Housely
Pennsylvania is among the most heavily populated states in the U.S., and it’s home to major cities such as Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Lancaster. The interesting thing, however, is that the cities that have grown the most in the state aren’t the large ones but the smaller towns and boroughs. Suburban and rural areas closest to major cities have become especially attractive to those looking to relocate, particularly because they offer a slower pace of life, less noise and crime, and lower home prices.
To figure out which five cities in Pennsylvania have grown the fastest this year, Census data from 2010 was compared with population estimates from 2014 and 2015, which is the most recent and accurate data available. Here are the five fastest growing cities in Pennsylvania.
1. Franklin Park
Population: 14,269
Growth Rate: 6.91%
Located in the northwestern area of Allegheny County, Franklin Park has a history that dates back to its establishment in 1823. It’s the fastest growing city in Pennsylvania, thanks in part to the development of Interstate Highways 79 and 279. The area’s median household income is $87,627, and the unemployment rate is 5.4%. Though a significant number of residents commute to larger cities during the day for work, the job growth rate is currently .85% and is predicted to grow to 36.6% over the next decade.
The median home value in the town is $358,000, and home values have steadily risen as more people have moved there. Franklin Park is a family friendly borough and many residents prefer going outdoors in their leisure. Blueberry Hill Park is a popular spot to spend the weekend, as is North Park with its water slide, country style pool, and children’s play area.
2. Mount Joy
Population: 8,008
Growth Rate: 6.35%
One of the fastest growing cities in Lancaster County and the entire state of Pennsylvania is Mount Joy. It was originally founded by Irish settlers who came to America on a ship called the Mount Joy, which is how the town got its name. Today Mount Joy tries to maintain some of its history even though it’s growing, and it hosts a number of interesting historic sites, monuments, and museums.
The median household income for the area is $66,574 per year and its unemployment rate is 4.4%, which is lower than the average for the nation. Home values in Mount Joy have risen by 1.5% since 2015 and are on the up. The median home price in the area is $156,600, and part of what makes the borough attractive is its affordable real estate prices. Some of the notable historic sites in town include George Brown’s Sons Cotton and Woolen Mill, Central Hotel and brewery, and Donegal Mills Plantation. The latter is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was built in 1775.
3. Jefferson Hills
Population: 10,984
Growth Rate: 5.87%
Jefferson Hills is located in Allegheny County and is joined with the Large community. The borough was named after Thomas Jefferson and was first incorporated in 1828 as Jefferson Township. Most of the area is residential, and this is a prime example of a growing city in Pennsylvania where people flock to live rather than work. The middle class town has a median household income of $50,615, and the unemployment rate stands at 5.4%. Future job growth over the next decade is predicted to be 36.3%, as more businesses and industries have moved into the area.
Those who live in Jefferson Hills often take part in the many recreational activities and community events available there. Though it’s relatively small in size, the borough has five municipal parks that boast amenities from sports courts and fields to pavilions and playgrounds. The 40 mile Montour Trail is also in Jefferson Hills and it’s a well-liked place for residents to go cycling and walking. During the winter, Montour Trail becomes a haven for cross-country skiing.
4. Millersville
Population: 8,482
Growth Rate: 3.01%
Millersville is rapidly growing compared to other areas in Pennsylvania, even though the small borough measures only two square miles. It’s a scenic town as well as one with an interesting history. A man named John Miller used to own the entire area when it was formerly known as Manor Township, and it was then used as farmland. Eventually it came to be known as Millersville and was incorporated in the mid-1800s. Millersville University is in the borough and has the distinction of being the first teacher’s academy in the U.S.
The median household income in Millersville is $38,425 per year, and the unemployment rate is a low 4.4%. It’s expected that job growth over the next decade will peak at 39.52%, which is positive news for the area’s economy. Those who are looking for a family oriented community that’s affordable tend to relocate to Millersville, as the median home value there is $171,000.
5. Archbald
Population: 7,075
Growth Rate: 2.89%
Archbald is located in Lackawanna County and was named for Carbondale, Pennsylvania’s inaugural mayor, James Archbald. Prior to its renaming, Archbald was known as White Oak Run and its population largely consisted of Irish immigrants that had managed to escape the potato famine abroad. Today the median household income in the city is $39,428. Job growth is on the decline, and the current unemployment rate in the borough is 6.2%. The median home price in Archbald is $171,000, and the majority of its residents are married couples with children.
Some of the family friendly amenities and attractions in the area include Endless Mountain Skydivers, Aylesworth Lake, and Archbald Pothole State Park. This particular park contains Archbald Pothole, which was formed during a glacial period thousands of years ago. Ever since it was first discovered in 1884 the geological feature has drawn visitors and tourists. The 150 acre park also has a hiking trail that follows where an old cold mine tram used to run, a forest, and a rock edge. Hunting is another popular activity in Archbald State Park and on 100 acres hunters are allowed to hunt a range of species including turkeys, squirrels, and white tailed deer.
Comments
Loading…