“Pennsylvania is great! I love the mountains, the forests, and the lovely townships throughout. Not to mention, my town is less than an hour away by car from Philadelphia. With all of the benefits that Pennsylvania offers, I’m not sure why anyone wouldn’t want to live there.” – John C.
Why Are People Moving to Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is a great place to live. It has mountains, forests, and townships with lovely scenery. If you’re considering where to move to and looking for a crisp and refreshing change of home, Pennsylvania might be what you’re looking for.
In the year 2006, more than 700,000 people moved from other states to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania had a net gain of 79,105 residents from migration, with the majority coming from New Jersey and Florida. New people moved in, and people already living in PA also chose to stay in Pennsylvania. The population of Pennsylvania grew by 196,817 people from July 2006 to July 2007.
Employment in Pennsylvania
A primary reason people move to Pennsylvania is for job opportunities. Pennsylvania is a great state to live in, and the labor market is thriving. There are over 1.2 million jobs available in Pennsylvania, and it’s one of the few states in the United States which has an unemployment rate of 9%. If you’re looking for a place to find a job and support yourself, moving to Pennsylvania would be the way to go.
This state, in particular, provides many graduate jobs in the area of business, engineering, and life sciences. One of the best aspects of living in Pennsylvania is plenty of jobs for young professionals to work their way up in their respective fields.
Pennsylvania is a great place to live and work, especially if you want to access the valuable resources the state has to offer. For example, this state offers many educational opportunities for students and access to top employers like Boeing and Lockheed Martin. These companies employ roughly 40,000 people in Pennsylvania today, which means that your children will have better opportunities than you’ve ever had before.
This state is renowned for its many industries, and it’s one of the most critical places for steel, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and glass and machines.
What are Taxes like in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania taxes are primarily the same as most states in the United States of America. If you’re moving to Pennsylvania, you’ll want to look up the tax brackets for your income level. This will help you determine how much of your earnings will be taxed, which is helpful when filing taxes on April 15th.
Sales Tax
Pennsylvania’s sales tax is going to depend on where you live. The state has a general sales tax rate of 6% statewide. However, that’s not the only factor determining your total cost when purchasing at a store. For example, if you’re buying an item from a clothing store in Pennsylvania, there will be an additional 2% sales tax since it falls under the category of “clothing and accessories.”
You’ll also need to pay a “local business tax” depending on where the store is located, which is why it’s always best to ask for more information about sales taxes before making your purchase.
Although Pennsylvania doesn’t have as cheap a sales tax as other states in the United States, it’s still a premier destination for new residents.
Income Tax
Pennsylvania holds an income tax rate of 3.07% for all taxpayers.
So if you wanted to calculate the amount you have to pay, it would look something like this: 100 x .0307 = $3.07 ____and then pay that amount as your state tax.
Property Tax
The state assesses tax on all properties, whether owned by landlords or tenants. These taxes are recorded by the county authorities and collected by the state on behalf of the county where the property is situated.
If you’re moving to Pennsylvania, you’ll need to know how taxes are different from other states. The residential property taxes are around 1%. This may seem high, but it’s lower than average compared to other states. When you finally settle down and secure a home for yourself, pay attention to how much you pay for taxes. If you find that your yearly payments are higher than expected, take the necessary steps to lower them.
Other taxes in Pennsylvania include car registration fees, estate tax, capital stock/franchise tax (based on net worth), public utility tax (a percentage based on receipts less operating expenses), workers’ compensation, and unemployment compensation.
Exploring everything Pennsylvania has to offer
If you like visiting new places and exploring different parts of the world, it only makes sense to explore around Pennsylvania! This state has gorgeous scenery and is home to many natural wonders.
Pennsylvania also has a plethora of amenities for people who are looking for more than just nature-related activities.
There are so many indoor activities that can be enjoyed from concerts, arts and crafts, skiing, etc. The outdoors have so much to offer from its natural beauty, water activities, parks, camping sites, etc.
The best part is that while you’re exploring a new destination, you’ll still recognize places because they will look somewhat familiar since Pennsylvania is one of the most popular states in the US!
Historical Things To See In Pennsylvania
There are a plethora of historical things to see in Pennsylvania! Here are some examples of the most popular places to visit:
- Independence Hall: If you’re interested in learning more about the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and all other related documents, this is one of the best places to visit. This is because it’s where they were signed and ratified. There are plenty of historical buildings, monuments, and museums that can give you lots of information on American history.
- The Liberty Bell: This is a famous symbol of the United States. It’s been around since 1752, and it’s been used numerous times to signify different events throughout history. This year, it will be displayed at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia from April 2nd-September 18th.
- Gettysburg Civil War Battlefields: This battle took place between Union and Confederate soldiers and is seen as one of the single most essential battles in US history. With over 51,000 casualties during the 3-day war, it’s something that will always be remembered.
- Visit the Colonial City of York: This is a town in Pennsylvania known for its historical significance. It has lots of small shops on its streets, and it’s great for people who love to explore the olden days. There are also some excellent eateries around if you’re looking for something more than just antique stores.
- Watkins Mill: This is a historic site that used to be a gristmill in 1810. The grounds of this place cover 100 acres of fun things to see and do. You can visit a blacksmith shop, museum, petting zoo, golf course, the mill itself, etc.
- Jim Thorpe: This is where Jim Thorpe was born. Even if you don’t know who he is by name, you’ve probably heard of him from some sport or another. He was an Olympic athlete, as well as a football and baseball player back in the day.
Outdoor Activities in Pennsylvania
There are a lot of different outdoor activities to enjoy in Pennsylvania! Some of the most popular include:
- Camping: Pennsylvania has many different campsites, so there’s sure to be one that will suit your needs. If you fancy escaping from the whirl and rush of everyday life, then this is one way to do it.
- Boating/Sailing: Pennsylvania isn’t called “The Shore” for nothing! This state offers lots of water activities for people looking for a little more excitement. You can even rent a kayak or a boat if you don’t have your own.
- Caves: There are loads of caves all over Pennsylvania, and they offer something unique to see in each area. Whether you want to go caving or see the entrance, there is something for everyone here.
- Hiking: There are quite a few different hiking trails, so it’s easy to find one that will suit your needs. You can venture on some short hikes or long ones- whatever you want!
- Fishing: Fishing is most likely the most popular activity in Pennsylvania after camping and hiking because there are bodies of water all around the state. You can go ice fishing or canoeing, or do it from the shore. The possibilities are endless!
- National Parks: Pennsylvania has three national parks that are worth seeing if you’re into nature and history. They are all within close quarters of each other, making them perfect for an all-inclusive trip.
Things to Eat in PA!
There are many different styles of cuisine in Pennsylvania, and they’re all delicious! You can find anything from Italian to Chinese and all points in between. The cooking has been influenced by the many different cultures that have passed through Pennsylvania over the years. There’s never a shortage of fantastic food in Pennsylvania! Some of the most popular styles are:
- Italian: America is full of Italian food, but Pennsylvania is home to some seriously delicious dishes. You can’t go wrong with an authentic cannoli or pizza.
- Chinese: Some people think that the best Chinese food in the world is found across the country in California, but they’re wrong. That’s because the best Chinese food is smack bang in Philadelphia!
- Pizza: Philadelphia is where you have to go if you want some of the best pizza in the world, hands down. You can get Chicago-style or New York food here, but it’s all about having an authentic Philly cheesesteak pie. Yum!
- Philly Cheesesteak: You can’t go wrong with a classic! This sandwich is stuffed with steak, peppers, cheese, and anything else you want to throw in there. It’s great for lunch, dinner or whenever!
- Pennsylvania Dutch Cuisine: This cuisine is so delicious, and it’s the biggest surprise because people think of Pennsylvania as all about Philadelphian food. But there’s a lot more going on if you know where to look.
There’s way more delicious cuisine in Pennsylvania than you would imagine! Whatever your taste buds desire, there will be plenty of options to choose from as long as you know where to look.
Sports in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania plays host to the full spectrum of widespread sports genres (in fact, one of our former sports arenas was The Spectrum). Regardless of what tickles your fancy, there is no shortage of teams to root for.
- Philadelphia Flyers: This ice hockey team has been playing professionally since 1967, and they’re now one of the NHL’s six original teams. They’ve assembled talented players over the years but have never won a Stanley Cup Championship.
- Philadelphia Union: This soccer team was founded in 2008, and it now holds an important place in the MLS (Major League Soccer). They’ve had some success with their teams, but they’ve never won a Championship.
- Pittsburgh Penguins: This ice hockey team was founded in 1967 and has become one of the NHL’s best teams despite not winning a Stanley Cup Championship since 1991.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: This football team is the most popular professional team in Pennsylvania today. They were founded in 1933 and have won 6 Championships since then, which is quite an impressive feat considering how long they’ve been around.
- Philadelphia Eagles: This NFL (National Football League) team was established in 1933 and has won 3 Championship games since then.
It’s only natural that there are many different teams to choose from when you’re looking for something to watch, even if it’s just for fun!
East Coast Easy Access
The state is the gateway to the North East, which means you’re never more than an hour or two away from the rush of New York City, where you can find enormous city life benefits. It’s also close to Washington, DC, which is a trendy destination for people in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Weather
The climate in Pennsylvania varies depending on the location. For example, portions of the state experience humid and hot summers and cold and snowy winters. Conversely, other parts have an average temperature of 49.5 degrees Fahrenheit, warmer than people might expect for this state.
It’s important to remember that the weather can change quickly too, which is why you should always be prepared. People usually like to keep their eyes on the skies because it might be sunny one moment and rainy the next. It tends to cool down at night, but that doesn’t mean you won’t see temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the nighttime hours either.
It’s normal for snowstorms to hit Pennsylvania twice a year, and they can last for days at a time. This is because of the high altitudes in some parts of this state, which lead to intense winters, while other areas receive very little annual snowfall.
Bigger cities like Scranton, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh are exceptions because they’re situated in the higher altitudes, meaning you can expect significant snowfall.
Where Are You Moving From?
A person might be thinking about moving to Pennsylvania for a variety of reasons. Perhaps they want to escape the heat or cold of their current location, or maybe they want more educational opportunities for their children. They might also be looking for a job and need to find a lot available somewhere because the unemployment rate is so high where you currently are.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to remember that you should plan your move carefully and take your time to assess what you want from your life. You can’t expect something terrible to happen if you don’t research the area before moving there!
Philadelphia VS Pittsburgh?
This is a tricky question, but here are some things to consider if you want to make your decision. Philadelphia has a population of over one million people, while Pittsburgh has less than one-third of that. If you’re looking for culture, then Pittsburgh is probably the best option because it has more museums and theaters in the area. On the other hand, Philadelphia is known for its rich history, art museums, and food scene.
Pittsburgh will be the better option if you’re really into science because Penn State University is in both cities. Penn State research centers in Philadelphia study food policy, agriculture, education, and animal welfare.
Average Income in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh has a higher average income than Philadelphia. In Pittsburgh, the median household income is $59,382, significantly higher than the median income in Philadelphia at $53,078.
Average Cost of Living in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh
The average cost of living in Pittsburgh is $32,890, much cheaper than $39,932 in Philadelphia.
Three-Bed Homes in Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh
- Purchase: The average three-bedroom home cost in Philadelphia is $261,570. The average three-bedroom home in Pittsburgh costs about $174,084.
- Rental: The average three-bedroom home rent rate in Philadelphia is $1,750. The average three-bedroom home rent rate in Pittsburgh is $1,238.
So, Are You Ready to Move to Pennsylvania?
Now that we’ve given you insight into what Pennsylvania has to offer, are you ready to make a move? DTC Movers is here to assist! We can provide you with a free long-distance moving quote with no strings attached when you’re ready to move. Call us today, and we’ll set you on your move to PA!
