Neighborhoods

In search for the best places to retire, a recent U.S. News and World Report has looked at data from 150 big cities in the U.S. to figure out which ones match the needs of retirees. They have considered the affordability of homes, tax rates, and the quality of healthcare. These factors are crucial in deciding where to spend your retirement years. So, let's explore the cities that stand out as the perfect spots for a happy and comfortable retirement, where everything comes together for a fulfilling and peaceful life after work.

1. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania - Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, offers convenient access to nature. Cyclists and joggers explore the picturesque Susquehanna River on the trails of Riverfront Park, which also hosts various annual festivals and events. Residents enjoy hiking the well-known Appalachian Trail or engaging in camping and mountain biking at nearby state parks and forests. Moreover, Harrisburg is close to notable attractions such as Amish country, Gettysburg National Military Park, and Hersheypark, featuring an amusement park, concert series, and The Spa At The Hotel Hershey, famous for its chocolate treatments. For those seeking big-city weekend getaways, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., are just a few hours away by car.

2. Reading, Pennsylvania - Reading, Pennsylvania, has a rich history rooted in innovation, home to the actual Reading Railroad featured in the Monopoly board game. The area showcases landmarks like the Allegheny Aqueduct and a century-old, seven-story pagoda overseeing the Reading Prong mountain formation. In the 19th century, people from around the globe flocked to Reading for opportunities in thriving manufacturing and transportation industries, creating a diverse community. Despite economic fluctuations in the Rust Belt, Reading has experienced constant change. Living in Reading comes with its share of challenges due to these transitions. However, the metro area, especially suburban communities like Wyomissing, remains appealing to new residents due to its affordable living and low crime rates. Additionally, Reading's strategic location, close to Philadelphia and with easy access to Lancaster and Amish country, adds to its attractiveness.

3. Lancaster, Pennsylvania - Lancaster, Pennsylvania, blends countryside and city life. Farms and suburbs lead to a vibrant city, easily explored by a short drive. Each area attracts different residents–farmers, families, students, and professionals. From tight-knit churches to indie coffee shops, Lancaster caters to diverse preferences. The county's farmland has a unique scent with farm animals, complemented by aromas from Kellogg's, Mars Chocolate, and the world's largest chicken barbecue. While new residents may notice these smells initially, they become part of Lancaster's distinctive environment. Lancaster offers affordability compared to major metro areas, with homes priced below the national median. Living costs, including food, healthcare, and transportation, align with the national average.

4. Scranton, Pennsylvania - Scranton, the sixth-largest city in Pennsylvania, has a small-town feel thanks to its close-knit neighborhoods around the lively downtown. Named after the Scranton family pivotal in its industrial history, the city features the historic Lackawanna County Courthouse and a dynamic downtown with trendy spots. Scranton is family-friendly with a low crime rate and affordable living while the vibrant downtown attracts young professionals. Events like First Friday Scranton, Scranton Jazz Festival, and La Festa Italiana add to the active social scene. The cost of living is below the national average, especially in housing, making it more affordable than nearby cities like Philadelphia and New York City for utilities, transportation, and groceries.

5. Allentown, Pennsylvania - Allentown, Pennsylvania's third-largest metro area, charms residents with its historic homes and repurposed industrial buildings turned into modern lofts. Diverse districts like Seventh Street, West End Theatre, and Hamilton Street each offer unique experiences, from local living and restaurants to theaters and sports. Nestled in the Lehigh Valley with scenic trails and mountains, Allentown appeals to outdoor enthusiasts. Its strategic location allows a two-hour drive to New York City or Philadelphia. The city prioritizes healthy living and the arts, making it a great spot for active individuals. Despite a median home sale price below other major metros and monthly rents between $1,611 and $2,193, residents earn less than the national average.

6. New York - New York City, a muse in songs and films, stands tall with its iconic buildings and rich history. A global trendsetter in trade and culture, it shapes everything from fashion to the perfect bagel. Despite crowds and expenses, the city offers unparalleled opportunities. From top-notch theaters and restaurants to diverse communities like Greenwich Village and Harlem, each borough, including Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island, contributes a unique flavor. Known for its non-stop lifestyle, the city attracts those seeking career advancement and challenges. As "the city that never sleeps," it beckons dreamers to test their limits. Affordable housing remains a challenge, with one-bedroom apartments costing several thousand dollars. Housing costs are high, especially in Brooklyn, leading some to explore options in Connecticut, New Jersey, or Long Island though the latter faces rising home prices in a competitive market.

7. York, Pennsylvania - York, Pennsylvania, may not boast a skyline but its historical significance as the White Rose City is noteworthy. Once hosting the Continental Congress and birthing the Articles of Confederation, it briefly served as the U.S. capital. Newcomers encounter York's rich history through Colonial-era buildings and playful public sculptures made from old machinery. Downtown living is becoming trendy, with shops and cultural events drawing visitors to districts like WeCo and Royal Square. Surrounding townships in York County offer parks and farmland, contributing to the area's appeal. The cost of living is below the national average, attracting commuters from Maryland seeking affordable housing. York County serves as a convenient bedroom community for those working in Maryland, including Baltimore.

8. Daytona Beach, Florida - Daytona Beach experiences seasonal population changes, bustling with winter tourists and quieter summers. Beyond its appeal as a vacation spot, it offers a well-rounded lifestyle. Residents engage in fishing and golf while the Daytona International Speedway attracts NASCAR fans. The city balances outdoor activities with museums, theaters, and various amenities. Adjoining towns like Port Orange and Ormond Beach provide diverse living options. The cost of living is below the national average, with lower utility expenses and no state income tax. However, residents tend to earn less than the national average.

9. Youngstown, Ohio - Youngstown, positioned between Pittsburgh and Cleveland, still carries echoes of the 1970s steel industry collapse. Despite its Rust Belt past, the city is experiencing a cultural and economic resurgence, blending historical roots with the energy of a new generation. Once deserted, it now thrives with businesses, including restaurants, bars, galleries, and local shops. Organizations like the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation focus on reviving urban neighborhoods, driven by the region's strong work ethic.

To read the full story from msn.com, click here. 

Monday, December 18, 2023. 

On Friday, December 15, the William Swanston Charitable Fund, a supporting organization of the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, awarded a $25,000 grant to the Glenwood Fresh Market (Market).

The Market is located in a storefront at YNDC’s plaza at 2915 Glenwood Avenue and provides year-round access to free fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy food items for low-income residents. The Market also provides space for cooking demonstrations, nutrition education, health screenings, and other community health resources. Since it began operation in April 2022, the Market has provided free fresh and healthy produce to 2,578 unique members. Thank you to the William Swanston Charitable Fund for the support of this community resource!

Monday, December 18, 2023. 

On Friday, December 15, the Western Reserve Health Foundation, a supporting organization of the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, awarded a $100,000 grant to the Glenwood Fresh Market (Market).

The Market is located in a storefront at YNDC’s plaza at 2915 Glenwood Avenue and provides year-round access to free fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy food items for low-income residents. The Market also provides space for cooking demonstrations, nutrition education, health screenings, and other community health resources. Since it began operation in April 2022, the Market has provided free fresh and healthy produce to 2,578 unique members. Big thanks to the Western Reserve Health Foundation for the support of this community resource!

Monday, December 18, 2023. 

On Monday, December 18, Seven Seventeen Credit Union awarded YNDC with a $2,500 grant for Housing Counseling.

The HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Program empowers low- to moderate-income residents to identify and overcome barriers to homeownership, including inadequate savings, income, credit history, and understanding of the home buying process, and prepare them for future homeownership; and to provide existing low- to moderate-income homeowners with resources to maximize their limited incomes and minimize repair costs so that they can avoid foreclosure and improve their living conditions. Many thanks to Seven Seventeen Credit Union for their support!

Monday, December 18, 2023. 

On Friday, December 15, the Aimee and Lulu Seidel Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant for the Glenwood Neighbors Community Safety program.

The program will engage residents and business owners in the neighborhoods along Glenwood Avenue in Youngstown in a coordinated effort to prevent crime by using evidence-based practices for crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED), including installing lighting and doorbell security cameras on homes, businesses, and in public spaces that are in the vicinity of hotspots of violent crime. YNDC will work with resident leaders, business owners, and the Youngstown Police Department to implement the program. Many thanks to the Aimee and Lulu Seidel Foundation!
 

The Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation (YNDC) got a big financial shot in the arm by way of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh’s Affordable Housing Program.

To read the full story from WKBN, click here. 

A $600,000 grant will assist Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp.’s development of two new duplexes on Glenwood Avenue.

To read the full story from The Business Journal, click here. 

Two new duplexes will be going up on Youngstown’s Southside thanks to a $600,000 grant. The Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation announced that it has been awarded a grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh's Affordable Housing Program for the development of affordable housing.

To read the full story from WFMJ, click here. 

The Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp. received a $600,000 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh to build two new duplexes on Glenwood Avenue as part of the organization’s ongoing effort to rehabilitate that South Side street.

To read the full story from The Vindicator, click here. 

The board of directors of The Raymond John Wean Foundation earlier this month approved more than $1.5 million in Community Investment Grants to benefit seven nonprofits in the Mahoning Valley. The grants support the Wean Foundation’s priorities of supporting educational opportunities, community revitalization, and public and civic sector leadership. The Community Investment Grants seek to fund the development and implementation of viable solutions that address long-held assumptions, redistribute decision-making power, and challenge the lack of equitable access to resources, knowledge, and opportunity.

The Community Investment Grants were awarded to the following:

Educational Opportunities

Kent State University at Trumbull, Building Black Leaders program. This program provides Black, biracial, and multiracial students with personal, professional, and academic support. The two-year grant will enable a study away experience for students, emergency funding, and the ability to hire a student to support the program.
Youngstown City School District, Rayen Early College High School, Summer Bridge program. The program supports incoming freshmen in their academic readiness and social-emotional well-being as they transition to high school.

Community Revitalization

Boston Avenue Neighborhood Association, a group focused on creating safe and beautiful spaces in the South Side of the Youngstown neighborhood. The grant will provide general operating support over two years, including support for a fellow dedicated to building capacity in marketing, fundraising, and outreach.
Economic Action Group, which provides economic development and entrepreneurial assistance programming within Youngstown and Warren. The grant is for general operating support over two years.
Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership, which works to empower residents and promote sustainable community development in Warren. The grant will help with general operations, local organizing, and the Strategic Partners Fellowship over a year.
Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp., which focuses on improving the quality of life in Youngstown. The grant will support general operations, organizing, and the Strategic Partners Fellowship over one year.

To read the full story from The Business Journal, click here.