New to Lehigh Valley - Questions (Willow Grove, Macungie: to buy, school, college)

[onegirlarmy]

I recently relocated to Macungie from MN, I have to switch my bank and I have no idea who to go with. Obviously a big bank with lots of locations and ATM's would be ideal. From driving around PNC bank seems to be a big one?

Also, what are the biggest grocery stores with the widest selection? I've been to Weis and they only seem to have certain brands of food. Obviously I'm not used to this state so it may be that I just won't be able to buy what I'm used to. Is Giant the biggest grocery store chain?

Any advice would be helpful, thanks!

[iGlenn]

Originally Posted by onegirlarmy

I recently relocated to Macungie from MN, I have to switch my bank and I have no idea who to go with. Obviously a big bank with lots of locations and ATM's would be ideal. From driving around PNC bank seems to be a big one?

Also, what are the biggest grocery stores with the widest selection? I've been to Weis and they only seem to have certain brands of food. Obviously I'm not used to this state so it may be that I just won't be able to buy what I'm used to. Is Giant the biggest grocery store chain?

Any advice would be helpful, thanks!

PNC is one of the largest banks in PA. One of the things thats nice about PNC is that if you maintain a balance of $2500 in your checking account they waive all your ATM fees(even fees other banks may charge to use their ATM). Giant is one the biggest grocery store chains in the Lehigh Valley and there is a SuperWalmart (regular Walmart and grocery store in one) in Trexlertown.

[KristyLiz]

Welcome!

KNBT has been our bank for years - no issues.

Wegmanns is the best store ever! It's on Tilghman - not too far - and has everything you could want, including FREE child watch for kids 3 and over.

[mczabe]

Originally Posted by KristyLiz

Welcome!

Wegmanns is the best store ever! It's on Tilghman - not too far - and has everything you could want, including FREE child watch for kids 3 and over.

Seriously???? I'm going SHOPPING!!!!

[KristyLiz]

Originally Posted by mczabe

Seriously???? I'm going SHOPPING!!!!

Three and potty trained - that's all you need!

My girlfriends and I drop the kids off, then go have lunch in their cafe - they have great food and again - FREE CHILD CARE!!

[toobusytoday]

We have accounts at Wachovia and KNBT. We like Wachovia because they also have a national presence and we travel out of state pretty often. Our son has a branch at his college in Southwestern Virginia.

I do grocery shopping all over. My favorite store is Wegmans but I do my everyday shopping at Kings and sometimes Giant because they are closer to me. Once a month I'll go down to Costco and every other month I'll go to a Trader Joe's.

[DaSkorpion]

I did the move from NJ to the LV area and I bank with ING, Chase and Bank of America - I needed a local bank so I just got an account with People First FCU but I still maintain my other accounts doing mostly online transactions. I was surprised to find out there was a BOA branch a few blocks down from me on Caty Rd by the intersection of I think Club Ave and Caty Rd by the traffic light.

I miss the big huge NJ grocery stores but I mostly shop at Giants and Wegmans also I occasionally frequent BJ's wholesale store on Airport Rd whenever I get a chance but other than that its all the valley has to offer.

Goodluck and welcome to the valley..!!!

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Originally Posted by onegirlarmy

I recently relocated to Macungie from MN, I have to switch my bank and I have no idea who to go with. Obviously a big bank with lots of locations and ATM's would be ideal. From driving around PNC bank seems to be a big one?

Also, what are the biggest grocery stores with the widest selection? I've been to Weis and they only seem to have certain brands of food. Obviously I'm not used to this state so it may be that I just won't be able to buy what I'm used to. Is Giant the biggest grocery store chain?

Any advice would be helpful, thanks!

[merrlane]

Originally Posted by KristyLiz

Three and potty trained - that's all you need!

My girlfriends and I drop the kids off, then go have lunch in their cafe - they have great food and again - FREE CHILD CARE!!

This is cracking me up. We are relocating from west coast to Bucks County area this summer........ I don't know..... maybe I should rethink it & move abit north to lehigh ! lol

[FLhereIcome]

Originally Posted by merrlane

This is cracking me up. We are relocating from west coast to Bucks County area this summer........ I don't know..... maybe I should rethink it & move abit north to lehigh ! lol

No need to move, we have options here in Bucks County. The new Giant in Willow Grove also has babysitting. I haven't been there yet, but have a friend who works there. When dropping off your children, you get a walkie-talkie to take with you. They also have a cooking school in the store, a coffee "lounge" area, an in-house nutritionist, a huge organic foods area, party planner and a grocery valet waiting at the curb to load your groceries in the car! The Giant in Hatfield that recently opened is not as large as Willow Grove, but I heard is also nice and, I believe, has babysitting.

[onegirlarmy]

Thanks everyone! I'm impressed that most of the grocery stores around here actually bag your groceries for you, in MN that's totally unheard of unless you're in a small town. It's very nice! I can't even believe there are child care options, that's crazy!