Quiet Pennsylvania Town Emerges as a Fast-Growing Retirement Destination

Hermitage, Pennsylvania, isn’t a resort town—and it isn’t trying to be. This small western Pennsylvania community near the Ohio border offers something simpler: affordable housing, low taxes, and a slower pace of life that many retirees want.

With about 15,800 residents—more than 4,400 of them 65 or older—Hermitage is already a town shaped by people who stay. That means established neighborhoods, practical local services, and calm without isolation.

Cost of Living

Cost of living is a main reason Hermitage comes up in retirement conversations. The average home costs about $211,000, and rent is $852, compared with about $2,000 nationally. That can make it easier to downsize, reduce monthly expenses, or simply breathe easier in your golden years.

Daily expenses stay low, too. Groceries, energy, and transportation run 17% below the national average.

Then there’s the tax picture. Pennsylvania doesn’t tax Social Security, pensions, or most retirement account withdrawals at the state level. A few exceptions apply, so check with a tax advisor—but for most retirees, more of your income stays yours.

Community and Culture

Hermitage isn’t built around nightlife or tourist traffic, but the town offers parks, golf courses, and community spaces that residents use regularly. The crime rate runs 11% below Pennsylvania’s average and 18% below the national rate.

Buhl Park anchors daily life here. The 300-acre public park offers walking trails, gardens, a lake, tennis and pickleball courts, golf, and free summer concerts. Residents can use it year-round without needing to plan a trip.

For bigger outings, Pittsburgh and Akron are each about an hour away. Locally, Mercer County offers museums, dining, and shopping within a short drive.

Health Care

Access to health care is a priority for retirees, and Hermitage offers solid coverage for its size. UPMC Horizon operates two hospital campuses in Mercer County—one in nearby Farrell, one in Greenville, plus an outpatient center and specialty care office directly in Hermitage. Sharon Regional Health System and Grove City Medical Center add more options within a short drive.

For retirees, that means routine care stays local. No hour-long trips for a checkup or lab work.

Walkability and Climate

Hermitage offers moderate walkability, with some neighborhoods providing convenient access to parks, shops, and basic services. While most residents rely on cars, distances are generally short.

The area has four distinct seasons. Autumn and spring bring moderate and enjoyable temperatures. Summers tend to be milder without the long spells of extreme heat. Winters bring snow, which may appeal to retirees who prefer familiar seasonal rhythms over year-round heat.

Outdoor activities like walking, golfing, and park use are well-suited to the local climate for much of the year.

Bottom Line

Hermitage isn’t positioning itself as a destination, and it isn’t trying to compete with well-known retirement hubs. Instead, it quietly offers something quite important to many retirees: affordable living, accessible health care, manageable taxes, and a community shaped by people who tend to stay for the long term.