Get to know seven of the most beautiful U.S. towns to retire in

A recent study from US News has carried out an in depth survey to identify the best places to retire in the United States.

The outlet looked at 150 largest metropolitan areas in the nation to assess how well they meet Americans’ retirement needs and expectations with a series of criteria being used including: happiness of local residents, housing affordability, tax rates and health care quality.

The state of Pennsylvania comes out strongly with seven of the Top 10 cities in the study coming from the ‘Keystone State’.

US News then surveyed those possibly nearing retirement age (45-59) and those of retirement age (60 or older) for guidance on what matters most to them with these target audiences instrumental in the survey of deciding the ideal places to start planning for retirement.

No: 1 - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

The State capital tops the ranking with Harrisburg boasting a population of just over 79,000. The city is also close to the likes of New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C and has stunning scenery by the Susquehanna River on the trails of Riverfront Park. Residents also enjoy hiking the famous Appalachian Trail or camping and mountain biking in the many nearby state parks and forests.

The city may not be automatically considered as affluent, but it does have a more affordable housing market and a lower cost of living than many of the East Coast’s larger metropolitan areas.

No. 2 - Reading, Pennsylvania

With a median home sale price in Reading proper lower than the state average, the city is steeped in innovation and boasts a truly diverse community.

Still, the Reading metro area, particularly suburban communities like Wyomissing, continues to attract new residents with its low cost of living and low crime rates and Reading is also close to neighbouring Philadelphia with residents easily able to access Lancaster and Amish country.

No. 3 - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

With a population of just over 50,000, Lancaster, Pennsylvania completes the podium and the city offers a balance between natural and commercial spaces that residents appreciate as farmland and suburbs intertwine to lead to a bustling city.

The city has a community which includes farmers, families, college students and young professionals and with the likes of church communities to the indie coffee shop scene, Lancaster holds a broad appeal.

The city is rich in arts and has a vibrant local music scene and is also home to a local Kellogg’s plant, Mars Chocolate North America and the world’s largest chicken barbecue add their own aromas to the mix.