What would life look like if your daily pace slowed, your budget stretched further, and you still had solid access to healthcare and the outdoors? If you are weighing a job move, remote work, or a retirement reset, DuBois in Clearfield County gives you a small-city base with practical perks. In this guide, you will learn how DuBois stacks up on housing, costs, healthcare, jobs, schools, travel, and lifestyle so you can decide with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Why DuBois works for many movers
DuBois is a small, connected city of roughly 7,300 residents, which means easy drives, quick errands, and a close-knit feel. Most households report broadband subscriptions, a plus if you work from home or stream often, according to recent Census QuickFacts. You will also find a strong regional hospital, year-round recreation, and nearby lakes that draw active adults and second-home buyers. If you want value for your housing dollar without losing everyday convenience, DuBois is worth a close look.
Cost of living and budget snapshot
Affordability is a major draw. Aggregated cost-of-living indexes position DuBois below the national average, driven largely by lower housing and daily expenses. See a high-level comparison in the DuBois cost-of-living summary for context.
Household earnings in the area are modest compared with big metros, with a median around the high $50,000s on recent DataUSA summaries. Rents are generally lower than large-city cores, with recent five-year ACS reporting a median gross rent under $1,000 per month in DuBois. Home prices vary by neighborhood and property type, and local resort-style pockets trend higher. Always confirm current numbers with a live MLS search and an agent’s comps before you write an offer.
- Useful references: Census QuickFacts for DuBois, DataUSA income profile, DuBois cost-of-living overview
Housing options and neighborhoods
You will see a mix of older single-family homes, compact in-town properties, rural lots, and a signature gated lake community nearby. Inventory shifts seasonally, so timing matters.
Treasure Lake lifestyle
Treasure Lake is the standout. This gated community near DuBois offers two lakes, beaches, golf courses, a marina, and social amenities. Many retirees, second-home buyers, and downsizers choose Treasure Lake for low-maintenance living and resort-style perks. Learn about community features, POA details, and amenities on the Treasure Lake POA site.
Downtown and city homes
In-town DuBois offers older single-family homes and a handful of apartments near local shops and services. Lots tend to be smaller and prices can be approachable for first-time buyers and downsizers. If you want walkable access to dining, healthcare, and errands, this is a convenient base.
Suburban and rural options
Outside the city core, you will find ranch homes, small subdivisions, and rural parcels with more land. Some properties sit close to lakes or parks for easy recreation. Inventory in these areas can be limited, so be ready to move when the right fit appears.
Practical home-shopping checklist
Before you make an offer, review a few local details:
- HOA rules and fees if you are considering Treasure Lake, including amenities, assessments, and use policies. Start at the POA website.
- Flood zones, lot slope, and lake-related restrictions for waterfront or near-water properties.
- Commute time to your work site, or drive time to the hospital and shopping.
- Internet speeds and providers at the exact address, especially for remote work.
- Property taxes by municipality and school district, plus local utility providers.
- Resale outlook, including recent comparable sales and days on market for similar homes.
Healthcare, senior care, and peace of mind
Penn Highlands DuBois is the area’s primary hospital and a major employer. The campus is accredited as a Level II trauma center, which is important for emergency and advanced care access in the region. You will also find specialty clinics and behavioral health services listed through Penn Highlands’ DuBois locations. Explore service lines and campus details on the Penn Highlands DuBois page.
Retirees and caregivers will find multiple senior living and post-acute options in and near DuBois. Offerings range from independent and assisted living to skilled nursing and memory care. To compare communities and care levels, browse the DuBois senior housing listings and verify current availability and quality ratings.
Jobs, remote work, and getting around
Local job sectors
DuBois’ job base includes healthcare, education, retail, local manufacturing, and recreation. Penn Highlands is a consistent regional employer. If you are moving for work, connect with your hiring team about schedules and commute times so you can target the right neighborhoods.
Remote work and connectivity
DuBois shows high household broadband subscription rates on Census QuickFacts, which signals good connectivity inside city limits. That said, speeds and providers vary by street in rural pockets. Always run a provider check and speed test at the exact address before you sign.
Commutes, distances, and airports
Local commutes tend to be short, often under 20 minutes for in-town jobs. For bigger-city trips, plan on roughly 1.25 to 1.5 hours to State College and about 1 hour 45 minutes to Pittsburgh, depending on route and traffic. The DuBois Regional Airport (DUJ) offers Essential Air Service that connects to larger hubs through a commuter carrier. For long-haul flights, many residents drive to Pittsburgh International or University Park. Read the DUJ overview for airport context.
Intercity bus service connects DuBois with regional points like State College. Schedules and frequencies change, so check a current listing such as Wanderu’s DuBois to State College routes when you plan a trip.
Education and lifelong learning
Families are served by the DuBois Area School District. For neutral, factual details like enrollment and student-teacher ratios, review federal datasets such as the NCES page for DuBois Area Senior High. Always visit the district website for up-to-date program information.
One notable change affects higher education access. Penn State’s Board of Trustees voted on May 22, 2025 to close several commonwealth campuses, including Penn State DuBois, after the 2026–27 academic year. This could reduce the long-term campus presence and student-driven activity in the area. You can read the coverage and timeline from WITF, and you should verify the latest status before you finalize plans.
Lifestyle, recreation, and everyday living
If you like the outdoors, DuBois delivers. Treasure Lake’s lakes, golf, marina, and beaches make it easy to stay active close to home. The broader region includes the Allegheny Plateau, Moshannon State Forest, and Parker Dam State Park. Seasonal activities are part of the rhythm here, from boating and hiking to snowy winters and holiday events.
Downtown DuBois brings small-town arts and community gatherings to the calendar. You will find galleries, local performances, and neighborhood events throughout the year. Many buyers pair an in-town base with regular day trips to nearby parks and nature areas.
Pros and practical considerations
Here is a short list to help you weigh the move.
Pros
- Lower housing and daily costs than many Pennsylvania metros, with strong value for owner-occupied homes and lake properties.
- A regional hospital with Level II trauma accreditation at Penn Highlands DuBois.
- Small-airport convenience through DuBois Regional Airport plus manageable drives to State College and Pittsburgh.
- Gated, amenity-rich living at Treasure Lake that appeals to retirees and second-home buyers.
Considerations
- Penn State DuBois is slated to close after the 2026–27 academic year, which may reduce local campus activity. See WITF’s report and confirm current status.
- Higher education options will likely require more travel once the closure is complete.
- Broadband is widely adopted at the household level, but speeds can vary by address in rural pockets, so verify before you buy.
How to plan your move
- Define your priorities: budget, commute, healthcare access, and desired amenities.
- Shortlist neighborhoods: Treasure Lake for gated lake living, in-town for walkability, or rural for more land.
- Confirm costs: mortgage or rent, taxes, HOA fees, utilities, and maintenance.
- Check services: hospital proximity, broadband speeds, and travel needs.
- Tour with a local expert: see homes and amenities in person, and compare recent comps.
When you are ready, connect with a trusted local who knows DuBois and Treasure Lake inside and out. Reach out to Ed Nelson to start your search or request a complimentary market analysis.
FAQs
Is DuBois, PA a good place to retire?
- Yes if you value lower housing costs, strong hospital access at Penn Highlands DuBois, and outdoor amenities like Treasure Lake and nearby state parks.
What is the cost of living in DuBois compared to the U.S. average?
- Aggregated indexes show DuBois below the national average, largely due to housing and daily expenses; check a current snapshot like the DuBois cost-of-living overview for context.
What housing options are near the water around DuBois?
- Treasure Lake offers lakes, beaches, golf, and a marina within a gated community, attracting retirees and second-home buyers who want amenity-rich living.
How is healthcare access in DuBois?
- Penn Highlands DuBois is the area’s primary hospital with Level II trauma accreditation and specialty services, which supports both everyday and emergency care.
Is DuBois suitable for remote workers?
- Many households have broadband subscriptions per Census data, and in-town addresses are often well served; verify provider options and speeds at your specific address.
What should families know about local schools?
- The DuBois Area School District serves city residents; use neutral sources like NCES for enrollment and ratios, and check the district site for programs and updates.
How do I travel to and from DuBois?
- You can use short local drives, intercity bus routes to State College, and DuBois Regional Airport’s Essential Air Service links, with major flights from Pittsburgh International.
