Pennsylvania is known for having some of the most charming small towns in the United States. Part of that may be the state’s geographic diversity, from the Appalachian Poconos to the scenic Delaware River valley. Another might be the colorful history, from Amish Country out to Lake Erie, that lends each region a unique character. Wherever you land, each town has something special about it. And you’re guaranteed to enjoy the perks of small-town living, like a lower cost of living and friendly locals.

Because the Keystone State has so many great places to live and no shortage of small towns across its 283 miles, we’ve pulled Pennsylvania towns with more than 1,000 residents but less than 10,000.

With that defined, here are ten of the best small towns in Pennsylvania to buy a home.

New Hope

Population: 2,500

Region: Bucks County/ Philadelphia Metro

Separated from New Jersey by the Delaware River, New Hope is an escape from busy Philadelphia and New York City. The vibrant arts and culture scene is the hallmark of this small-town community, which claims to have “America’s Most Famous Playhouse.” A roster of award-winning actors and shows have spun through its doors since opening in the 1930s.

Beyond the arts, its classic Main Street downtown and the surrounding countryside are replete with independent shops, historic sites, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Spend a day boating on the Delaware or hike on the Bowman’s Wildflower Preserve. Between the scenery, historic sites, and things to do, it’s no wonder why many people choose to call New Hope home.

Doylestown

Population: 8,300

Region: Bucks County

Lively Doylestown is a hop-and-skip outside of Philadelphia. It was once home to James A. Michener, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian who wrote “Tales of the South Pacific.” Locals know it for the Mercer Mile, a series of galleries and historic sites named after Doylestown’s most famous resident, Henry Chapman Mercer. They include the iconic Fonthill Museum, a European-inspired concrete castle that served as his home.

Besides these historic cultural sites, the modern town has a dynamic food and arts scene that helped earn it accolades for having one of America’s “best small-town cultures.” Its many restaurants serve up locally-sourced ingredients from Bucks County farms. The 75-year-old County Theater shows classic films and arthouse flicks while the town fills the streets with live music during its annual Summer Music Series. Those are just the tip of the fun available in Doylestown.

Day-trippers come for the bucolic Bucks County scenery and one-of-a-kind shopping. But locals know that Doylestown is an ideal place to call home.

Milford

Population: 1,000

Region: Pike County

Another Delaware River town, Milford lies further upstream in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains. This town has been a popular destination since the mid-1800s, when it was home to several resorts and spas along the Delaware River. New Yorkers still come here to escape the hustle of the Big Apple and enjoy their slice of Americana pie. Milford’s Main Street feels perfect for the backdrop of a Hallmark movie.

What is there to do in Milford? Take advantage of the river with kayaking and rafting trips. Explore the many art galleries, antique shops, museums, historic homes, and parks around town. Even though it’s small, Milford has an incredible selection of dining establishments, from Speakeasies to small-batch wineries to steakhouses.

With natural beauty everywhere you look, Milford is a small-town paradise conveniently just 90 minutes from New York City!

Lititz

Population: 9,300

Region: Lancaster County/ Dutch Country

Lititz has won acclaim as one of the best small towns in the US. This charming borough in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country is a popular tourist destination thanks to its beautiful historic district and world-famous pretzels. Visitors come to try the original from Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. Lititz is also home to Wilbur Chocolate Company, the oldest continuously operating chocolate company in the United States. The smell of chocolate wafts through the town as visitors stroll past quaint shops and homes from the 1700s.

But why live in a tourist town where the unique shops and restaurants seem to cater to the passing through? Something is charming about the Moravian influence of downtown, with the quiet community park Lititz Springs in the center. It’s a small, progressive town, home to the nation’s oldest all-girls boarding school but also distilleries and breweries. It’s busy but peaceful, thanks to the surrounding farmlands and countryside. Nearby, the Susquehanna River is a destination for water recreation, while the rolling farmlands of Dutch Country are relaxing for a driving or bicycling tour.

Wellsboro

Population: 3,400

Region: Tioga County/ Pennsylvania Wilds

Step back in time with the Victorian-era vibes of Wellsboro. Nestled in the hills of North-central Pennsylvania, it’s called the “Gem of the Northern Tier,” a stretch of counties on the New York border.

The main attraction is the Pine Creek Gorge, a ravine plummeting 1,000 feet deep. Visitors use Wellsboro as their jumping-off point for exploring this natural wonder and the surrounding two million acres of forest and farmland.

For residents, Wellsboro has plenty to do outdoors year-round, with hiking trails, camping, fishing, hunting, skiing, snowmobiling, and ATVing. For some history, visit the town’s historic brick buildings, where family-owned businesses and shops thrive. Delight in old-fashioned ice cream shops and watch shows in the historic theater. Downtown Wellsboro is still lit at night by gas street lamps. This small town proves that being old is charming.

Jim Thorpe

Population: 4,800

Region: Carbon County/ Poconos

Dubbed the “Switzerland of America,” Jim Thorpe is one of Pennsylvania’s most beautiful small towns. Mountains surround the valley town, which attracts visitors for its historical attractions, like the famous Old Jail Museum and Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. The homes of “Millionaire’s Row” still impress.

As a tourist town, shopping opportunities abound with downtown boutiques filled with antiques, art galleries, and unusual specialty shops housed in Victorian-era buildings. People come to play in the Poconos outdoors, which is available to residents all year. Enjoy whitewater rafting on the Lehigh River or biking along the rail trail. For a slower pace of fun, the town has golf courses, trails for horseback riding, and camping in nearby state parks.

The fun continues year-round with festivals like Music On The Mountain in August and Oktoberfest in October. There’s an old-timey Christmas festival (literally called Olde Time Christmas) and a fall foliage festival. So while it may be a small town, Jim Thorpe is as active as any large city.

[Text box: Fun fact: The town of Jim Thorpe was renamed after the famous Olympic track athlete, even though he had no association with the town at that time. He is now buried in the town.]

Mifflinburg

Population: 3,600

Region: Union County / Susquehanna River Valley

Mifflinburg has a classic all-American charm but also is a place that embraces outdoor recreation.

The downtown area has beautiful brick and Victorian buildings built during the town’s heyday as a Buggy manufacturing center. The streets are lined with trees and shops celebrating the area’s greater German and Amish heritage, like woodworking shops and tack rooms. The annual Christkindl Market and Oktoberfest draws thousands yearly for an authentic German-style Christmas market. Its Buggy Days festival celebrates the town’s heritage as a horse and buggy manufacturing center in the 1800s. Tourists come to take part in buggy rides, vintage car shows, craft fairs, and fireworks. The Union County Historical Society museum is also worth a visit for its displays of local artifacts from early settlers.

Locals love the borough for its down-home feel and friendly people. It’s a great place to raise families or retire with quiet country living in one of Pennsylvania’s most beautiful counties. This town sits in the Susquehanna Valley, providing plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities. The surrounding countryside has traditional Amish farms, covered bridges, state parks, and forests.

Stroudsburg

Population: 5,900

Region: Monroe County / Pocono Mountains

Do you imagine living in wine country but don’t fancy heading west to Napa Valley in California? Try on Stroudsburg in the Pocono Mountains of Eastern Pennsylvania. Stroudsburg has a sophisticated outdoor lifestyle thanks to its wine-country and ski resort vibes.

The “Heart of the Poconos” attracts tourists for outdoor recreation like skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at nearby Mountain resorts. But outdoor activities are enjoyed year-round thanks to the many hiking trails, camping sites, and hunting grounds.

The 19th-century town’s unique charm includes a walkable downtown, woodland parks, and attractions like the historic Stroud Mansion. Locals enjoy farmer’s markets, shows at Sherman Theater, an annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and snow-filled WinterFest. Dining is eclectic for small-town living, with wineries and cideries, global restaurants with flavors from Portugal to Puerto Rico, and classic American diners.

Stroudsburg is worth considering for those looking to escape to a small town in Pennsylvania.

Warren

Population: 9,100

Region: Warren County / Alleghenies

Outdoor enthusiasts will delight in Warren, a former oil and lumber town surrounded by the Allegheny National Forest of Northwestern Pennsylvania. The Allegheny region has abundant choices for outdoor recreation, like multi-day canoe-camping trips on the Allegheny River and challenging mountain biking in the forest.

The Allegheny National Forest’s stunning views are worth taking in year-round. However, locals know summer is the prime season to take full advantage of all the outdoor activities, like fishing and swimming in the rivers.

But when you feel like being around people, the former industrial town has a downtown area with well-preserved historic buildings now home to rock climbing gyms, outdoor outfitters, shops, and restaurants. In addition to the things to do outdoors, the town has an active arts and cultural scene with galleries, performance venues, and festivals. Sip a cold beer from Bent Run Brewing after catching a film at the town’s historic theater, or jam to the Music in the Park during summer Friday nights.

As you can see, Warren’s balance of location and things to do is perfect for any outdoor enthusiast to call home.

Gettysburg

Population: 8,100

Region: Adams County

Gettysburg is one of Pennsylvania’s most famous small towns. The hallowed (and maybe haunted) grounds of the Gettysburg National Military Park, which marks the battle site and where President Abraham Lincoln gave the famous “Gettysburg Address” speech, is a popular tourist destination.

But as a place to live, the town excels with a Southern-like charm and diverse attractions, like historic homes, local shopping boutiques, restaurants, and galleries. Year-round festivals bring the town alive with music, food, and hand-crafted art.

In addition to its historical sites, Gettysburg is in the heart of the apple-picking region. Its beautiful scenery includes covered bridges and rolling hills. Locals enjoy the natural beauty through activities like biking, horseback riding, and canoeing.

Gettysburg is a unique place to call home because of its history, but also thanks to the quiet outdoor adventure waiting nearby.

Explore Pennsylvania small towns

Overall, Pennsylvania delights with small towns that appeal to those who want to stay busy, be outside, or just have close-knit relationships with their neighbors. These ten towns are just a sample sampling of what’s available for Pennsylvania living. Really, there is a town with something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway, to retire or relocate, or to raise your kids in a safe environment. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring Pennsylvania and get to know the best small towns with the help of a local real estate agent!