Best places to raise a family in Pennsylvania
Written by:
April 20, 2021
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Best places to raise a family in Pennsylvania
Choosing a place to raise children can be a daunting task for any family. If it takes a village to raise a child, that may just extend all the way to your next-door neighbor, fifth-grade teacher, or volunteer soccer coach. While all parents are looking for a great place to raise their kids, oftentimes this decision means balancing—and prioritizing—certain community resources and costs.
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to raise a family in Pennsylvania using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Keep reading to see if where you grew up or currently live made the list.
#25. Lemont
- Population: 2,188
- Median home value: $257,000 (69% own)
- Median rent: $891 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $74,130
- Top public schools: State College Area High School (A+), Houserville/Lemont Elementary School (A), Mount Nittany Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Montessori School of the Nittany Valley (unavailable)
- Pictured: 160 Claremont Ave, State College ($375,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $257,000 (69% own)
- Median rent: $891 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $74,130
- Top public schools: State College Area High School (A+), Houserville/Lemont Elementary School (A), Mount Nittany Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Montessori School of the Nittany Valley (unavailable)
- Pictured: 160 Claremont Ave, State College ($375,000, 4 bedrooms)
#24. Radnor Township
- Population: 31,820
- Median home value: $663,900 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,488 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $127,161
- Top public schools: Radnor Senior High School (A+), Radnor Middle School (A+), Ithan Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: The Agnes Irwin School (A+), Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy (A+), Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (A+)
- Pictured: 4 Welwyn Rd, Wayne ($3.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $663,900 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,488 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $127,161
- Top public schools: Radnor Senior High School (A+), Radnor Middle School (A+), Ithan Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: The Agnes Irwin School (A+), Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy (A+), Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (A+)
- Pictured: 4 Welwyn Rd, Wayne ($3.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
#23. Upper St. Clair
- Population: 19,737
- Median home value: $295,600 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,780 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $128,482
- Top public schools: Upper St. Clair High School (A+), Boyce Middle School (A+), Fort Couch Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Louise De Marillac School (unavailable), Wesley Spectrum Academy (unavailable), Montessori Early Childhood Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1581 Hollow Tree Dr, Pittsburgh ($1.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $295,600 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,780 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $128,482
- Top public schools: Upper St. Clair High School (A+), Boyce Middle School (A+), Fort Couch Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Louise De Marillac School (unavailable), Wesley Spectrum Academy (unavailable), Montessori Early Childhood Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1581 Hollow Tree Dr, Pittsburgh ($1.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
#22. Bradford Woods
- Population: 1,225
- Median home value: $351,300 (95% own)
- Median rent: $289 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $114,063
- Top public schools: North Allegheny High School (A+), Marshall Elementary School (A+), Bradford Woods Elementary School (A+)
- Pictured: 61 Seldom Seen Rd, Bradfordwoods ($505,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $351,300 (95% own)
- Median rent: $289 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $114,063
- Top public schools: North Allegheny High School (A+), Marshall Elementary School (A+), Bradford Woods Elementary School (A+)
- Pictured: 61 Seldom Seen Rd, Bradfordwoods ($505,000, 4 bedrooms)
#21. Upper Uwchlan Township
- Population: 11,560
- Median home value: $442,300 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,786 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $173,385
- Top public schools: Downingtown STEM Academy (A+), Pickering Valley Elementary School (A+), Downingtown High School East (A+)
- Top private schools: Windsor Christian Academy (unavailable), St. Matthew's Preschool & Kindergarten (unavailable), The Goddard School - Chester Springs (unavailable)
- Pictured: 25 Webb Rd, Downingtown ($729,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $442,300 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,786 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $173,385
- Top public schools: Downingtown STEM Academy (A+), Pickering Valley Elementary School (A+), Downingtown High School East (A+)
- Top private schools: Windsor Christian Academy (unavailable), St. Matthew's Preschool & Kindergarten (unavailable), The Goddard School - Chester Springs (unavailable)
- Pictured: 25 Webb Rd, Downingtown ($729,900, 4 bedrooms)
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#20. Park Forest Village
- Population: 10,299
- Median home value: $289,800 (58% own)
- Median rent: $1,072 (42% rent)
- Median household income: $72,083
- Top public schools: State College Area High School (A+), Radio Park Elementary School (A), Park Forest Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Park Forest Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2332 Corinna Ct, State College ($669,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $289,800 (58% own)
- Median rent: $1,072 (42% rent)
- Median household income: $72,083
- Top public schools: State College Area High School (A+), Radio Park Elementary School (A), Park Forest Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Park Forest Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2332 Corinna Ct, State College ($669,000, 5 bedrooms)
#19. O'Hara Township
- Population: 8,892
- Median home value: $257,800 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,484 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $96,926
- Top public schools: Fox Chapel Area High School (A+), Fairview Elementary School (A+), O'Hara Elementary School (A+)
- Pictured: 647 Arbor Ct, Pittsburgh ($815,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $257,800 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,484 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $96,926
- Top public schools: Fox Chapel Area High School (A+), Fairview Elementary School (A+), O'Hara Elementary School (A+)
- Pictured: 647 Arbor Ct, Pittsburgh ($815,000, 4 bedrooms)
#18. Birmingham Township
- Population: 4,204
- Median home value: $586,900 (98% own)
- Median rent: $1,295 (2% rent)
- Median household income: $199,830
- Top public schools: Unionville High School (A+), Chadds Ford Elementary School (A+), Pocopson Elementary School (A+)
- Pictured: 271-273 Hickory Dr, Tyrone ($189,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $586,900 (98% own)
- Median rent: $1,295 (2% rent)
- Median household income: $199,830
- Top public schools: Unionville High School (A+), Chadds Ford Elementary School (A+), Pocopson Elementary School (A+)
- Pictured: 271-273 Hickory Dr, Tyrone ($189,900, 4 bedrooms)
#17. Boalsburg
- Population: 4,642
- Median home value: $324,900 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,170 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $105,891
- Top public schools: State College Area High School (A+), Mount Nittany Middle School (A), Mount Nittany Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Saint Joseph's Catholic Academy (A)
- Pictured: 322 Beacon Cir, Boalsburg ($649,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $324,900 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,170 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $105,891
- Top public schools: State College Area High School (A+), Mount Nittany Middle School (A), Mount Nittany Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Saint Joseph's Catholic Academy (A)
- Pictured: 322 Beacon Cir, Boalsburg ($649,900, 4 bedrooms)
#16. East Marlborough Township
- Population: 7,388
- Median home value: $447,500 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,383 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $124,079
- Top public schools: Unionville High School (A+), Chadds Ford Elementary School (A+), Pocopson Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Upland Country Day School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 239 W Barnard St, West Chester ($450,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $447,500 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,383 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $124,079
- Top public schools: Unionville High School (A+), Chadds Ford Elementary School (A+), Pocopson Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Upland Country Day School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 239 W Barnard St, West Chester ($450,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#15. Charlestown Township
- Population: 5,941
- Median home value: $483,400 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,066 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $140,179
- Top public schools: Valley Forge Middle School (A+), Valley Forge Elementary School (A+), Great Valley High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Charlestown Playhouse (unavailable), Kindercare Learning Center #303038 (unavailable), Great Valley KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 697 Metro Ct, West Chester ($235,000, 2 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $483,400 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,066 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $140,179
- Top public schools: Valley Forge Middle School (A+), Valley Forge Elementary School (A+), Great Valley High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Charlestown Playhouse (unavailable), Kindercare Learning Center #303038 (unavailable), Great Valley KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 697 Metro Ct, West Chester ($235,000, 2 bedrooms)
#14. Franklin Park
- Population: 14,589
- Median home value: $350,200 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,673 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $134,688
- Top public schools: North Allegheny High School (A+), Franklin Elementary School (A+), Marshall Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Anthony School Programs (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1807 Tara Ct, Pittsburgh ($1.1 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $350,200 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,673 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $134,688
- Top public schools: North Allegheny High School (A+), Franklin Elementary School (A+), Marshall Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Anthony School Programs (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1807 Tara Ct, Pittsburgh ($1.1 million, 5 bedrooms)
#13. Fox Chapel
- Population: 5,121
- Median home value: $662,400 (96% own)
- Median rent: No data available (4% rent)
- Median household income: $205,987
- Top public schools: Fox Chapel Area High School (A+), Fairview Elementary School (A+), O'Hara Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Shady Side Academy (A+)
- Pictured: 145 Old Mill Rd, Pittsburgh ($3.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $662,400 (96% own)
- Median rent: No data available (4% rent)
- Median household income: $205,987
- Top public schools: Fox Chapel Area High School (A+), Fairview Elementary School (A+), O'Hara Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Shady Side Academy (A+)
- Pictured: 145 Old Mill Rd, Pittsburgh ($3.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
#12. Blue Bell
- Population: 6,250
- Median home value: $475,900 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,708 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $132,204
- Top public schools: Wissahickon Senior High School (A+), Plymouth-Whitemarsh Senior High School (A+), Wissahickon Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 1907 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell ($4.0 million, 10 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $475,900 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,708 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $132,204
- Top public schools: Wissahickon Senior High School (A+), Plymouth-Whitemarsh Senior High School (A+), Wissahickon Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 1907 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell ($4.0 million, 10 bedrooms)
#11. Mount Lebanon Township
- Population: 32,303
- Median home value: $268,500 (72% own)
- Median rent: $928 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $100,011
- Top public schools: Mt. Lebanon Senior High School (A+), Foster Elementary School (A+), Hoover Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Seton LaSalle Catholic High School (A-), St. Bernard School (unavailable), Mount Lebanon Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 850 Osage Rd, Pittsburgh ($2.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $268,500 (72% own)
- Median rent: $928 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $100,011
- Top public schools: Mt. Lebanon Senior High School (A+), Foster Elementary School (A+), Hoover Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Seton LaSalle Catholic High School (A-), St. Bernard School (unavailable), Mount Lebanon Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 850 Osage Rd, Pittsburgh ($2.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#10. Aspinwall
- Population: 2,724
- Median home value: $286,400 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,051 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $84,375
- Top public schools: Fox Chapel Area High School (A+), Fairview Elementary School (A+), O'Hara Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 23 4th St, Pittsburgh ($274,500, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $286,400 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,051 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $84,375
- Top public schools: Fox Chapel Area High School (A+), Fairview Elementary School (A+), O'Hara Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 23 4th St, Pittsburgh ($274,500, 3 bedrooms)
#9. Houserville
- Population: 1,972
- Median home value: $225,700 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,257 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $90,750
- Top public schools: State College Area High School (A+), Houserville/Lemont Elementary School (A), Mount Nittany Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 120 Fernleaf Ct, State College ($689,500, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $225,700 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,257 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $90,750
- Top public schools: State College Area High School (A+), Houserville/Lemont Elementary School (A), Mount Nittany Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 120 Fernleaf Ct, State College ($689,500, 4 bedrooms)
#8. Marshall Township
- Population: 9,053
- Median home value: $363,100 (89% own)
- Median rent: $1,396 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $135,208
- Top public schools: North Allegheny High School (A+), Marshall Elementary School (A+), Bradford Woods Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: KinderCare Learning Center (unavailable), Tender Care Learning Center of Cranberry (unavailable), Wexford KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1150 NW Quimby St Unit 430, Portland ($830,000, 2 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $363,100 (89% own)
- Median rent: $1,396 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $135,208
- Top public schools: North Allegheny High School (A+), Marshall Elementary School (A+), Bradford Woods Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: KinderCare Learning Center (unavailable), Tender Care Learning Center of Cranberry (unavailable), Wexford KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1150 NW Quimby St Unit 430, Portland ($830,000, 2 bedrooms)
#7. Swarthmore
- Population: 6,318
- Median home value: $415,200 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,021 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $107,778
- Top public schools: Strath Haven High School (A+), Swarthmore-Rutledge School (A+), Strath Haven Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 401 Park Ave, Swarthmore ($895,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $415,200 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,021 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $107,778
- Top public schools: Strath Haven High School (A+), Swarthmore-Rutledge School (A+), Strath Haven Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 401 Park Ave, Swarthmore ($895,000, 5 bedrooms)
#6. Ardmore
- Population: 12,808
- Median home value: $355,400 (59% own)
- Median rent: $1,415 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $96,780
- Top public schools: Lower Merion High School (A+), Harriton Senior High School (A+), Penn Valley School (A+)
- Top private schools: Regina Angelorum Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3104 Darby Rd, Ardmore ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $355,400 (59% own)
- Median rent: $1,415 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $96,780
- Top public schools: Lower Merion High School (A+), Harriton Senior High School (A+), Penn Valley School (A+)
- Top private schools: Regina Angelorum Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3104 Darby Rd, Ardmore ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#5. Berwyn
- Population: 3,531
- Median home value: $475,200 (68% own)
- Median rent: $1,351 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $102,147
- Top public schools: Conestoga Senior High School (A+), Tredyffrin-Easttown Middle School (A+), Hillside Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Regina Luminis Academy (B), St. Norbert Elementary School (unavailable), Tarleton School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2291 S Valley Rd, Berwyn ($3.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $475,200 (68% own)
- Median rent: $1,351 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $102,147
- Top public schools: Conestoga Senior High School (A+), Tredyffrin-Easttown Middle School (A+), Hillside Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Regina Luminis Academy (B), St. Norbert Elementary School (unavailable), Tarleton School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2291 S Valley Rd, Berwyn ($3.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
#4. Narberth
- Population: 4,345
- Median home value: $506,000 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,414 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $110,300
- Top public schools: Lower Merion High School (A+), Harriton Senior High School (A+), Merion Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Margaret School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 349 Sprague Rd, Narberth ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $506,000 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,414 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $110,300
- Top public schools: Lower Merion High School (A+), Harriton Senior High School (A+), Merion Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Margaret School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 349 Sprague Rd, Narberth ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
#3. Devon
- Population: 1,869
- Median home value: $657,700 (92% own)
- Median rent: $2,177 (8% rent)
- Median household income: $193,015
- Top public schools: Conestoga Senior High School (A+), Tredyffrin-Easttown Middle School (A+), Valley Forge Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 437 S Fairfield Rd, Devon ($3.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $657,700 (92% own)
- Median rent: $2,177 (8% rent)
- Median household income: $193,015
- Top public schools: Conestoga Senior High School (A+), Tredyffrin-Easttown Middle School (A+), Valley Forge Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 437 S Fairfield Rd, Devon ($3.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
#2. Penn Wynne
- Population: 5,932
- Median home value: $366,000 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,416 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $123,854
- Top public schools: Lower Merion High School (A+), Bala Cynwyd Middle School (A+), Penn Wynne School (A+)
- Top private schools: Friends' Central School (A+), Perelman Jewish Day School - Stern Center (unavailable), Robert J. Wilf Preschool & Kindergarten (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1409 Surrey Ln, Wynnewood ($725,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $366,000 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,416 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $123,854
- Top public schools: Lower Merion High School (A+), Bala Cynwyd Middle School (A+), Penn Wynne School (A+)
- Top private schools: Friends' Central School (A+), Perelman Jewish Day School - Stern Center (unavailable), Robert J. Wilf Preschool & Kindergarten (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1409 Surrey Ln, Wynnewood ($725,000, 4 bedrooms)
#1. Chesterbrook
- Population: 4,800
- Median home value: $323,000 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,832 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $130,000
- Top public schools: Conestoga Senior High School (A+), Valley Forge Middle School (A+), Valley Forge Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Chesterbrook Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 505 Kettlehouse Pond Dr, Chesterbrook ($499,500, 2 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $323,000 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,832 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $130,000
- Top public schools: Conestoga Senior High School (A+), Valley Forge Middle School (A+), Valley Forge Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Chesterbrook Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 505 Kettlehouse Pond Dr, Chesterbrook ($499,500, 2 bedrooms)
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