How is Ladsford? (Allentown, Pottsville, Lehighton: houses, find a job, high school)

[Sendosha]

I am thinking of moving to Lansford from Queens, NY. The houses are so much cheaper than here. I just wondered about shopping and transportation. Do I have to drive to the store or everywhere else? I hope not because I really do not drive much. I am willing to learn, though.

[toobusytoday]

Landsford? Houses are cheaper up there because there are no people (okay 4,700) and no stores and public transportation is probably a bus that comes through once a day. According to Wikipedia Lansford, Pennsylvania - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia the median income for a family is $37,773 - houses can't cost much with an income like that. Looks a bit rural....

On the positive side, it's probably beautiful and the people are probably nice. I'm guessing here, I've never been there. Anyone else?

[karen_s]

To me, Lansford just seems so incredibly depressed. I've been through several times but never felt inclined to stop. One day I want to get up there to see the No. 9 coal mine.

Here is a thread which may help you:
http://www.city-data.com/forum/lehig...nsford-pa.html

From my friends in Carbon County, they tell me that Lansford has a very poor reputation as far as being a good place to live and to avoid it if you can.

Lots of luck to you - there is a reason those homes are so cheap.

[CHIP72]

Lansford isn't a bad town (and neither is adjacent Summit Hill), but if you want to move to Carbon County Jim Thorpe (a borough named after the athlete) or Lehighton would be better choices. All of those places would require a car for getting most places, except those in the town itself.

[JohnZ963]

Don't move to that area unless you already have a job lined up, are on some kind of disability pay/social security, or are otherwise retired. If you can even find a job up there, you're not going to get much more than $7-8/hr.

Many people in that area don't look upon "outsiders" favorably, as well. If you're from a different state and a different color, keep this in mind. If you roll up in a car with NY plates, expect some dirty looks, especially from the seniors. This has happened to some people I know, and they were just visiting.

I'm not trying to totally discourage you, because Lansford (and surrounding areas) can be a decent, inexpensive place to live. You just need to take many things into consideration.

[Patriciaval]

Sendosha. If you plan on moving to Lansford, be aware you are moving to a depressed area. Most of the college educated move away from the area. A few percentage of the graduates from the local highschool might remain. Most of the remaining residents are Senior Citizens. I grew up in Coaldale and went to High school in Panther Valley. It is so sad. When I go there it is very depressing. There is no place to shop in Lansford. There is a grocery store, but it is not a quality place. There is a Dollar store. A Walmart if about 15 miles away. There is the Wednesday Farmers Market that is about 10 miles away in Hometown. There are malls in Allentown, Pottsville and Hazelton that are really good. You must have your own transportation for any quality of life. Be prepared to shovel alot of snow & worry about parking places! On the positive side, TastyKakes and Hoagies, though I think the best hoagie place is out of business. Good Luck!

[Sendosha]

I see that Lansford is not what I hoped it would be. I am moving with my adult daughter, so school issues is are not as important to us. I am intereted in safety and a low cost of living. I am almost retirement age and don't have much of an income. I don't drive , but am willing to learn! I am looking forward to making some new friends in PA.