Erie, Scranton, Allentown named top “overlooked dream cities”

Pennsylvania cities nabbed three of the top five spots on GoodCall’s 2017 Overlooked Dream Cities.

The website analyzed cities with less than 300,00 residents, and rated them based on factors like crime rate, cost of living, amenities and walkability.

Erie landed in first overall, thanks to the low cost of living, which is 18.5 percent below the national average, as well as the city’s walkability. The city, nicknamed the Gem City, came in 71^st out of 461 cities on its walk score, which rates cities on how walkable they are. Erie was also applauded for its entertainment and attractions, such as the Erie Zoo, Erie Art Museum, UPMC Park and Presque Isle State Park.

Scranton, also known as the Electric City, came in second place. The city’s affordability helped it land so high on the list, as it is 20 percent below the national average cost of living. Additionally, Scranton scores high on the walkability list, and offers residents many bars and restaurants downtown. The city also hosts the Steamtown Marathon each October.

Allentown rounded out the top five of the list. Its higher population (120,000 making it the third-largest city in the commonwealth) doesn’t take away from what Allentown offers. The city landed in 37^th out of 461 cities for walkability, and the cost of living is 13 percent below the national average. With the new Riverfront district, the city offers even more stores, restaurants, offices and residential homes.

Other cities that made the top ten include Parma, Ohio, Appletown, Wis., Grand Rapids, Mich, Cicero, Ill., East Orange, N.J. and Green Bay, Wis.