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Living in Pennsylvania
Friday, January 31, 2025

The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in Pennsylvania

Samples of the most charming small towns in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s small towns bring to mind an idyllic rolling countryside of quaint farmhouses and historic brick homes. Part of that image comes from the state’s geographic diversity, stretching from the Appalachian Poconos to the scenic Delaware River valley. Another might be its diverse and fascinating 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 charming towns across its 283 miles, we’ve pulled Pennsylvania towns with more than 1,000 residents but less than 10,000.

These small towns are great spots to live but also to visit. They offer unique attractions, cultural experiences, and historical significance, making them ideal spots for visitors looking for quaint and picturesque experiences.

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

Pennsylvania Map

More About Pennsylvania’s Small Towns

Pennsylvania is a state with a rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a plethora of charming small towns that are just waiting to be explored. From the picturesque mountains of the Poconos to the rolling hills of Lancaster County, each region of Pennsylvania has its own unique character and charm.

Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway, a place to retire, or a new community to call home, Pennsylvania’s small towns offer something for everyone. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the best small towns to visit in Pennsylvania, highlighting their history, attractions, and what makes them great places to visit or stay.

Regions of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a large and diverse state, with different regions offering unique experiences and attractions. Here are some of the main regions of Pennsylvania:

  • The Poconos: A mountainous region in northeastern Pennsylvania known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and charming small towns like Jim Thorpe and Mount Pocono. The Poconos are a haven for nature lovers, offering activities like hiking, skiing, and whitewater rafting.

  • Lancaster County: A rural region in southeastern Pennsylvania known for its Amish community, rolling hills, and charming small towns like Lancaster and Lititz. Visitors can explore local farms, enjoy homemade goods, and experience the unique culture of the Amish.

  • The Lehigh Valley: A region in eastern Pennsylvania known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and charming small towns like Bethlehem and Easton. The Lehigh Valley is a great place to explore historic sites, enjoy local festivals, and visit art galleries.

  • The Alleghenies: A mountainous region in western Pennsylvania known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and charming small towns like Bedford and Ligonier. The Alleghenies offer a range of activities from hiking and fishing to exploring historic landmarks.

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. A 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 the Bucks County playhouse doors since opening in the 1930s. Theater productions go on all year.

Attractions and Activities

Beyond the arts scene, New Hope’s classic Main Street downtown and the surrounding countryside are replete with independent shops, historic attractions, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Spend a day boating on the Delaware or hike the Bowman’s Wildflower Preserve. Between the scenery and cultural attractions, it’s no wonder why many people choose to call New Hope home. For visitors or potential relocators looking for a sense of the place before taking the plunge, staying in one of the charming local inns or vacation rentals is a great way to fully experience the town.

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.

History Buff Paradise

Besides these cultural sites, the historic 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 downtown streets with with live music during its annual Summer Music Series. Even more fun community events are available in Doylestown throughout the year.

Day-trippers come for the bucolic Bucks County scenery and one-of-a-kind shopping experience. 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 Pocono Mountains foothills. 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 with its tree-lined streets and colonial-styled buildings.

What is there to do in Milford?

Take advantage of the river with kayaking and rafting trips. Explore the many art galleries, antique stores, 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. Visitors can also enjoy local markets and community events, where vendors showcase their products and talents.

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 quaint town as visitors stroll past quaint shops and homes from the 1700s, luring in those with a sweet tooth.

A Small Town With Plenty To Do

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. The surrounding Amish community adds to its uniqueness and cultural diversity.

Pennsylvania Fun Facts

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.

Plenty of Things To Do

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 quaint downtown’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 quaint small town still proves that being old is charming.

In nearby Milford, Pennsylvania, you can explore the Columns Museum, which houses the Lincoln Flag, a notable historical attraction that showcases the town’s rich heritage.

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, historic places 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. Unique bookstores and reading spots, are also available for book lovers.

Poconos Outdoor

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, community spirit in Jim Thorpe is as active as any large city.

Interestingly, the town’s name comes from American athlete Jim Thorpe, who didn’t live here when alive but is 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 historic downtown area has beautiful brick and Victorian buildings built during the town’s heyday as a Buggy manufacturing center. The tree-lined streets shade local shops that honor the area’s greater German and Amish heritage, like woodworking shops and tack rooms.

Activities For Every Taste

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 activity access. The surrounding picture-perfect 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 winter fun, like skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at nearby Mountain resorts. But outdoor attractions go beyond the ski slopes. Life outside is enjoyed year-round thanks to the many hiking trails, camping sites, and hunting grounds.

A Well-Rounded Town

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, globally-inspired restaurants drawing on flavors from Portugal to Puerto Rico sitting beside 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.

Outdoor Fun in Warren

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, head to Warren for its 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 mark the historic battlefield where President Abraham Lincoln gave the famous “Gettysburg Address” speech. The historic park is a popular attraction for Gettysburg visitors.

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.

More Fun Activities

In addition to its historical sites, Gettysburg is in the heart of the apple-picking region. Head on the drive outside of town to admire the beautiful scenery, complete with covered bridges and rolling hills. Nature lovers enjoy the region’s beauty through biking, horseback riding, and canoeing.

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

Bedford

Population: 2,865.

Region: The Alleghenies

Bedford, Pennsylvania, is a historic small town in south-central Pennsylvania, known for its scenic beauty, rich history, and charming downtown. Located in Bedford County, it offers a quiet, relaxed lifestyle with a blend of rural and small-town amenities. The town has a deep historical significance, dating back to colonial times, and is surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and the picturesque Allegheny Mountains.

The Real Estate Market

The real estate market in Bedford is relatively affordable compared to larger cities. Home prices typically range from $150,000 to $300,000, with options varying from historic homes in the downtown area to more modern suburban developments. The cost of living is lower than the national average, making it an attractive place for retirees, families, and remote workers seeking a more affordable lifestyle.

Bedford has a tight-knit, friendly community with a strong appreciation for history and local culture. The town hosts several annual events, such as Fall Foliage Festival and Bedford County Fair, which bring the community together. Downtown Bedford features boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants that add to its small-town charm.

Outdoor Recreation & Attractions

Nature lovers will enjoy the area’s numerous parks, hiking trails, and outdoor activities. Key highlights include:

  • Blue Knob State Park – Ideal for hiking, skiing, and camping.

  • Shawnee State Park – Offers fishing, boating, and trails for outdoor enthusiasts.

  • Old Bedford Village – A living history museum that showcases colonial life.

  • Bedford Springs Resort – A luxury historic resort with a spa, golf course, and fine dining.

Carlisle

Population: 20,118

Region: The Cumberland Valley

Carlisle is a historic borough located in Cumberland County, within the Cumberland Valley of south-central Pennsylvania. Known for its rich history, educational institutions, and military significance, Carlisle offers a blend of small-town charm and modern amenities.

The housing market in Carlisle is diverse, featuring historic homes, modern developments, and suburban neighborhoods. The median value of owner-occupied housing units is approximately $212,400. The cost of living is relatively moderate, making it accessible for various demographics, including families, professionals, and retirees.

Carlisle Communty and Outdoor Activities

Carlisle boasts a vibrant community with a strong emphasis on education, culture, and history. The downtown area is lined with boutique shops, restaurants, and galleries, fostering a lively atmosphere. The town hosts numerous annual events, such as car shows at the Carlisle Fairgrounds and cultural festivals, which strengthen community ties.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find ample opportunities in and around Carlisle. The nearby Appalachian Trail offers hiking adventures, while local parks provide spaces for recreation and relaxation. The town’s historical sites, such as the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, offer insights into its rich past.

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 beautiful towns are just a sample 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!

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Preston Guyton

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