate greatly.

As of March 2024, the median home value was $224,757. Remember, the median list price is the very middle figure in all the different home prices. It means half of all homes for sale in Pennsylvania sold for more and half sold for less than this number.

It can help you to get a better idea of housing costs in the state if you consider how Pennsylvania compares on a national level. The U.S. Census Bureau reported the median home price in the United States as of March 2024 was $430,700.

This is a clear indicator that homes for sale in PA have a much lower price tag than the national average. Just keep in mind when looking for homes for sale in Pennsylvania that sales prices vary based on different factors, such as age, condition, and the current real estate market. They can fluctuate widely, but in general, this state will typically have homes that come in below the national median.

What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a House in PA?

To buy homes for sale in Pennsylvania, you need to get approved for a mortgage. Many factors go into securing a home loan:

Debt-to-income ratio
Down payment
Work history
Value of home
Credit score

Your credit score is one of those factors that could lead to an instant denial. Most lenders would like to see a specific score, and some special home buying programs have a set minimum score a person must have to get approval.

A Federal Housing Administration loan is a common option for buyers who need lower closing costs and who may not have a lot of money for a down payment. These loans have many requirements, including meeting a minimum credit score. In general, you should have a credit score of at least 580.

For a conventional loan through a traditional lender, the credit score requirement is usually a minimum of 620. However, keep in mind that the type of loan and the other factors the lender considers can impact the credit score the lender wants you to have for approval.

Find the Right Homes for Sale in Pennsylvania

As you look at real estate for sale in Pennsylvania, there are many questions you will have. However, in order to get the process moving, you need to start looking at houses.

Nestfully offers a great search engine, packed with listings for sale throughout the state. You can tailor your searches to meet your needs and location preference. Check us out today and let us help you find your new home.