If you moved from NJ or NY to PA ~ what is the number 1 reason why? (house, living)

[kellyi]

We are seriously considering relocating from NJ to PA. Our home is for sale and we have been all over the place in our decision of where to end up. When it comes down to it, the main reason for moving out of the state, leaving our family and friends, is because NJ is extremely expensive to live anymore. Comparing the price of living there and here, including the ridiculously high taxes, car and homeowners' insurance, and just the price of a home, it all just makes sense to get out of NJ. We want to stay as close to our family as possible and also keep my husbands commute to work at a reasonable distance. We have 2 young children ages 2 1/2 and 6 months and we want to give them the best life that we possibly can. Pennsylvania seems to meet all of our needs as far as I have researched.

[dawnmich]

we are looking around the jim thorpe area and NESQUEHONING Pa
how are the school systems up there?
leaving nj cause my taxes more than doubled in 8 years
and as long as we are near lakes/water in summer we are fine
plus hub works out that way and never in nj
any areas i should trigger?/stay away from?
looking for a nice family oriented area
good schools
fresh clean air

[steveotm]

We too are going to be leaving NJ and looking to Pa to find a place to semi-retire to but need lots of help as we do not know much about it at all. We are basic people, homebodies, enjoy going out occassionaly. Looking for a quiet area. Maybe in a farm type environment. I am a woodturner, so an area where there are outbuildings like a barn etc. would be an asset to me for a workshop out of the house. We would still have to work, so jobs in the area is another need. Any ideas where to start???? Thanks!!!

[toobusytoday]

dawnmich, Nesquehoning is really out in the sticks! It's just outside of Lehigh County and you might get more results posting your questions in the NEPA forum. I had to look at a map to see where it was.

Looks like there are only three schools - one elementary, one middle and one high and if you go just by scores, it doesn't look very good. You can compare schools on this site - Panther Valley Senior High School, Lansford Pennsylvania / PA Math PSSA test scores Their scores are lower then the state standard. It's a beautiful area, but you might want to commute from a better school district. Good chance that you would be the "new people" for quite a while.

[househuntinginPA]

Can I add more than one?

1. Our property taxes in NJ were $16,000. Our taxes in PA are $6,000 ( larger house!)
2. PA does NOT tax your pension, NJ does.....

[dawnmich]

thanks toobusy today
if we are triggering the lehigh valley
polease tell me areas to consider
we found nesquehoning on craigslist LOL
and also it's near lake hauto and we have jet skis
and I don't want to be near the craziness of lake wallenpaupack
please tell me more about areas to avoid/trigger...
i'd be most appreciative
sticks is NOT me
although not sooo city sounds great
i saw the test scores and it scared me
as we have ONE child in high school...a freshman
but the other 2 need to be near employment/further education oppurtunities.
thanks so much again
dawn

[toobusytoday]

dawnmitch, It might help if you start a new thread with this filled out: http://www.city-data.com/forum/lehig...residents.html That way we can all see what you are looking for and help find it!

[Dartman81]

Take a look around Ephrata, PA. Alot of Amish but, nice area. good school system and it is still a pretty nice area to raise a family. It is also close to Turnpike and, 222. Good Luck!
Donnie

[toobusytoday]

Ephrata is beautiful but it's in Lancaster County.

[LifetimeLocal]

It seemed to me that people moved here during the last decade because of the price of housing. It was already expensive in new jersey, new york, philadelphia but then we experienced the housing boom which made people think they were getting a deal around this area. Now we are starting to realize that the housing boom was nothing more than a pyramid scheme and everyone knows how those turn out. It reminds me of the old 80's song "Don't know what you got til it's gone" because now everyone wants a bailout for being stupid.