Pennsylvania, an industrial epicenter for steel, coal, and railroad, is ranked 21st on the list of safest states in the U.S. Popularly called the Keystone State, owing to its crucial role in the founding of the nation, this powerhouse has a lot to offer in terms of culture, natural beauty, and history, which makes it a top destination for visitors of all ages. Here, there is a whole lot to feed your sensory organs with and create lifelong memories—from the bustling and heroic Philadelphia to the rural and picturesque Lancaster. If you are looking to start a family or simply want a change of scenery, Pennsylvania has you covered. Its safety index shows a lower-than-average property crime rate, partly due to a lower concentration of urban poverty and a more distributed population across the state’s 46,054 square mile area. In this guide, we present seven cities in the Quaker State deemed safe by residents and researchers alike.
This township sits in the southern part of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, 15 miles (24 km) south of downtown Pittsburgh. It is one of the safest spots in the state and rated an A- based on violent and property crime rates. In 2012, only 401 crimes per 100,000 residents were recorded. Stripping its overall safety rating down to its core, there are zero cases of murder, rape, and robbery. Theft tops the list of crimes at 127.5 but pales in comparison to the national average, which is 16 times more. Burglary comes next at 37.5 and theft at 7.5. Nightlife in the city is surprisingly good with an array of restaurants and bars like the Melting Pot of Pittsburgh, Gil’s Café, and Castle Tavern South. South Park Township is also an outdoor enthusiast’s delight thanks to its lush forests, valleys, and scenic parks.
Rated A+ overall, this suburb of Philadelphia is in Montgomery County and gives off an urban-suburban feel. It teems with families and young professionals, 65% of whom are homeowners and lean towards liberalism. Despite its bubbling activities, sprouting from an endless list of coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and parks, it is generally considered safe. In reality, it is safer than the PA state average and national average. Diversity isn’t even, as there are more white people than any other race. However, the people are welcoming towards tourists and new residents. This upside, paired with a fair cost of living, decent employment rates, and an excellent school district, adds to the overall convenience of raising a family in the city.
Swarthmore is a retirement haven, with a sizeable fraction (17%) of the population above 65, yet it offers a young, college-town feel. This is because it is home to Swarthmore College, a private liberal arts college, and more than 20 private and public schools. The tree-lined residential community also features a decent mix of White (77.4%), Asian (7.3%), Black (6.02%), and Hispanic (2.56%) residents. It is the ideal town to raise a family in, given its above-average schooling facilities and safety index. Its strong community policing and presence of the Swarthmore Police Department accounts for zero murder and robbery cases, with the highest reported crime being theft at 420 per 100,000 residents, which is almost five times less than the national average. While housing costs here are a bit expensive, they are easily compensated by a strong job market and quality of life.
In the southeastern part of Montgomery County is Collegeville, home to over 5,000 people. This town may be small, but it is a great place for young families. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime here is 0.20 in 1,000 and property crime is 3.56 in 1,000. Another perk to consider is the city’s high-quality education system which is strongly supported by top-rated schools in the district. The city also boasts one of the highest median household incomes and one of the lowest poverty rates, thanks to the heavy presence of a commercial hub that majorly comprises large pharma companies like GlaxoSmithKline, Dow Chemical, and Pfizer.
Sitting in Delaware County, approximately 10 miles (16 km) northwest of downtown Philadelphia, this town has the same A+ overall safety rating as Ardmore. Unlike the latter, which has a sprawling and busy landscape, Penn Wynne is quiet and moderately sparsely populated. The crime rate is also below average. It is a decent place to raise a family and earn a decent living, considering that the median household income is almost twice the national average at $142,005 compared to $75,149. About 86% of the residents are homeowners with properties valued at $465,300 on average, which is twice the national median home value as well. The suburb is not without a vast array of restaurants, bars, and boutique stores, among others, which all contribute to its high livability index.
This suburb of Pittsburgh ranks a B+ when it comes to safety in terms of lower violent and property crime rates. Its median of 44 combined crimes per 100,000 residents is a testament to the relative security that residents and visitors enjoy. Franklin Park is one township with the highest number of homeowners, which takes up 92% of the total number of residents. The average household income here is $158,052, which is more than twice the national average. The city’s economy is buoyed by the healthcare, educational, scientific, and technical industries. Besides its beautiful scenery and a variety of family-friendly amenities, it is also packed with high-rated educational institutions. Here, residents have the option of choosing from top-rated schools such as North Allegheny High School, Winchester Thurston School, and Sewickley Academy.
Last but not least on our list is this small town in Allegheny County. It is a part of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area with a low rate of 312 crimes per 100,000 residents. This almost puts it in line with the national average. Violent crimes like homicide and robbery are non-existent here. For property crime, theft is the most likely crime to commit here. However, the chances of becoming a victim of this are just 1 in 382. Aspinwall is the perfect spot for families, thanks to its safety level, decent schools, and high median household income. The town’s schools are highly rated, and the educational levels are generally high. Its population is comprised mostly of college-educated individuals. Around 58% of the residents are homeowners and have a median value of $367,700. Despite its relatively low population of 2,890, a large fraction of the people in the town are employed.
Alright, now that we have gone over the seven safest places to live in Pennsylvania, let’s talk about some safety precautions you can take while there. While the state is generally considered safe, you shouldn’t take this as a sign to let down your guard. So, here’s what to do:
In this blog post, we have discussed a list of notably safe places for residents and visitors in Pennsylvania. All are located in various parts of the state, providing both urban and rural experiences. With this information, we hope you will be able to narrow down the places that are best suited to your lifestyle and preference and make the most out of your time in the state.
Lastly, protect yourself from unannouce danger by having a life insurance in place. There are so many options for this. Some of the largest life insurance companies in the US offers a great coverage for you and at a very competitive rate from one another. So, it's just a matter of preferences as they are almost identical in terms of how well you will be protected and compensated.
