I won’t sell you on Pittsburgh as I don’t know what you prioritize, but there’s plenty of housing stock less than $130k. Much of it will be in older neighborhoods with closer together homes and mid-range or lower school districts, but it’s out there.

Pretty much just a small house that my friends/family come and visit occasionally. I like going out once or twice a week but other than that pretty much just relax. Also looking for a place with little yard maintenance

you may be able to find a really small clunker in a rural area of harrisburg/york. but why not rent? or check zillow to get an idea of the housing markets?

living in harrisburg york area is generally boring, low on amenities, very car dependent, but you are within short drives of nice hikes and other outdoor activities

Pittsburgh less boring, less similar to NEPA, slightly less car dependent. but i don’t think you are going to be living in pittsburgh if you’re looking for a $130k house

Thank you for the feedback, I am not a big fan of renting, but am not opposed to it if it’s necessary

I'm in Pittsburgh. We bought here about 25 years ago.

You might be able to find something in the neighborhood of $130k, but it will probably need work. I would say that they might be home-owner kept up, but not upgraded, if that makes sense. Think paneling, drop ceilings and shag carpeting. The mechanics of the house might be good, though. Like, is the electrical and plumbing upgraded? And when was the last time the roof was replaced? Check out the basement and be aware that dirt floors in the basement are vulnerable.

I'm in Lawrenceville, which is really close to downtown Pittsburgh. Right across the Allegheny from me is Millvale. It's just as close as I am, but is not part of Pittsburgh. You might want to look there. If you do, try to limit your search to the slopes area. Millvale has had an issue with flooding in the past.

There is a line of these small independent areas along the Allegheny. Aspinwall, Etna, Millvale. They are all really close in. I think that cities that have lrger boundaries, these would just be considered neighborhoods. But they are separate towns and townships with their own governance.

I certainly would never buy immediately in a new city.

My suggestion is to consider rent on a short lease (6 months) in an area you’re thinking of living in long term. Get a feel for the area and housing market, and maybe get a better interest rate too. If you’re at $130k out of necessity this could allow you to save up to afford a larger down payment or to put towards home repairs. I got a house at $150k and it’s eaten so much money on repairs.

Idk much about either areas you listed in the post. Best of luck in your move!!

I think maybe you mean moving in-state.

Throughout state means you keep moving and keep moving and keep moving.

Ok thank you very much!

I’ve spent a lot of time in both of the areas i mentioned

Thank you! Unfortunately the downside to the job is that wherever I go at first is for 2 years

Yes you are correct, my apologies

No problem!

Do Harrisburg burbs or some parts of the city, don't do York or it's surroundings - if you go that route.

Signed, a Harrisburg native who currently lives in York County and thinks it chugs.

Husband would say Pitt burbs bc he wants to retire there.

You want Annville,PA which is only a 20 min drive to Harrisburg and is 40 minutes north of York. Annville is medium sized town, it has timely access to 422, 322 and 81, 15 miles from Lancaster and 5 from Hershey. It’s quite and surrounded by farm fields. 3 good Pho restaurants within 3 miles of each other, awesome bakeries and 3 groceries stores to choose from, they also have a great butcher shop. Several pizza joints, two Sheetz gas stations, new ASH bar 5 miles away (whiskey and cigars) that is top notch. The town is clean and family friendly. If you like the outdoors they have awesome trails close by and within a 10-15 minute drive. Penn State Med Center is 7 miles away (great healthcare) and several micro brewpubs like Rotunda, Snitch Creek and a bigger brewery called Troegs (in Hershey). Hershey is awesome due to all of the new restaurants and bars within the town and surrounding areas.

I lived in Harrisburg in 2011 and it has declined in safety and affordability over the past decade, same goes for York.

Great thank you!

Why would you say HB over York?

Because a lot of York county is really conservative, and sometimes pretty hick. The city itself isn't exactly safe, either.

Compare teachers' salaries in Western PA vs. Harrisburg/York area. I am pretty sure you will find that Harrisburg/York area has higher salaries.

Ahh gotcha. That makes it tougher for sure. Whatever you end up doing I wish you the best!!!

Got it, I will keep that in consideration. Thank you!

130K might get you a single-wide trailer in a park but not a good house.

Don't believe it when someone tells you Annville is 20 mins from Harrisburg.

Maybe if you go 70 mph the entire way with green lights all the way, but not otherwise. Nearly all of the speed limit is 50 or under, you have to grind thru Hershey and Palmyra, and there are no less than 16 traffic lights between the time you get on 83 and when you arrive at 422/934.

Also, Annville is a dinky place (pop 5,000) that does not have all that the poster claims it has.

I am pretty sure that like school districts pay pretty much the same in either area.

North Allegheny average for instance in about $56k. West Shore pays $55K.

If you do not intend to stay in a place for more than 6 or 8 years, why buy? Given prices, interest rates and closing costs, how do you intend to not lose $$ in the purchase? Not to mention the added federal tax if you do not keep ownership for 5 or more years. A losing proposition all around. Rent instead and move 2 years from now without that anchor around your wallet.

Live closer to Harrisburg, than York and got a house in 2015 for $119k. While my professional life is pretty disappointing (my hobbies keep it going strong), living here is nice for the commutes to wherever. Mountains, beaches, the northeast megalopolis (except for Boston lol), and hometown. Another thing I like here are my taxes are lower than when I lived in the Lehigh Valley.

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I don't live in Pittsburgh, but near it (40 minutes away, south).

Getting a house for 130k in Pittsburgh is nigh impossible. Getting one at that price 40-60 minutes away is doable, but you gotta be choosy (there's a LOT of fixer-uppers in the area).

I like the Harrisburg/York area too. Not as bad weather for driving (less mountainous) but a lot of stop lights.

Pittsburgh is my vote. Not just for a house, but for the sights and things to do. Pittsburgh has some cool stuff. Just don't move into Munhall or Mckeesport.

I don't live in Pittsburgh, but near it (40 minutes away, south).

Getting a house for 130k in Pittsburgh is nigh impossible. Getting one at that price 40-60 minutes away is doable, but you gotta be choosy (there's a LOT of fixer-uppers in the area).

I like the Harrisburg/York area too. Not as bad weather for driving (less mountainous) but a lot of stop lights.

Pittsburgh is my vote. Not just for a house, but for the sights and things to do. Pittsburgh has some cool stuff. Just don't move into Munhall or Mckeesport.

I lived in the hbg area for a few years and loved it. I know the Pitt area and burbs well. I seriously would look at renting until you get a feel for the area. Did I see you comment you would be in the new area for 2 years? Why buy if your going to be there for 2 years?!. Pick what works for you and what amenities you like. Hbg has great hiking near by, smaller city. Pitt is a great city with a lot to offer if you enjoy that. Rent, get a feel for area, if you plan to stay for about 10+ years then start to look for house. I’m the rental phase. You can talk to coworkers to get a feel for different areas.

Thank you for your insight!

So I should have clarified better. My job is a minimum of 2 years in the area, after that I can still stay there if I want. It isn’t like after 2 years I have to leave

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Lived in Hanover for a while and I had some neighbors from Indiana County that worked in the Littlestown School District. Said they moved out there because the shrinking tax base in Western PA school districts (outside of Allegheny County).

then you probably know there won't be much for your price range unless it needs renovated or its a bit out in the country.

Plenty of $60k houses in Harrisburg the city that need $30k worth of work. You can find an old row home for 80k but it'll probably have the interior of 1980.

Pittsburgh is cold and receives more snowfall than Harrisburg, so if you like snow

Thank you!

> I am looking to buy a house in the 130k range.

This is a really tall order. I just spot checked Zillow for properties under $140k and there are a handful around the Harrisburg / York area in varying conditions. There's a townhouse in Enola that looks like it might be a decent possibility, two in Marysville ... and that's about it.

I'm saying this as someone who loves all the dining, entertainment, and culture Harrisburg (and presumably York) has to offer: do not buy property in the city until you know the city. There are many neighborhoods that are fine, but you could easily wind up buying property in a bad part of the city.

That said, if you're in your 20s, the Harrisburg / York / Lancaster region is a blast! Tons of entertainment options, tons of singles, tons of breweries, distilleries, restaurants, trails, jobs ... you name it. It's also easy to get out of the city and go camping or hiking in true wilderness. And you've got easy access to major transportation options. Harrisburg International Airport is the best small-city international airport I've ever been to, but Philly and Baltimore are only 1.5 - 2 hours away. You can even take the train to Philly and hop the connector straight to the airport. Or keep going another 90 minutes into New York.

Take a look at Lancaster too. It's a larger city with tons of culture and dining options. The crowd tends to be more affluent and ... I'm not really sure how to say this, but remember that weird "exuberant hipster EVERYTHING IS AMAZING" attitude of 2010? It's that, all the time.

I'd also take a good look at Pittsburgh. I agree with the other poster, you're going to have a hard time finding any place at that price where you'd actually want to live. But Pittsburgh is booming right now and has been for a while. It's anchored by several major employers, it's got a decent airport, crime is reasonable, and you've got tons of cultural and dining options. If you're into cycling, this also puts you within easy reach of tons of trails (including the Great Allegheny Passage).

Finally, wherever you go, I'd highly recommend renting first. You don't know if you're going to love it there, you don't know if your job will work out, you don't know the neighborhoods, you don't know if you'll want to stay there, and the last thing you want is to be stuck with a house you can barely afford in a region you dislike.

Upon reading through this and others responses, I’m going with renting for the time being. Thank you!

Good deal! Definitely look in the downtown options. I spent my 20s being able to walk to parks, trails, live music, bars, restaurants, etc ... it was well worth the rent premium.