Why York is joining Philly, Pittsburgh as best cities to live in

Maria Francis, USA TODAY NETWORK
Updated ·2 min read

Pennsylvania cities didn't break the top 10 in a recent U.S. News rankings of Best Places to Live in America, but the state has the fourth-highest number of towns on the list.

Pennsylvania's eight cities to make the list were: Pittsburgh; Lancaster; Scranton; Harrisburg; Allentown; York; Reading and Philadelphia.

While six states didn't make the cut, three states boasted more than 10 cities each in the top 150 Best Places to Live in America list. Those states were Florida - 14; California - 14; and Texas with 10.

U.S. News cited the data used to analyze and determine the 150 most populous metropolitan areas came from sources including U.S. Census Bureau, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Factors evaluating quality of live, such as health care, public education, job prospects, housing costs, growth and even air quality indexes were all evaluated and weighed in to rank from best to worst.

Pittsburgh ranked #36 and topped Pennsylvania's list of cities. York edged out Reading for seventh on the state list, just below Philadelphia.

York took credit for its nods to history.“Newcomers to York will find remnants of its rich history and industrial heritage coloring the urban landscape, from restored Colonial-era buildings to unexpected touches of playful public sculpture made from bits of old York machinery,” the report read.

Pittsburgh skyline close up image with 'Rachel Carson bridge', several skyscrapers and Allegheny river waterfront in Pennsylvania, USA
Pittsburgh skyline close up image with 'Rachel Carson bridge', several skyscrapers and Allegheny river waterfront in Pennsylvania, USA

U.S. News reported highlight Pittsburgh’s nearly 2,000 acres of green space in county parks, regional parks, state parks and riverfront parks to its residents and proclaimed "Pittsburgh is on the verge of greater heights."

The report praised Pittsburgh for attracting major corporations and being a hub of technology and education in the region. It includes accolades about the rise in job opportunities, a cheaper housing market, and improved quality of life with new industries.

Topping the 2024-2025 list was Naples, Florida, citing pristine beaches, sprawling golf courses, fine dining and shopping and no state income tax among the many appeals.

Beachgoers walk along the Gulf shore near the Naples Pier at sunset. Naples annually makes many national "best" lists.
Beachgoers walk along the Gulf shore near the Naples Pier at sunset. Naples annually makes many national "best" lists.

Top 10 cities to live in the U.S., according to U.S. News and World Reports

  1. Naples, Florida

  2. Boise, Idaho

  3. Colorado Springs, Colorado

  4. Greenville, South Carolina

  5. Charlotte, North Carolina

  6. Raleigh, North Carolina

  7. Huntsville, Alabama

  8. Virginia Beach, Virginia

  9. Austin, Texas

  10. Boulder, Colorado

Best Pennsylvania cities to live in

  1. Pittsburgh (ranked #36)

  2. Lancaster (ranked #79)

  3. Scranton (ranked #93)

  4. Harrisburg (ranked #109)

  5. Allentown (ranked #128

  6. Philadelphia (ranked #135)

  7. York (ranked #137)

  8. Reading (ranked #142)

This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Pennsylvania has a lot of best cities to live in, ranking finds