Best Small Towns for Retiring Near Philadelphia

When planning for retirement, the City of Brotherly Love may not be at the top of your list of places to spend your golden years. With a population of over 1.6 million, Philadelphia might just not be for everyone. However, more and more retirees are looking for small towns around major cities to put down roots and stay awhile.

New Yorkers who are not willing to give up their four distinct seasons are heading south to a slower-paced environment just outside Philly. The area is filled with outdoor recreation possibilities, scattered with museums and historical points of interest, and positioned nicely among some of the leading healthcare and medical facilities in the country. Temple University Hospital and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital are just a couple of top-notch medical centers located nearby.

Best Small Towns Near Philadelphia

Jenkintown, PA

Not far from the buzz of Philly, Jenkintown, Pennsylvania offers a large number of senior living and retirement communities that are close to the Pennsylvania Turnpike.The area is also filled with shopping, entertainment, and plenty of dining options. Residents of Jenkintown enjoy small-town living with the convenience of an urban area just a short distance away.

King of Prussia, PA

Just 20 miles from Philadelphia is the small community of King of Prussia. Known for its vast shopping experience, King of Prussia offers an expansive retail complex filled with hundreds of shops and eateries. King of Prussia offers both new and old-world charm, as the community is as historic as its namesake. Here, residents enjoy the ambiance of a small-town environment combined with the convenience of big-city-like shopping, just a short drive from a major metropolis.

Montgomery County, PA

Known as a commuter suburb of Philadelphia, Montgomery County is an affluent location along the outskirts of the big city. Approximately 15% of the population is over the age of 65. And, while it may not be the cheapest place to live, the property taxes are considerably lower than in Philadelphia or Washington, D.C. A large number of parks and recreational trails are found in the community, as well as the prestigious Haverford College, which offers plays and concerts throughout the year.

New Hope, PA

Approximately one hour outside of the epicenter of Philadelphia is the small town of New Hope. Located along the Delaware River, this popular weekend getaway destination for city dwellers has become a hotspot for retirees who long for antique stores, high-end boutiques, and art galleries on every corner. While the summertime offers water activities along the river, the Pocono Mountains take care of winter excursions and plenty of snow-filled fun for the grandkids!

Newtown Square, PA

If money is no object then Newton Square, Pennsylvania may be just the small town you have been looking for. The area is filled with beautiful and full-service retirement communities and is just 15 miles from the hub of Philadelphia. Driving time is approximately 35 minutes to the epicenter. Newtown Square offers exquisite scenery with backdrops of mountains that showcase the four seasons unique to the area. Good healthcare is conveniently located nearby and residents can always find a tasty eatery or antique shop just a stone’s throw away.

York, PA

Located a little further from Philadelphia, about 100 miles, the town of York, offers some of the most affordable housing in the state and is quickly becoming noticed by retirees from Philly and the DC area. This small and central city offers cultural opportunities combined with a vibrant farmer’s market that takes place in the town’s buzzing little downtown. The county that York is positioned in also includes the small towns of Harrisburg and Lancaster, all of which offer a number of retirement communities. York has recently undergone many urban renewal initiatives, some of which have established the community as an Artist Homestead. The area is attracting both working and retired artists from around the country!

Need a small-town suggestion near Philadelphia?

Willow Valley – Lancaster, PA

Willow Valley is a retirement community located within close proximity to Philadelphia in a town called Lancaster. Those looking to escape the rat race of the metro and urban sprawls, yet not willing to give up the city amenities, have been enjoying the Willow Valley and Lancaster area for retirement. The beauty of the Pennsylvania Dutch Country combined with the simple life offered by Amish farms provides a landscape that can only be found in this area of the United States! The low cost of living, four distinct seasons, and convenient location make this area one of the best small towns around Philadelphia, PA!

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