Allentown lies nestled on the Lehigh River in eastern Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1762, and is one of the first urban centers in the country, notable for historic homes, and commercial and industrial buildings that are more than a century old. The city covers 18 square miles, and its median age is 31.2 (2022). The manufacturing industry is its primary economic driver.

Known as “Gem City” because of adjacent Lake Erie’s sparkling appearance under sunlight, Erie, Pennsylvania, lies on the lake’s south shore. The city was founded in 1795. Today, it stretches across 19.3 square miles, and has a median age of 34.5 (2022). Its main industries include manufacturing, insurance, healthcare, higher education, tourism, and technology.

In southwest Pennsylvania, at the confluence of the Allegheny River and the Monongahela River, sits the city of Pittsburgh. Founded in 1758, today it stretches across 58.3 square miles, and has a median age of 33.4 (2022). Pittsburgh is known both as “the Steel City,” because it’s home to more than 300 steel-related businesses, and as the “City of Bridges,” for its 446 bridges. Medicine, education, tourism, banking, and high-tech are the main drivers of its economy.

Founded in 1729, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is today best known for being the hub of Pennsylvania’s Dutch Country. Covering 7.3 square miles, it’s a city that offers a balance of natural and commercial spaces that residents appreciate. Its median age is 32.7 (2022), and its economy is mainly driven by healthcare, tourism, public administration, manufacturing, and professional and semi-professional services.

Harrisburg, the state capital of Pennsylvania, sits on the east bank of the Susquehanna River over 11.8 square miles. Incorporated 1791, it has a median age of 31.5 (2022), and its economy is mainly driven by government, healthcare, and technology/biotechnology.

Named for York, England, and known as the “White Rose City” after the House of York’s symbol, the Pennsylvania city lies in the south-central part of the state. Founded in 1741, it now covers 5.3 square miles, and has a median age of 32.2 (2022). York has been called an “architectural museum,” because its downtown features well-preserved historic buildings. The city is known for being the birthplace of the Articles of Confederation, and it was here the words “The United States of America” were first spoken. Agriculture, manufacturing, and distribution drive its economy.

Reading (pronounced “Red-ing”) is a city steeped in history. Founded in 1748 in southeastern Pennsylvania, it was once home to one of the largest railway systems in the country (where the Reading Railroad from the Monopoly board game comes from). More recently, it’s been known as “The Pretzel City,” because numerous local pretzel bakeries are based here. Lying across 10 square miles, its median age is 30.6 (2022). The city’s main industries include manufacturing, retail trade, and healthcare and social assistance.