Where Are Pennsylvania Residents Moving To (2022 Report)
From the rolling hills of the Alleghenies to the bustling streets of Philly, Pennsylvania is an amazing place to live. But that doesn't mean everyone who lives there wants to stay put.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2020 estimates, Pennsylvania's population decreased by about 38,000 (0.3%) from April 2020 to July 2021.If you're a Pennsylvania resident considering moving elsewhere in the country, you're not alone. Based on our 2021 Migration Data Study, we've outlined reasons why Pennsylvanians are moving and the top 5 cities residents are moving to in 2022.
Top 5 Destinations Pennsylvania Residents Are Moving To
Here are the top five cities that Maryland Residents are moving to:
- Washington D.C.
- Tampa, FL
- Orlando, FL
- Denver, CO
- Chicago, IL
Washington D.C.
The nation's capital is the first choice for adventurous Pennsylvania residents looking to make a change in their lives.
Why Washington D.C.? It has a population of 718,355, a great job market, and an influx of young professionals every year, which means you're sure to find people with common interests to connect with. The city also has a great food scene, and if you're looking for culture, there are plenty of museums and monuments to explore—not to mention the free Smithsonian museums.
Tampa, FL
With a population of 407,104, Tampa is a popular destination for Pennsylvanians hoping to embrace their inner beach bum. The city has all the perks of a beachfront paradise. This is your chance to finally escape to an island!
With its temperate weather, Tampa is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts, who can spend time relaxing on St. Pete Beach or enjoying a stroll through the Florida Aquarium. Plus: Florida doesn't have state income tax! What more could you ask for?
Orlando, FL
Orlando is famous for its theme parks and resorts, and it’s easy to see why a lot of people move there and never leave. With a population of 292,059, you can live in a tropical paradise, with palm trees growing as tall as the skyscrapers and gorgeous beaches as far as the eye can see. The weather is also beautiful year-round, with countless sunny days and the mildest winters.
Denver, CO
Denver is another popular destination having a population of 760,049 people. For Pennsylvanians who want to live in a place with beautiful weather and plentiful outdoor activities, this is the ideal location. It has the Rocky Mountains on one side, giving residents access to skiing and snowboarding during wintertime. And in the summertime, residents can go white water rafting or hiking through the mountainside forests—enjoying unparalleled views of rugged mountain ranges from alpine lakes at high altitudes.
Chicago, IL
Chicago may be cold during some parts of the year but it more than makes up for that with its access to beaches on Lake Michigan and its vibrant culture (including an amazing food scene). With its population of 2,671,635, it has plenty of entertainment options as well as career opportunities for people interested in education or healthcare.
Why Would Pennsylvania Residents Move to These Cities?
Washington D.C., Tampa, FL, Orlando, FL, Denver CO, and Chicago, IL are all great choices for Pennsylvanians looking to relocate.
However, relocating to a new city can be a stressful experience. There are many factors to consider, including the cost of living, housing costs, and the job market. We’ve broken down the reasons why Pennsylvania residents are moving to these cities.
Cost of Living
In terms of cost of living, Tampa and Orlando are the most cost-effective cities to live in. They are both southern states with moderate climates and are more affordable than Denver and Washington D.C.
Research by Best Places revealed the data below on the cost of living. The cost of living indices is based on a US average of 100. An amount below 100 means that the city is cheaper than the US average. A cost of living index above 100 means that the city is more expensive. Here are how the other cities measure up.
Housing Costs
The cost of housing varies greatly in different cities, so it's helpful to know what each city has to offer before you decide where to move.
Research by Zillow on housing costs for the different cities is as follows.
Job Market
Some residents move because they want to change their careers or due to a scarcity of job opportunities. An individual will therefore want to look for a city that has a good job market and low unemployment rate. In this case, Tampa, Orlando, and Denver have much lower unemployment rates compared to Washington D.C., Chicago, and Pennsylvania (4.9).
Here is the data according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Tampa, FL: 3.3
- Chicago, IL: 4.5
- Denver, CO: 4.0
- Washington D.C.: 6.0
- Orlando, FL: 3.4
Quality of Life
These cities offer endless activities both indoors and outdoors. From museums to beaches, to mountains, there is something for everyone!
If you're looking to move somewhere warmer, look no further than the Sunshine State. The Tampa and Orlando metro areas are both a short drive from world-renowned beaches, with the bonus of warm weather all year round. Denver on the other hand is a family-friendly city with great neighborhoods. It also boasts an incredibly low crime rate and lots of recreational opportunities. And if you're a political junkie or someone who thrives on excitement, Washington D.C. is for you.
Tax Rate
Tax rates can vary wildly from state to state, so be sure to do your research before deciding where to move. From the tax rate data below on both income and sales tax, it's clear that Florida tops the list with no income tax. This is especially beneficial if the reason for your move is to reduce the tax burden.
- Pennsylvania: Income tax: 3.07%, sales tax: 6%
- Tampa, FL: Income tax: none, sales tax: 7.5%
- Chicago, IL: Income tax: 4.95%, sales tax: 10.25%
- Denver, CO: Income tax: 4.5%, sales tax: 8.81%
- Washington D.C.: Income tax ranges from 4% to 10.75%, sales tax: 6%
- Orlando, FL: Income tax: none, sales tax: 6.5%
Your Move. Your Pace. Your Budget
If you're considering moving to a different state, take the time and think about which city will best suit your needs. If health, quality of life or financial reasons drive your interest in moving beyond the borders of Pennsylvania it may be time for a long-distance move.