Somerset, PA

Somerset is a small, easygoing mountain town in southwestern Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands, conveniently located right off the Pennsylvania Turnpike. With around 6,000 residents, it serves as the county seat, with daily activity centered around a historic Uptown district full of local shops, casual restaurants, and a classic courthouse square. Because the town sits at an elevation of nearly 2,200 feet, you can expect cooler summer temperatures, scenic ridge views, and plenty of winter snow. County government, regional healthcare, and light manufacturing form the backbone of the local job market.

ATTRPhotochick234 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Families have access to the Somerset Area School District as well as several local private schools, while UPMC Somerset provides convenient everyday medical care. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate having state parks and ski resorts like Seven Springs and Hidden Valley practically in their backyard. Winters bring genuine mountain weather and heavy snowfall, so all-wheel drive comes in handy, but the turnpike keeps travel to neighboring areas manageable. For bigger shopping trips, cultural events, or airport runs, Johnstown is an easy drive north and Pittsburgh is about 70 miles west.