Pennsylvania is a state full with beautiful scenery, a diversified population, and a long history. However, not every resident is content with their circumstances. From April 2020 to July 2021, Pennsylvania’s population fell by roughly 38,000 (0.3%), according to the U.S. Census Bureau. For a variety of reasons, including high taxes, low pay, unfavorable weather, and a lack of opportunity, a large number of individuals are fleeing the state. The following seven cities have had the greatest Pennsylvanian out-migration in recent years.

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania’s largest city and the sixth-biggest in the nation is Philadelphia. It is well-known for its museums, sports teams, cheesesteaks, and historical sites. However, because to the high cost of living, housing, and taxes, it is also among the most costly places to live in. The city has a high rate of pollution, traffic jams, and crime. A large number of people are moving out of Philadelphia and into neighboring suburbs or other states like Delaware, New Jersey, or Maryland. The U.S. Postal Service reports that in 2020, Philadelphia lost more than 27,000 households.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is the 66th largest city in the United States and the second largest in Pennsylvania. It is a modern metropolis with a thriving arts, cultural, and education sector that was formerly an industrial hub. Reputable institutions like the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Andy Warhol Museum are located there, along with esteemed universities like Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh does, however, also have a number of difficulties, including a high poverty rate, a dwindling tax base, an aging workforce, and diminishing population. A large number of Pittsburghers are moving to states like Florida, Texas, or Arizona, which are warmer and more affluent. The U.S. Postal Service reports that Pittsburgh lost more than 9,000 households in 2020.

Allentown

Third-biggest in Pennsylvania and 233rd-biggest in the United States is Allentown. Because of its closeness to both New York City and Philadelphia, it is the city in the state that is growing the fastest. A hub for manufacturing, healthcare, and education, it is home to significant employers like Lehigh University, Air Products, and Lehigh Valley Health Network. However, Allentown also has high rates of crime, poor median income, and unemployment. A growing number of people are moving out of Allentown to safer and more affordable communities like Bethlehem, Easton, or Reading. The U.S. Postal Service reports that in 2020, Allentown lost more than 4,000 residences.

Erie

Erie is the 299th largest city in the United States and the fourth largest in Pennsylvania. It has a picturesque shoreline and a maritime history because it is situated on the beaches of Lake Erie. With attractions including the Erie Zoo, Waldameer Park, and Presque Isle State Park, it is a well-liked vacation spot. However, Erie also faces challenges from a severe climate, a shrinking population, and a sluggish economy. A large number of people are moving out of Erie to live in livelier and warmer areas like Tennessee, Georgia, or North Carolina. The U.S. Postal Service reports that in 2020, Erie lost more than 3,000 households.

Scranton

Scranton is the 342nd largest city in the United States and the fifth largest in Pennsylvania. It is also the location of the iconic sitcom The Office and the birthplace of former President Joe Biden. This former coal mining town has expanded into the retail, health, and educational sectors. However, Scranton also faces challenges with a high tax load, a bad credit score, and a lot of debt. Scranton’s population is rapidly dispersing to more secure and affluent areas like Virginia, Colorado, or Utah. The U.S. Postal Service reports that in 2020, Scranton lost more than 2,000 households.

Harrisburg

At 368th place in the United States, Harrisburg is the sixth-largest city in Pennsylvania. It serves as both Dauphin County’s seat and the state’s capital. With significant employers including the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Hershey Company, and Pennsylvania State University, it serves as a center for government, transportation, and business. However, Harrisburg also has a lot of issues, like a high rate of poverty, a poor graduation rate, and a high crime rate. A large number of Harrisburg people are moving to places like South Carolina, Alabama, or Kentucky that are more inexpensive and habitable. The U.S. Postal Service reports that Harrisburg lost more than 2,000 households in 2020.

Reading

Situated in Pennsylvania, Reading is the seventh-biggest city overall and the 372nd largest in the nation. It is situated in the picturesque Berks County, which is well-known for its Amish and agricultural settlements. With attractions like the Santander Arena, the Albright College, and the Reading Public Museum, it is a hub for education, entertainment, and culture. However, Reading also has high rates of crime, poor median income, and unemployment. Many Reading people are moving to places like Lancaster, York, or Lebanon, which provide greater security and opportunities. The U.S. Postal Service reports that Reading lost more than 2,000 households in 2020.

Conclusion

Pennsylvania has a lot going for it, including a beautiful scenery, a varied culture, and a long history. However, the state also faces a number of difficulties, including high living expenses, slow wage growth, and unfavorable weather. For a variety of reasons, including career, family, retirement, or way of life, a large number of people are leaving the state. These are the seven cities where Pennsylvanians have moved away from the state most recently. It remains to be seen if they will stop losing residents or buck the trend.

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