A Guide to 55+ Active Living Communities in Pennsylvania

 

History, Food Culture & Rural Charm Await Seniors in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s unique mix of outdoor activities and vibrant history makes it an ideal location for 55+ active adults to retire. Diversity is everywhere in the state, from its residents to its four seasons and geography.

Regions range from mountains to coastline, each offering a unique feel to its residents. Food culture is ingrained in the society, with the state hosting numerous food festivals yearly. There is also an abundance of farms serving fresh fruits and veggies at local farmers' markets, plus signature foods like pork rolls, Philly cheesesteaks, and scrapple!

Pennsylvania has a large Jewish community, especially around the Philadelphia area. Rural regions, like those around Lancaster, are known as Amish Country. The rural region is the perfect setting for someone interested in a more pastoral lifestyle.

For opportunities to learn and stay active, seniors can visit Pennsylvania’s various museums and historic sites. As one of the first European colonies in America, many colonial-era landmarks remain, such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

For empty nesters looking to travel during retirement, the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the largest in the region, with six additional international airports throughout the state. Day trips to nearby states like New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut are accessible by car, on the Amtrak train, or the Greyhound bus.  

 

Pennsylvania’s Unique Regions

While Pennsylvania is more rural than some of its northeastern neighbors, there’s still a variety of places to live, offering different lifestyles to seniors. Spend your retirement near the beach, explore the wilds in the mountains, or live among history in the state’s most famous cities.

Greater Pittsburgh

The region surrounding Pittsburgh is known as Greater Pittsburgh. The closest suburbs make enjoying the city's attractions, shopping, and events easy while still getting some peace. These include Cannondale, Monroeville, and Gibsonia.

Other towns like Canonsburg and Houston lie a little farther away from Pittsburgh, to the southwest. Monaca and Sewickley are right along the Ohio River bend to the north, so water sports like fishing and boating are common there.

Historic Harmony has had a large Lutheran community since its founding. Beaver Falls’ claim to fame is its Beaver River Trail for biking and hiking.

Delaware Valley

Tucked next to the Delaware River, Delaware Valley is known as the Greater Philadelphia Area. It includes historic towns that date back to colonial times, like Phoenixville, Downington, West Grove, and Coatesville. Each town offers unique historic sites and a small-town vibe. 

Pennsylvania Piedmont

The forested region of Pennsylvania Piedmont features farmlands and farmers markets galore. Rural regions like Hatfield, Easton, and East Petersburg have parks and community markets. Suburban areas such as Bath and Ambler have downtown areas with restaurants, stores, breweries, and historic buildings.

Active older adults who love to shop will surely enjoy  Whitehall, the biggest shopping district in the Lehigh Valley area. Pennsylvania Piedmont also encompasses Lancaster, home to one of the most famous Amish communities in the United States. 

Gettysburg is the perfect location for people who love Civil War history. Walk through the National Military Park, the site of Gettysburg National Battlefield, and learn about the famous conflict at local museums.

Pennsylvania Dutch Country

Pennsylvania Dutch Country is best known as the heart of Amish Country, though it is also home to other religious groups like the River Brethren and Mennonites.

The area has many cultural sites, especially around Allentown. This major city is rapidly growing, offering 55+ active adult shopping opportunities and award-winning parks.

Northeastern Pennsylvania

Erie County, Northeastern Pennsylvania, includes outdoor hotspots around the Endless and Pocono Mountains. Scranton is an industrial town that maintains a quaint vibe with natural beauty. Stroudsburg’s historic buildings surround a lively downtown with restaurants and boutique shops.

Central Pennsylvania

Central Pennsylvania is rural, featuring farm country and woodlands. Rolling hills surround Lebanon, notable for its high average population happiness and low crime rates.

 

How to Stay Active During Retirement in Pennsylvania

Renowned for its casinos, forests, and diverse weather, Pennsylvania is a paradise for 55+ active adults. See all the ways you can spend your time learning, exploring, and relaxing when you retire in the state.

Activities Available On-Property in 55+ Communities

Many 55+ communities in Pennsylvania have parks and gardens with their own walking and biking trails. Some even have to put greens where you can practice your stroke.

For pet lovers, look for communities with private dog parks where your dog can socialize and exercise, too! These communities may also have convenient onsite grooming stations.

Check Out the Clubhouse

Spend time with your fellow like-minded residents at the community clubhouse. This space is convenient for playing games, practicing a craft, or cheering on your favorite team.

No matter the season, there’s a sport that you can take part in with your fellow residents. When the weather is warm, the Clubhouse offers an airconditioned place to enjoy an after-game ice-cold beverage with your teammates. Bocce ball, pickleball, and tennis are great ways to stay active in fitness and the community.

Hit the Fitness Center

On-property fitness centers offer state-of-the-art fitness equipment and modified classes for residents who enjoy daily exercise, regardless of the weather. These onsite Fitness Centers offer senior-friendly workouts. Some communities offer instructor-led Pilates, yoga, CrossFit, and dance classes.

Swim in Indoor/Outdoor Pool

Swimming is an excellent activity for residents experiencing physical limitations from years of high-impact sports. The buoyancy of the pool alleviates pressure on the joints while allowing for a satisfying workout. Some communities have private outdoor pools, while others have heated indoor pools that can be used year-round. 

Things to Do for Seniors Around the State

Pennsylvania offers empty nesters many off-property things to do to stay active during retirement. Casinos like the Poconos and Mount Airy are popular with those who enjoy trying their luck at the slots, sports books, or tables. Fishing, road trips to the state’s historical sites, shopping for collectibles, and dining on local fare are great ways to stay active.

Explore Museums

There’s a Pennsylvania museum for any interest, from history to hobbies and beyond!

Check out paintings and sculptures at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, visit the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania to see full-sized historical railcars, and learn about American history at The National Civil War Museum. Museums always seek knowledgeable volunteers or part-time docents with a shared passion for their offerings. 

Attend a Professional Sporting Event

Pennsylvania is home to multiple professional sports teams in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Notable franchises include the Flyers and Penguins in the NHL, the Eagles and Steelers in the NFL, the Philadelphia Union in the MLS, the 76ers in the NBA, and the Phillies and Pirates in the MLB.

Go Hunting

Pennsylvania has hunting seasons for deer, elk, wild turkeys, black bears, and various small game. Most hunting is allowed through the fall and early winter months.

 

Why Pennsylvania Attracts Retirees

Seniors love retiring in Pennsylvania because there are so many things to do during retirement. Fishing, hunting, golf, and motorsports make it easy to remain active in your golden years. You can also visit the casino or a historical site to learn about the state’s past.

It’s also easy to travel in Pennsylvania, as it’s home to international airports in Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley, and Pittsburgh. The rest of the northeast and the tri-state area are only a few hours away by car. However, given the state’s reputation for delicious restaurants and food festivals, you may not want to leave!

 

The Best Communities for 55+ Active Adults

Pennsylvania’s 55+ communities are well-suited for those who like to stay active. Options like all-ages communities and assisted living housing are available alongside standard options like condos and luxury rental apartments.

Low Maintenance Communities

If shoveling snow and raking leaves during retirement isn’t appealing, consider living in a low-maintenance community!

These master-planned housing developments have maintenance needs taken care of by the staff, giving you more free time to enjoy personal pursuits during retirement.

Age Restricted Communities

Avoid noisy neighbors in age-restricted communities, where residents must be seniors!

These communities are more peaceful and feature amenities for 55+ adults, like an indoor pool, fitness center, and communal kitchen.

Condominium Communities

Condominium (condo) communities allow seniors to own their units without being responsible for exterior maintenance. Condos are popular with seniors looking to downsize and can be a more affordable option than a stand-alone home.

Condo communities in Pennsylvania can have gated access, covered parking, and shared amenities such as a pool, clubhouse, and fitness center.

Manufactured Home Communities

Pennsylvania’s manufactured home communities are a low-cost housing solution for seniors looking to spend less on housing and more on staying active during retirement.

These communities are often located near natural parks and forests within a short drive of the closest city.

 

Pennsylvania Healthcare for Seniors

Pennsylvania has numerous healthcare facilities dedicated to 55+ adults. Chronic condition care, routine checkups, and emergency care are all available at institutions like the Penn Medicine multi-hospital system and Jefferson Health in the Philadelphia area.

Additional healthcare systems include Tower Health in Reading and Virtua near the South NJ border.