The southeastern corner of Pennsylvania is a popular part of the state to reside in, one filled with history, culture, and a variety of towns and cities to suit any residential need.

You might want to consider Philadelphia houses for sale or Lancaster apartments for rent. Check out these great areas to live in the Keystone State.

Philadelphia

The City of Brotherly Love is Pennsylvania’s largest city, where the beginnings of the nation’s history were literally inked on paper.

It’s the home of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Philadelphia Phillies and Flyers, and great pretzels and cheesesteaks.

Philly is a great place to live for college kids, retirees, young families, and single professionals. Its depth of culture and amenities makes it a good spot for many people.

The cost of living is 3 percent higher than the national average, but compared to other major Northeast cities Philadelphia is cheapest.

There is also a higher median household income here, making the higher cost of living feel more bearable.

Industries for employment here include education, healthcare, and hospitality. There are 13 Fortune 500 companies in the city, and the many area hospitals and universities offer ample opportunities for jobs.

Reading

Monopoly’s Reading Railroad is not just an imaginary place – the (now defunct) railway exists in southern Pennsylvania. Reading is known for innovation. Within the city is the Allegheny Aqueduct as well.

There are low crime rates here and a low cost of living, making it ideal for families. It’s close to both Philadelphia and Lancaster, larger cities that offer different amenities.

You can find jobs at East Penn Manufacturing Co., Tower Health, or in the state and local government.

It has been called “The Pretzel City” since so many pretzel bakeries were founded there, and it’s a premiere destination for cyclists with more than 125 miles of trails.

You won’t be able to go anywhere in town without catching a glimpse of The Pagoda, a 120 foot tall structure that towers 950 feet above the intersection of Fifth and Penn Streets. It overlooks the entire city, a Japanese-style pagoda that was built in 1908.

Lancaster

Lancaster is known as the place of Amish farm country, and is filled with expansive farms that butt up against busy suburbs.

Farmers, families, and college students all reside in the area. Agriculture is obviously the biggest draw when it comes to jobs, but there are also opportunities to work in the healthcare field with Lancaster General Health and WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital.

Lancaster’s cost of living is lower than the national average, and 12 percent lower than the average of the state.

Hershey

Home of the famed chocolate bar, Hershey is one of the best places to live in the southeast of the state.

The cost of living is one percent lower than the national average, with utilities being the only thing that cost slightly more than utilities in cities.

The biggest employer of the area is the Hershey company, which also has Hershey Entertainment and Resorts. Other employers include retirement communities and educational institutes.