Harrisburg, Lancaster land in top 50 best places to live

Harrisburg and Lancaster nabbed the two highest spots in Pennsylvania in U.S. News and Reports’ recently-released annual Best Places to Live list.

The site ranks the top 100 most populous areas in the country. Austin, Denver, San Jose, Washington, D.C. and Fayetteville, Ark claimed the top five.

In 34th place, Harrisburg, which fell nine spots from last year’s report, scored 6.7 out of a possible high of 10. The scores factored in aspects such as desirability, value, job market, quality of life and net migration. Harrisburg’s strongest assets are the value and quality of life in the Capitol city.

With a population of 558,198, Harrisburg’s affordable housing market and low cost of living make it an ideal location. The average annual salary is $46,520, about $5,000 below the national average, but the median home price is only $83,500, more than $125,000 less than the national average. Additionally, the unemployment rate, at 4.4 percent, is below the national average. The average work commute time is 22.5 minutes, also below the national average.

Harrisburg is a “fairly young” town, as 13 percent of the population is between 25 and 34, and the median age is slightly over 40. Harrisburg was also praised for its’ closeness to state parks, the Susquehanna River and music and art opportunities.

Meanwhile, Lancaster landed seven spots behind in 41st, scoring 6.6 overall. Lancaster’s highest-rated factors is the city’s quality of life and its value.

Lancaster’s population is 530,216, slightly below Harrisburg’s. Housing is also considered affordable here comparatively, with the median home price costing $176,138, more than $35,000 below the national median home price. Lancaster boasts a low unemployment rate (4.1 percent), and a 22.9 minute work commute.

Lancaster was applauded for its shops and restaurants on College Row, as well as closeness to hiking trails.