List of Cities in Pennsylvania Alphabetically

by btobers · Published August 19, 2024 · Updated November 11, 2024

Pennsylvania has around 1,018 incorporated cities and towns. The state capital is Harrisburg, but the largest city is Philadelphia, a major historical and cultural center. Other large cities include Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Reading, Scranton, Bethlehem, Lancaster, Harrisburg, and York. Pennsylvania’s cities reflect its industrial past, with Philadelphia and Pittsburgh being key economic and cultural hubs. The state also has a large number of smaller towns that are known for agriculture, education, and historical significance.

1. Philadelphia

City Facts

Population: Approximately 1.576 million (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 215, 267, 445
Zip Codes: 19019–19255
County: Philadelphia County (coextensive with the city)

Geography and History

Philadelphia is located in southeastern Pennsylvania along the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers. It has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Founded by William Penn in 1682 as a haven for religious freedom, Philadelphia played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, serving as the meeting place for the Continental Congress and the signing of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution. The city was briefly the nation’s capital in the late 18th century. As an industrial hub in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Philadelphia thrived on manufacturing, trade, and finance. Today, it is known for its rich history, cultural institutions, and diverse economy, which includes healthcare, education, finance, and technology.

Colleges and Universities

University of Pennsylvania (UPenn): An Ivy League university known for its business (Wharton School), law, and medical programs, UPenn is one of the top universities in the world.
Temple University: A major public research university offering a wide range of programs in health sciences, business, law, and the arts.
Drexel University: Known for its cooperative education program, Drexel specializes in engineering, business, and healthcare education.
Thomas Jefferson University: A private university focused on health sciences and medical education, including nursing, pharmacy, and biomedical sciences.
La Salle University: A private Catholic university offering programs in business, education, and the humanities.

Major Landmarks

Philadelphia is home to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, two of the nation’s most iconic symbols of freedom. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, with its famous “Rocky Steps,” houses an extensive art collection. The historic district includes Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited street in America. The Franklin Institute and the Museum of the American Revolution provide interactive exhibits on science and history. The Reading Terminal Market is a popular food destination offering a variety of local and international cuisines. The Philadelphia Zoo, the first zoo in the U.S., remains a family favorite, while Fairmount Park, one of the largest urban park systems in the country, offers outdoor recreation and historical sites.

2. Pittsburgh

City Facts

Population: Approximately 302,971 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 412, 878
Zip Codes: 15122–15295
County: Allegheny County

Geography and History

Pittsburgh is located in southwestern Pennsylvania at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers. The city has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Pittsburgh’s history is rooted in its strategic location as a transportation hub, beginning as a frontier fort in the mid-18th century. It later became known as the “Steel City” due to its dominance in the steel industry throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The city’s economy has diversified in recent decades, shifting from heavy industry to sectors like healthcare, education, finance, and technology, while still embracing its industrial heritage.

Colleges and Universities

University of Pittsburgh (Pitt): A public research university known for its health sciences, particularly the School of Medicine and UPMC, one of the nation’s top medical centers.
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU): A world-renowned private university specializing in technology, engineering, computer science, and the arts.
Duquesne University: A private Catholic university offering programs in law, business, and the liberal arts, with a focus on professional education.
Chatham University: Known for its programs in sustainability, health sciences, and the liberal arts, Chatham focuses on women’s education and offers co-ed graduate programs.
Point Park University: Offers programs in business, the performing arts, and communications, with a strong focus on practical education and internships.

Major Landmarks

Pittsburgh is known for its iconic skyline and bridges, with the Duquesne Incline offering panoramic views of the city from Mount Washington. The Andy Warhol Museum, dedicated to the life and works of the pop art icon, is a must-see for art enthusiasts. PNC Park and Heinz Field are major sports venues, home to the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers, respectively. The Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Carnegie Museum of Art are renowned cultural institutions, while the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offer serene green spaces. Point State Park, located at the “Golden Triangle” where the three rivers meet, is a historic and recreational site.

3. Allentown

City Facts

Population: Approximately 128,188 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 610, 484
Zip Codes: 18101–18195
County: Lehigh County

Geography and History

Allentown is located in eastern Pennsylvania in the Lehigh Valley, along the Lehigh River. The city has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. Founded in 1762 by William Allen, a wealthy Philadelphia merchant, Allentown grew as an industrial city during the 19th century, benefiting from its proximity to anthracite coal mines and iron production. The city played a significant role in the American Revolution, hiding the Liberty Bell from British forces in 1777. While the city’s traditional manufacturing base declined in the late 20th century, Allentown has rebounded with a focus on healthcare, education, and retail.

Colleges and Universities

Muhlenberg College: A private liberal arts college known for its programs in theater, business, and pre-med, with a strong tradition of academic excellence.
Cedar Crest College: A private women’s college that offers programs in nursing, education, and the sciences, with a growing emphasis on healthcare education.
Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC): A public community college offering associate degrees and certificates in various fields, including healthcare, business, and technology.
Penn State Lehigh Valley: A branch of Pennsylvania State University offering undergraduate programs in business, engineering, and communications.
DeSales University (nearby in Center Valley): Offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business, healthcare, and the liberal arts, with a strong focus on practical education and internships.

Major Landmarks

Allentown is home to the Allentown Art Museum, which features a diverse collection of European, American, and contemporary art. The America on Wheels Museum highlights the city’s automotive history, while the Liberty Bell Museum commemorates the city’s role in protecting the iconic bell during the American Revolution. Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, a popular amusement park, attracts visitors from around the region. Coca-Cola Park, home to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, is a favorite destination for baseball fans. The PPL Center, an arena in downtown Allentown, hosts concerts, sporting events, and shows. The Trexler Nature Preserve offers outdoor recreation and wildlife observation.

4. Reading

City Facts

Population: Approximately 95,112 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 610, 484
Zip Codes: 19601–19612
County: Berks County

Geography and History

Reading is located in southeastern Pennsylvania, along the Schuylkill River, in the heart of Berks County. The city has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. Founded in 1748 by the sons of William Penn, Reading quickly grew into a major transportation hub, largely due to the construction of the Reading Railroad in the 19th century, which connected the coal regions of Pennsylvania to major markets. The city’s economy was heavily reliant on manufacturing, particularly iron and steel production. While Reading faced economic challenges in the late 20th century, it has since worked to revitalize its downtown and diversify its economy with healthcare, education, and tourism.

Colleges and Universities

Albright College: A private liberal arts college known for its interdisciplinary programs, particularly in business, education, and the sciences.
Alvernia University: A private Catholic university offering undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly strong in healthcare, business, and social work.
Reading Area Community College (RACC): A public community college offering associate degrees and certificates in a variety of fields, including nursing, education, and technology.
Penn State Berks: A branch of Pennsylvania State University offering undergraduate programs in business, engineering, and the liberal arts, serving the Reading area.
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania (nearby in Kutztown): A public university offering programs in education, business, and the arts, with many students commuting from Reading.

Major Landmarks

Reading is known for the Reading Pagoda, a seven-story Japanese-style structure built in 1908 that offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside. The GoggleWorks Center for the Arts is a community arts center offering workshops, galleries, and studio space for artists. The Santander Arena is the city’s premier venue for concerts, sporting events, and performances. The Reading Public Museum features art, natural history exhibits, and a planetarium. The Reading Fightin Phils, a minor league baseball team, play at FirstEnergy Stadium, a beloved local venue. The Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center provides hiking trails and educational programs in a forested setting.

5. Erie

City Facts

Population: Approximately 92,732 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 814
Zip Codes: 16501–16565
County: Erie County

Geography and History

Erie is located in northwestern Pennsylvania, on the southern shore of Lake Erie. The city has a humid continental climate, with cold, snowy winters and warm summers. Founded in 1795, Erie developed as a key port city on the Great Lakes, facilitating trade between the Midwest and the East Coast. The city played a strategic role during the War of 1812, with Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s fleet being built in the city’s harbor. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Erie’s economy thrived on manufacturing, particularly in iron, steel, and shipbuilding. While manufacturing has declined, Erie has focused on diversifying its economy with healthcare, tourism, and higher education.

Colleges and Universities

Gannon University: A private Catholic university offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly known for its healthcare and engineering programs.
Mercyhurst University: A private Catholic university known for programs in criminal justice, intelligence studies, and the liberal arts.
Penn State Behrend: A branch of Pennsylvania State University offering undergraduate and graduate programs in business, engineering, and science, with strong ties to local industries.
Edinboro University (nearby in Edinboro): Offers undergraduate and graduate programs in education, healthcare, and the arts, serving students from the Erie area.
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM): One of the largest medical schools in the U.S., offering programs in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, and dental medicine.

Major Landmarks

Erie’s most iconic landmark is Presque Isle State Park, a peninsula that extends into Lake Erie and offers beaches, hiking trails, and birdwatching opportunities. The Erie Maritime Museum tells the story of the city’s naval history, including the role of Commodore Perry during the War of 1812. The U.S. Brig Niagara, a replica of Perry’s flagship, is docked at the museum and is available for tours. The Erie Art Museum features a wide range of visual art, from local artists to international collections. Waldameer Park & Water World, a family-friendly amusement and water park, is a popular summer destination. The Erie Insurance Arena hosts concerts, hockey games, and other sporting events.

List of Cities in Pennsylvania Alphabetically

1. Philadelphia

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

2. Pittsburgh

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

3. Allentown

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

4. Reading

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

5. Erie

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

List of All Cities and Towns in Pennsylvania in Alphabetical Order

Related Posts:

Recent Posts