Harrisburg Named Most Livable Pa. Metro

Harrisburg was recently named the most livable metro in Pennsylvania and the ninth most livable metro nationwide by RentCafe. 

Out of 149 U.S. metro areas analyzed, Pennsylvania’s capital city ranked no. 9 in location and community and no. 13 in socioeconomics, highlighting both its affordability and its opportunities for socialization, community and local engagement. RentCafe also found that residents of the Harrisburg area had more healthy food options and spent less time commuting. 

“Harrisburg is a small city on the rise, offering the best of both worlds when it comes to affordability and livability,” says Tracee Carter, president of the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors®. “Our metro area has a strong sense of community with lots of great local restaurants, entertainment, family-friendly activities and outdoor offerings. Plus, we’re only a short drive away from major cities like Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.”  

“In recent years, Harrisburg has made a name for itself,” she adds. “The city has been highlighted as one of the top cities on the rise, one of the best places to retire and, notably, the number one best place nationwide for first-time homebuyers in 2025. These features truly highlight the best of Harrisburg’s community, affordability and livability.” 

Notably, Pittsburgh was found to be the state’s second most livable metro, ranking no. 14 nationwide and falling right behind Harrisburg in the location and community category (no. 10).