One small city in northern Pennsylvania will hand you a cash incentive just for moving there. Nearly 700 people applied, and several families have already packed their boxes and shown up.
That stopped me in my tracks. Another town on this list calls itself the Pizza Capital of the World. A third swapped its entire name in 1954 to honor an Olympic legend.
I love that the top half of the state is full of surprises like these. Folks are trading crowded suburbs for river valleys, forest roads, and college-town sidewalks. Some places are growing slowly and steadily. Others are working hard to win newcomers over.
So what keeps pulling people north? I dug into the spots where new neighbors keep arriving, and the reasons are more fun than you might expect. Do you think you could see yourself living in one of these places?
1. Milford
Few small towns can say the father of American forestry grew up in a castle down the road.
Milford can, and that’s just the start of its charm.
The borough serves as the county seat of Pike County in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Its population has climbed from 1,100 in the 2020 census to an estimated 1,151 today.
That may sound tiny, but it’s real momentum for a town this size.
Pike County as a whole grew about five percent between 2020 and 2023.
So what’s the draw?
A big part of it is Grey Towers National Historic Site, the stone mansion of Gifford Pinchot.
Pinchot was the first chief of the U.S.
Forest Service.
He also served two terms as governor of Pennsylvania, so the guy kept busy.
The estate’s grounds and gardens give you a place to stroll without leaving town.
Plenty of residents would trade a gym membership for that view.
History buffs get another treat at the Columns Museum, run by the Pike County Historical Society.
It holds a flag connected to the night President Lincoln was shot at Ford’s Theatre.
That’s a pretty wild thing to find in a borough of about a thousand people.
It makes for one heck of a fun fact at your first block party.
Nature sits right outside the door, too.
The Delaware River flows nearby, and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area stretches along the valley.
You can spend a Saturday hiking, paddling, or chasing waterfalls.
Then you can be back for dinner before dark.
Milford also hosts the Black Bear Film Festival, which brings independent movies to town.
Small place, big screen energy.
The location helps explain the growth.
Milford sits close to the New York and New Jersey borders, which suits people who still travel for work or family.
If you crave quiet streets with a little culture mixed in, this borough checks a lot of boxes.
Just be ready to explain who Gifford Pinchot was to your visiting relatives.
Address: Milford, PA 18337
2. Jim Thorpe
Back in 1954, a town called Mauch Chunk changed its name to honor Olympic champion Jim Thorpe.
Talk about a bold rebrand.
The famous athlete is buried there today, and the town still carries his name proudly.
It sits in Carbon County, tucked between steep Pocono mountains.
Okay, maybe not tucked, but the hills really do wrap around it.
That scenery earned it the old nickname Switzerland of America.
People keep coming, too.
The borough’s population has edged up from 4,505 in 2020 to an estimated 4,539, while Carbon County grew 1.6 percent from 2020 to 2024.
Moving here means living inside a postcard of Victorian architecture.
The Asa Packer Mansion stands on a hill above town as a museum.
Packer was a railroad founder and the man behind Lehigh University.
His home offers a look at how the wealthy lived in the 1800s.
Then there’s the Old Jail Museum, which comes with a spooky legend.
Visitors hear stories about a handprint on a cell wall that supposedly won’t go away.
Is it real?
You’ll have to decide for yourself after a tour.
Outdoor fans may love Jim Thorpe most of all.
Lehigh Gorge State Park runs alongside the Lehigh River with trails for biking and hiking.
Whitewater rafting outfitters operate in the area during warmer months.
You could literally ride the rapids on a weekend and be home for supper.
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway also offers train rides through the valley.
Kids and grown-ups alike tend to enjoy a slow trip past river views.
Of course, popular towns bring weekend tourists.
If you move here, you’ll learn quickly which days to run errands early.
Still, that buzz keeps local shops and restaurants busy year-round.
For a lot of newcomers, a little bustle beats a ghost town any day.
Address: Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
3. Lake Ariel
Lake Township has added more than eight percent to its population since the 2020 census.
For a rural corner of Wayne County, that’s quite a jump.
Lake Ariel, the village at its heart, posted a 2.6 percent year-over-year bump as of September 2025.
People clearly like what they’re finding here.
The name gives you a hint about the lifestyle.
Lakes dot the area, and summer life tends to revolve around the water.
Want a nature preserve as a neighbor?
Lacawac Sanctuary sits in Lake Ariel and protects a glacial lake called Lake Lacawac.
Scientists study the lake, and the sanctuary offers trails for the public.
It’s a rare chance to hike next to a research site.
Families can explore programs there that teach about forests, water, and wildlife.
That’s a pretty great field trip only minutes from home.
Lake Ariel also sits within driving distance of Scranton.
That means you can live by the water and still reach city jobs, shops, and hospitals.
Many newcomers seem to want exactly that balance.
Quiet nights, but not total isolation.
The broader region keeps welcoming people, too.
Wayne County’s population is projected to grow from 51,155 in 2020 to over 51,700.
Life here moves at a slower pace than the suburbs.
You’ll probably swap traffic jams for the occasional deer crossing the road.
Four seasons come in full force, so pack for snow.
Winter turns the lakes and woods into a whole different scene.
Before buying, think about how you’ll handle rural living.
Some roads and services feel more spread out than you might be used to.
Still, if your dream morning includes coffee by a lake, this village makes a strong case.
Just don’t be surprised if you start owning more than one kayak.
Address: Lake Ariel, PA 18436
4. Buckingham Township
Way up in the top corner of Wayne County, the New York border is practically your backyard fence.
Buckingham Township sits right there along the upper Delaware River.
This rural township has seen a 5.36 percent population change since 2023.
That’s a real surge for a place known more for trees than traffic lights.
Why would people head this far north?
Space is a big reason, and peace and quiet come in close behind.
The township borders the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, managed by the National Park Service.
That stretch of water draws paddlers, anglers, and eagle watchers.
Bald eagles are known to spend winters along the upper Delaware.
Spotting one from your porch would make any morning better.
The village of Equinunk lies partly within the township.
Its historical society shares stories about the area’s past as a river and lumber community.
Life here feels pretty different from a busy town center.
Your nearest grocery run might involve a scenic drive.
Many newcomers seem to see that as a feature, not a flaw.
When the view out the window is mountains and river, errands feel less like chores.
Remote workers have helped fuel moves to quiet places like this.
If you can work from anywhere, why not work near a famous river?
Just double-check internet options before you sign any papers.
Rural service can vary from road to road.
Winters also run long in this part of Pennsylvania.
A good snow shovel and a sturdy vehicle should top your shopping list.
Summer and fall reward that patience with green hills and blazing leaves.
You might find yourself hosting a lot of visitors once friends see your photos.
Buckingham Township won’t win a nightlife contest.
But for people craving room to breathe, that’s exactly the point.
Address: Buckingham Township, Wayne County, PA 18417
5. Jenks Township
Forest County lives up to its name in a big way.
Jenks Township, home to the village of Marienville, sits deep in Allegheny National Forest country.
Numbers here tell a comeback story.
The township dipped after the 2020 census but now shows an annual growth rate of 1.28 percent.
That kind of rebound catches attention in rural northwestern Pennsylvania.
Somebody is clearly discovering this patch of woods.
The big draw is obvious once you look at a map.
Allegheny National Forest covers more than 500,000 acres across several counties.
That makes it the only national forest in the state.
Living next to it is like having a giant park for your backyard.
Marienville is known as a base for ATV and snowmobile riders.
Trail systems in the national forest bring riders into the area across the seasons.
Hunters and anglers also find plenty to love here.
Clear streams and thick woodlands set the stage for long weekends outdoors.
Do you like stargazing?
Rural places with fewer city lights tend to offer darker skies, which is a treat on clear nights.
Of course, living this remote takes some planning.
Bigger stores and specialty services may mean a longer drive.
Many newcomers here seem happy with that trade.
A little extra mileage buys you serious elbow room.
Housing in rural Pennsylvania often costs less than in big metro areas.
For families stretching a budget, that can make a huge difference.
Think about how you’ll spend winter, too.
Snowy months are long, though snowmobilers might count that as a perk.
Jenks Township won’t appeal to everyone, and that’s okay.
For people chasing trails, trees, and quiet, it might be the right fit.
Address: Marienville, PA 16239
6. Kelly Township
A township with a regional hospital in its backyard tends to attract people who like peace of mind.
Kelly Township, in Union County, is one of those places.
The population here grew almost six percent since 2023.
That’s some of the strongest recent growth on this whole list.
So what’s going on in this corner of central Pennsylvania?
Location plays a huge role.
Kelly Township wraps around the north and west edges of Lewisburg.
You get a country feel with a college town only minutes away.
Evangelical Community Hospital sits in the township.
Having a major medical center nearby matters a lot to families and retirees alike.
It’s also a big local employer.
Jobs and healthcare in one spot make a pretty strong combo for newcomers.
U.S.
Route 15 runs through the area, connecting you north toward Williamsport and south toward Harrisburg.
Commuting gets easier with a main highway close by.
Farmland still shapes much of the landscape.
Rolling fields and barns remind you that this is the Susquehanna Valley.
You can enjoy that open space without giving up modern convenience.
Grocery stores and shops sit within a short drive.
Bucknell University lies just next door in Lewisburg.
Campus events, lectures, and sports give residents more to do on a free evening.
That mix of college energy and rural calm is tough to find.
Kelly Township sort of gets the best of both worlds.
If you’re house hunting, you’ll see a range of options.
Some neighborhoods feel suburban, while other properties have more land.
Growth like this usually means more people have noticed.
So if this township sounds appealing, you may not be the only one watching listings.
Address: Kelly Township, Lewisburg, PA 17837
7. Old Forge
Any town brave enough to call itself the Pizza Capital of the World deserves a closer look.
Old Forge wears that title with pride.
Old Forge-style pizza usually comes in rectangular trays.
Locals order it by the tray or by the cut, instead of by slices.
Yes, a cut.
Learning that one word might be your first lesson as a new resident.
Pizza isn’t the only reason people are settling here, though.
The borough grew from 8,501 residents in 2020 to an estimated 8,678.
That steady climb shows real staying power in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Old Forge sits in Lackawanna County, just southwest of Scranton.
Being that close to a city is a big plus.
You can reach jobs, shopping, and medical care without a long haul.
The Lackawanna River flows through the area.
Trail and river projects across the valley give people more chances to get outside.
Old Forge has deep roots in coal mining history.
Many families trace their heritage back to Italian and Eastern European immigrants who worked the mines.
That heritage helps explain the pizza culture.
Food traditions passed down through generations still shape the town’s identity.
Living here feels more like a close-knit neighborhood than a sprawling suburb.
Streets are compact, and the borough is easy to get around.
Homes in older Pennsylvania boroughs often cost less than in bigger metro areas.
That can help first-time buyers get a foot in the door.
Highways near Scranton connect you to the wider region.
Weekend trips to the Poconos or beyond are simple to plan.
Thinking about moving?
Just know your friends will expect you to bring a tray when you visit.
Address: Old Forge, PA 18518
8. Masthope
Living near a ski slope sounds like a vacation that never ends.
In Masthope, that’s simply the neighborhood.
This small community sits within Lackawaxen Township in Pike County.
Its population jumped about eight percent from 655 in 2020 to an estimated 708.
That’s a modest headcount, but it shows a clear upward trend.
People are noticing this mountain corner of northeastern Pennsylvania.
Masthope Mountain is the local ski area.
Winter brings skiers and snowboarders to its slopes, and it offers a place to play close to home.
The surrounding Masthope Mountain community includes homes set in the woods.
Many people have come for vacation homes, and some decide to stay full-time.
Lackawaxen Township adds a dose of history, too.
Roebling’s Delaware Aqueduct crosses the Delaware River there.
John A. Roebling, who later designed the Brooklyn Bridge, built it.
The National Park Service calls it the oldest existing wire suspension bridge in the country.
Pretty cool claim for a quiet rural township, right?
It’s the kind of trivia that wins game nights.
Author Zane Grey once lived in Lackawaxen.
The Zane Grey Museum preserves his home, where he wrote about the American West.
Summer keeps things busy as well.
The Delaware River invites tubing, canoeing, and fishing when the weather warms up.
Remote work has made mountain communities like this more realistic.
You can log off and be outside within minutes.
Be sure to check internet service and road conditions before moving.
Hilly roads can get tricky during snowstorms.
If you love snow days and lazy river afternoons, Masthope gives you both.
The hardest choice might be skis or kayak.
Address: Lackawaxen, PA 18435
9. Lewisburg
A single-screen Art Deco movie theater still lights up downtown Lewisburg.
The Campus Theatre opened in 1941 and runs today as a nonprofit.
That vintage marquee sums up the town nicely.
Lewisburg feels classic but stays lively.
As the Union County seat, this borough has grown from 5,155 residents in 2020 to an estimated 5,246.
Slow and steady, just how many small towns like it.
Bucknell University is the anchor here.
Founded in 1846, the school brings events, sports, and cultural programs to the community.
College towns often offer more than their size suggests.
You might catch a concert or lecture on a random Tuesday night.
The West Branch of the Susquehanna River runs along the edge of town.
Riverside spots invite walks, picnics, and fishing.
History lovers can visit the Packwood House Museum.
It shares the story of a building that dates back to the 1790s and its later collections.
Downtown streets feature historic brick buildings with shops and restaurants.
Strolling around feels like stepping into an older chapter of Pennsylvania.
Food fans should know about the Lewisburg Farmers Market.
It’s a long-running spot for local produce and goodies.
Getting around is pretty simple, too.
Many neighborhoods sit within walking distance of downtown and campus.
Route 15 connects Lewisburg to Williamsport and Harrisburg.
That makes travel for work or fun manageable.
Healthcare is close by at Evangelical Community Hospital in neighboring Kelly Township.
That convenience appeals to families and retirees alike.
Lewisburg manages to feel smart without feeling stuffy.
If you want small-town charm with a little brainpower, this one’s worth a look.
Address: Lewisburg, PA 17837
10. Hermitage
Nearly 700 people applied to relocate through a regional incentive program that included Hermitage.
The program offered eligible remote workers cash incentives and other relocation perks.
The city teamed up with MakeMyMove on a relocation incentive for remote workers.
The package includes a cash bonus and other perks for newcomers.
As of August 2025, several families had already relocated.
That’s a real sign the plan is working.
Why does a city need a program like this?
Like many towns in western Pennsylvania, Hermitage has lost some population since 2020.
Instead of shrugging, city leaders got creative.
Now people from other states are giving this Mercer County city a serious look.
Buhl Park is a big selling point.
The park offers green space, trails, and a lake for relaxing days outside.
It’s also home to the Dum Dum golf course, a free nine-hole course.
Free golf?
Your weekend plans just got cheaper.
The Avenue of 444 Flags stands at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
It honors American service members lost in the wars following September 11.
Visitors often describe the rows of flags as moving and powerful.
It’s a meaningful place to pause and reflect.
Kraynak’s is another local landmark.
The store is known for its seasonal displays, including a famous holiday walk-through.
Hermitage sits close to the Ohio border.
You can reach Youngstown quickly and Pittsburgh in about an hour and change.
Shopping, dining, and services cluster along the main roads.
Day-to-day life stays pretty convenient.
For remote workers looking for a fresh start, Hermitage rolls out the welcome mat.
And it’s not every day a city pays you to show up.
Address: Hermitage, PA 16148
11. Sharon
Daffin’s Candies in Sharon has a room called Chocolate World.
It’s filled with giant chocolate sculptures, and yes, that’s as fun as it sounds.
Sweet attractions like that make a strong first impression.
Sharon is hoping newcomers stick around long after the sugar rush.
The city has joined a relocation incentive program aimed at remote workers.
It includes a homebuyer incentive to help people settle in.
Like neighboring Hermitage, Sharon has seen population decline in recent years.
Leaders are now working hard to reverse that trend.
People are answering the call.
Targeted programs in Mercer County have drawn interest from folks across the country.
Sharon sits along the Shenango River in western Pennsylvania.
The river winds through town and gives downtown a scenic backdrop.
The city has deep roots in the steel industry.
That history shaped its neighborhoods, buildings, and hardworking reputation.
Older industrial towns often offer affordable homes.
For remote workers earning big-city paychecks, that can stretch a budget a long way.
Location helps, too.
Sharon sits right on the Ohio line, close to Youngstown.
Pittsburgh is within reach for day trips and concerts.
You get small-city costs with big-city options a drive away.
Buhl Park sits just next door in Hermitage.
Sharon residents can enjoy trails, a lake, and that famous free golf course.
Moving to a city working on a comeback can be exciting.
You get to be part of what comes next.
Sharon isn’t trying to be flashy.
It offers room to grow, a helping hand to start, and chocolate sculptures for dessert.
Address: Sharon, PA 16146
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