Local Information for Pennsylvania

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania goes by many nicknames. It is known not only as The Keystone State, but also as the Quaker State, the Coal State, the Oil State, and the State of Independence. Each nickname has a story, which gives you the clear picture that Pennsylvania is a state that holds a lot of beautiful stories – past or present.

Pennsylvania is one of the 13 original founding states of the US. It was named in honor of Admiral William Penn, who was the father of William Penn, the state’s founder. Some of the state’s most popular attractions include the Gettysburg National Military Park, the Independence National Historical Park, the Valley Forge National Historical Park, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, the Eisenhower farm, and the Pennsylvania Dutch region. Year in and year out, these places attract thousands upon thousands of tourists, all interested in exploring the rich heritage of the state.

The capital city of Pennsylvania is Harrisburg, a place embraced by history and natural charm. The National Civil War Museum, along with the Wildwood Lake Sanctuary & Olewine Nature Center, are some of the places that make life in Harrisburg an ideal experience for you and your family.

If living in the city of Philadelphia is your first choice, you’ll enjoy an exciting blend of arts and culture, as well as their unique cuisine (like their famous soft pretzels and cheesesteak!). Philadelphia, also known as Philly or the City of Brotherly Love (and many other nicknames!) is also where you’ll find the world’s largest landscaped urban park, Fairmount Park.

Exposing your family to as many diverse cultures as possible should bring you to the city of Pittsburgh. It is where you’ll find colorful, interesting cultural districts. Additionally, since it is also known as the Steel City, it has a lot of businesses related to the steel industry. And as it is also nicknames the City of Bridges, you’ll also find a lot of bridges in Pittsburgh!

Whether you choose the capital city of Harrisburg, the cheesesteak city of Philadelphia, or the steels and bridges of Pittsburg, you won’t have any problems looking for affordable housing in Pennsylvania because the authorities pay attention to and provide you what you need.

Affordable Housing in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) is the main authority when it comes to providing assistance to low income and moderate income residents, including those with special housing needs like the disabled and elderly. This state-affiliated agency is considered the main Pennsylvania housing authority but does not rely on taxpayers’ money.  The PHFA functions on behalf of federal government, tax related, and state programs. They are paid fees to initiate and deliver their programs.

Some of the programs offers by the PHFA include investments in multifamily housing developments and mortgage programs.

If you plan to bring your family and build a home in the city of Harrisburg, the main authority to approach is the Harrisburg Housing Authority or the HHA. Various housing programs and related services are offered by the HHA to Harrisburg residents looking for affordable housing deals.

For the city of Philadelphia, around 80,000 residents receive assistance from the PHA or the Philadelphia Housing Authority. The PHA was born in 1937 and is one of the largest housing authorities in the US. In fact, it is often called Pennsylvania’s “biggest landlord”.

Those who wish to build a home and raise a family in Pittsburgh will receive affordable housing assistance from the HACP or the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh. The HACP provides low cost public housing, senior housing assistance, and affordable housing options for disabled and special needs residents.

Rental Assistance in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency uses the Housing Choice Voucher or Section 8 voucher as a qualifying income for residents who are in need of loans (of any type). It is also possible to use other funding programs (subsidized purchases or local government-offered downpayment assistance) and combine them with PHFA financing. The Section 8 Voucher, however, cannot be used as a deduction from a resident or homeowner’s mortgage payment.

There is a special form for residents who intend to use the Section 8 Housing Voucher with a PHFA loan.

If you want more options for your housing needs in Pennsylvania, check out Rental Housing Deals online. It’s where you’ll find a variety of options for affordable rental and housing. You’ll event get the chance to view photos of your chosen home or view floor plans.