When UK and Irish businesses think about entering the US, their attention often turns to major cities like New York or Boston. But behind the skyline, success depends not just on where your clients are, but how efficiently you can reach them. That’s where Pennsylvania stands out—not only for its central position on the East Coast, but for its world-class infrastructure that connects you to the entire North American market.
Pennsylvania is often referred to as the Keystone State, and for good reason. Located within 500 miles of nearly half the U.S. population and 60% of Canada’s, Pennsylvania provides a unique logistics advantage. From a single base, businesses can reach major metropolitan areas like New York City, Washington D.C., Boston, and Chicago, all within a day’s drive.
This makes Pennsylvania an ideal springboard for businesses looking to scale quickly and serve customers across the eastern half of North America without the high costs of a major metro base.
Connectivity is Pennsylvania’s strong suit. The state offers:
-
- Six international airports, including Philadelphia International and Pittsburgh International, facilitating fast and frequent global and domestic travel.
-
- Three major deepwater ports (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Erie) providing access to the Atlantic Ocean, Great Lakes, and Gulf of Mexico.
-
- The highest number of freight railroads in the US, with over 5,600 miles of track—critical for manufacturing, e-commerce, and supply chain-heavy sectors.
-
- Over 120,000 miles of highways, including direct access to key Interstate corridors (I-95, I-76, I-80), connecting east to west and north to south with speed and efficiency.
For exporters and distributors, this infrastructure translates into reduced time to market, lower freight costs, and more reliable delivery networks.
Pennsylvania doesn’t just move goods and people; it’s equipped to power digital and advanced industries. The state has made substantial investments in broadband connectivity, ensuring even rural areas are ready for data-driven businesses.
Add to that competitive electricity rates and access to low-cost natural gas, and you have a destination well suited for data centres, manufacturing, and energy-intensive industries.
Compared to East Coast peers like New York, Massachusetts, or Washington D.C., Pennsylvania offers “Midwestern prices with East Coast access.” That means UK and Irish scale-ups can enjoy:
-
- Lower property and utility costs
-
- Shorter commutes and better quality of life for employees
-
- Fewer logistical bottlenecks in high-traffic metro zones
It’s a rare balance—high connectivity without high congestion.
For ambitious businesses looking for a US launchpad, Pennsylvania offers speed, scale, and savings. Whether you’re shipping goods, deploying teams, or building long-term operations, the Commonwealth’s infrastructure ensures you’re connected, competitive, and in control.