What Makes Harrisburg, PA, the Best Place to Retire

Harrisburg ranks as the No. 1 Best Place to Retire in the U.S. in 2024.

Pennsylvania’s capital city might not be the first place that comes to mind when people think of where to retire. But this town on the Susquehanna River shouldn’t be overlooked.

The city jumped from No. 2 last year when it fell behind neighboring Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Harrisburg topped this year’s ranking because of its health care for seniors, overall happiness of residents, and low taxes for retirees.

The U.S. News Best Places to Retire analysis includes data about affordability and cost of living, desirability, happiness, retiree taxes, the local job market, and access to quality health care. While other factors – such as personal preferences or proximity to family – certainly influence where Americans choose to retire, the metrics U.S. News considered can contribute to a high quality of life. The ranking compares the 150 most populous metro areas in the U.S.

Read their analysis of why Harrisburg earned its Number One rating.