Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is probably best known for the revolutionary spirit of Philadelphia, but don’t overlook Pittsburgh, which has top-quality museums, gardens, and zoos. Wine aficionados will delight in the nearly 300 wineries sprinkled throughout the state; many can be found in the bucolic Lancaster County, home to the Pennsylvania Dutch. For those who enjoy antiquing, a one-weekenda-year yard sale along 100 miles of country road draws crowds from all over the country. If your interests are more extraterrestrial, some of the finest dark skies stargazing in the East can be found at Cherry Springs State Park. State income tax is 3.07% for all income earners, but county- and city-level taxes are not included in that and vary based on location.

Climate

Covering more than 46,000 square miles, Pennsylvania has several distinct climate zones. Summer days in the southeastern counties can be warm and humid but are generally cooler in the Poconos to the north and Appalachian highlands in the west. It’s a true four-season state with late spring blooms, early fall colors, and annual winter snowfall totals that range from 15 to 50 inches or more.

Pennsylvania’s 60,000 farms cover more than 7.5 million acres, making it a national leader in everything from dairy products to apples and mushrooms to Christmas trees. Residents age 60+ in Pennsylvania are exempt from state income taxes, including Social Security, military benefits, pensions, IRAs, and 401(k)s. Those over 65 are eligible for housing-cost rebates, and the statewide sales tax of 6% includes exemptions for food, clothing, and heating fuel.

Even though the state contains an abundance of rural areas, it ranks as the fifth most populous in the nation.