15 Pennsylvania Cities You Should Never Buy Property In

The Keystone State, Pennsylvania, is rich in history, beautiful in landscape, and urban. There’s a lot to love from the hustle of Philadelphia to the charm of small towns. In the real estate world, however, not all cities are created equal. Some towns are the type to plant roots and make your home and others will cause you to pull those roots back out in no time.

Some cities in Pennsylvania, whether because of high crime rates, struggling economies or neighborhoods that have seen better days, will raise red flags for prospective homeowners. So if you’re looking to make a smart investment, knowing where not to buy will save you a ton of headaches. Here are 15 cities where you might feel like you’re walking on thin ice when buying property.

Reading

Reading has the historical vibe and is quite convenient, but unfortunately crime rates and unemployment are high. Reading has been long time suffering from poverty which affects property values and safety. This city will make you think twice if you are looking for peace of mind with your purchase.

Chester

On the surface proximity to Philadelphia would appear to make Chester attractive, but there are so many pitfalls in buying a home here. Crime and properties abandoned are the norms of the area, making real estate investment vulnerable. Chester’s problems are tough for even long time residents to navigate, let alone newcomers.

Wilkes-Barre

Wilkes-Barre was once a thriving coal town, and it’s had a tough time bouncing back from its industrial heyday. The property market of the city is often such that buyers feel like they’ve bitten off more than they can chew because of the dwindling population and limited job opportunities.

McKeesport

For decades, McKeesport, near Pittsburgh, has been battling economic decline. It’s not the best place to buy a home, with blighted properties and struggling schools. But for anyone looking for a place to belong and grow, McKeesport isn’t the answer.

Johnstown

Johnstown has seen its share of economic storms, as well as its share of devastating floods. Property ownership here is an uphill battle for declining industries and an aging infrastructure. The challenges loom large even though the natural beauty of the area is so great.

Aliquippa

Economic stagnation and deteriorating housing replaced Aliquippa’s proud steel making heritage, a distant memory. Progress has been sluggish for the town to rebuild, and property values are low, so it’s a tough sell to most buyers.

Hazleton

Hazleton has in recent years been wracked by rising crime and economic problems. While it sits in the picturesque Pocono Mountains, the city’s problems often take away from what it could be and homeowners find themselves doubting their decision.

Sharon

Sharon, just outside the Ohio border, is a place with charm and challenges. Unfortunately, there is very little opportunity for growth, and economic challenges seem to reign. The result? Investing in property here feels like gambling.

Altoona

Another city that’s seen better days is Altoona, famous for its railroading history. Housing market left lagging in declining industries and underwhelming development. Despite its small town vibe, buyers usually find more cons than pros.

Carbondale

Carbondale is a small town with no growth and few amenities. Investing in property here might mean you’re stuck in a shrinking population with little to no economic activity.

New Castle

For years, New Castle has struggled to maintain population and economic stagnation. However, the city is not appealing to property buyers due to the abundance of vacant homes and a high crime rate.

Farrell

Farrell’s story mirrors that of many Rust Belt towns: It has a history of industry, and then years of decline. However, today, low property values and a struggling local economy make it an unwise decision for potential homeowners.

Nanticoke

Nanticoke was once very rich in coal mining history, but today its prospects are not so bright. As with the rest of the city, the real estate market here is a tough nut to crack with the city’s unemployment and dwindling resources.

Duquesne

Another town near Pittsburgh, Duquesne, is a mix of economic and social challenges. Property investments in there are not favourable for most buyers due to high poverty levels and little chances of growth.

Uniontown

Uniontown’s low price tag is attractive, but with its level of unemployment and aging infrastructure, it will need first rate efforts to catch up. Although it has some historic charm, the hurdles for homeowners are too great to ignore.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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