Williamsport, Pa (Harrisburg, York, Washington: upper-class, apartment, appliances)

[Dawne]

Penn College is an excellent school, associated with Penn State University. It is amazing how much this school has grown since it's days as 'WACC" (Williamsport Area Community College).

I would highly recommend on-campus housing, if available. If not, get a list of recommended landlords from Penn College. Someone there will have a list. These landlords meet the college's requirements for student safety. Some of the neighborhoods surrounding Penn College aren't the best - not necessarily unsafe, but rundown and a bit seedy. If your son needs off-campus housing, definitely come with him to check it out first. Many rentals are in converted mansions that are leftovers from the lumber industry's heyday. Very beautiful homes that, in some cases, have been allowed to run down.

Best wishes to your son!

[E=MCHammer]

First off, this is an amazing place to live and raise a family. I lived in Massachussetts, New York, and Virginia before coming back here to stay. Is it perfect? No. I have yet to live or visit a city that was. There are so many good people here that care about the same things that are important to me; family, friends, religion, the outdoors to name a few. If you are thinking of moving here, it is a great place to be in my opinion.

Several people have posted that Williamsport is "ten years behind the times", what the heck does that mean exactly?? I have tried to figure this out using facets that make up "the times" as I define them.

Technology-I own 3 computers, and my main gaming rig has all the best hardware and is hooked to Comcast cable modem. I don't see any "behind the times" on this end.

Education-My kids go to school here and a close friend of mine teaches at the high school. The district is Standards based in it's curriculum and in compliance with all federal and state legislation. There are plenty of up-to-date computers, technology software, wifi, CAD programs/ lathe programs, engineering equipment for the technology programs, etc. The physical building (especially at the high school) is modern and beautiful with a full technology center, huge auditorium, swimming pool, 4 gymnasiums, new fitness center... Even when I lived in Fairfax County, VA the schools there had nothing on either Cochran Elementary or the Williamsport Area High School.

Clothing-Well, I'm no fashion guru and can't afford ten thousand dollar suits, but I do wear quality name brand clothes that I buy in York, Lancaster, and Philadelphia as well as here. I'm sure I have some t-shirts that are 10 years old, maybe this is what those people mean???

Music-I listen to Sirius satellite and the national ESPN radio station (which is also linked to a local ESPN affiliate) so I can't very well be "10 years behind the times" here.

Health Care-Our main hospital facility is old, but the equipment is continually updated, the Costello Center at Divine Providence is beautiful, and Williamsport will have one of the newest and most state-of-the-art hospitals in the country as soon as the massive building project is complete.

Autos- I drive a Nissan Murano that is quite new. My neighbor owns a new Mustang and there are plenty of BMWs, Mercede's, Audi's, etc. etc. driving around our city. They actually do sell new cars here believe it or not.

Language-I speak English and I think do okay at it. I suppose I could be "behind the times" in my slang and lingo compared to Los Angeles or something. I doubt 10 years though, I do own a television.

I'm sure I'm missing many important facets, but this is a good start. If anyone can tell me specifically how Williamsport is "behind the times" I'd love to hear it!

Thanks.

[gemkeeper]

It is really gratifying to see that there are folks who are really appreciating all that Williamsport has to offer.

It is a wonderful area with a lot of families that go back generations and they are choosing to remain there to raise their families.

Williamsport has gone through some tough economic times with several major industries closing over the years (Avco and Bethlehem Steel to name 2 major ones), but they are rebounding and attracting new businesses all the time.

I went through their schools in the 50's and 60's and my neices and nephews and grand-neices and grand-nephews are now in the school system. It was, and remains to be, an excellent school system that attracts high quality teachers and personnel.

I cannot say enough about the health care facilities in Williamsport. They rival the quality of any major city from my experience. This includes everything from the dentist on the corner to the nursing home facilities to the Medical Center. There are not many smallish towns like Williamsport with the big city health care provided.

If you want an easy way of life, good neighbors, and a friendly atmosphere, you cannot go wrong in Williamsport. The only thing behind times is the general atmosphere among its residents. Folks in Williamsport still get involved in community, look out for their neighbors, and generally maintain good old-fashioned moral and ethics. Who could find fault with that?

I spend a lot of time in Williamsport with all of my extended family and would move back in a heartbeat for my retirement years. I have to consider my DH who cannot tolerate any snowfall over 1/2". That is the only thing to find fault with in Williamsport. Where does all of that snow come from?

Enjoy your town whether it is Williamsport or Somewhere Else, USA. Give of yourself to your community and you will be a welcome addition to your place.

All my best to your son at Penn. It is an excellent school which is highly accredited.

[sport225]

Hi,

My wife and I will be moving to the Williamsport area late this summer because I accepted a job in the area. We are looking for somewhere nice to live outside of Williamsport but in Lycoming County. I don't want a long commute into work though. From the little research I was able to do - it looks like Montgomery and Muncy are pretty areas. Can anyone give me a little feedback?

We are kind of semi-city people...I grew up outside of Harrisburg. Any help would be great. Thank you.

[clbpsu]

I grew up in Montoursville and still have family there. I currently live inthe Atlanta metro area and love it. I loved reading this. I am planing a trip back in a few weeks and this thread had brought back some memories. I will say that I have been very disappointed in the Williamsport area when I have returned. I still love the people but I really wish someone would revitalize the city. I have seen it done in the south and it does wonders for a run down area. The Williamsport area is sure not what I remember. At one point I considered moving back just to be with family but I dont think I ever could now. I love the area and culture around where I live, there is soooo much to do. My children are never board. Thanks for the tread it really seems like a small world when I here about someone from Montoursville.

[ScranBarre]

Originally Posted by clbpsu

I grew up in Montoursville and still have family there. I currently live inthe Atlanta metro area and love it. I loved reading this. I am planing a trip back in a few weeks and this thread had brought back some memories. I will say that I have been very disappointed in the Williamsport area when I have returned. I still love the people but I really wish someone would revitalize the city. I have seen it done in the south and it does wonders for a run down area. The Williamsport area is sure not what I remember. At one point I considered moving back just to be with family but I dont think I ever could now. I love the area and culture around where I live, there is soooo much to do. My children are never board. Thanks for the tread it really seems like a small world when I here about someone from Montoursville.

Williamsport has a bright future ahead of it. Downtown will soon be home to a new movie theater and a new Kohl's Department Store, in addition to the existing Wegman's, Community Arts Center, bus terminal, and various other conveniences that will undoubtedly make the downtown area ripe for new loft housing developments. Crime seems to be high for a city of just under 30,000, but I was generally impressed by the city during my first visit for my photo tour. I hope to return next year for a second tour of areas of town that I missed.

[Dawne]

Originally Posted by sport225

My wife and I will be moving to the Williamsport area late this summer because I accepted a job in the area. We are looking for somewhere nice to live outside of Williamsport but in Lycoming County. I don't want a long commute into work though. From the little research I was able to do - it looks like Montgomery and Muncy are pretty areas. Can anyone give me a little feedback?

Do you have school-aged children? If so, I would recommend Montoursville (where I grew up) over Muncy and definitely over Montgomery. If you don't have children and schools to consider, then Muncy would probably be less expensive than Montoursville. Just watch for flood-prone areas. I would still steer clear of Montgomery. It may be just my personal bias (snobbishness?) from growing up in Montoursville, but Montgomery is just a different type of people from what I imagine you're used to.

[WatsonWest]

Originally Posted by Dawne

Do you have school-aged children? If so, I would recommend Montoursville (where I grew up) over Muncy and definitely over Montgomery. If you don't have children and schools to consider, then Muncy would probably be less expensive than Montoursville. Just watch for flood-prone areas. I would still steer clear of Montgomery. It may be just my personal bias (snobbishness?) from growing up in Montoursville, but Montgomery is just a different type of people from what I imagine you're used to.

I agree that you should avoid Montgomery. I don't even consider the town very attractive.
Muncy is nice & so is Allenwood & Watsontown. I haven't had the best experience with the Warrior Run Schools. My husband & his family went there & also one of my daughters.
You should also consider if the commute to Williamsport is on Rt 15. That road can be terrible, especially in the winter.

[PA girl in VA]

Montoursville is a wonderful town. It is very close to Wiliamsport (5-15 minute drive depending on where you commuting to in the city), but offers a much safer feeling than Williamsport. I can vouch that the schools are wonderful, as I have student taught at the high school and substitute taught at all of the schools. Montoursville schools were always my favorite schools to teach because I had little to no problems with the students (even at the high school level).

There are areas of Williamsport in which I would feel safe living. Many parts of Loyalsock Township are very nice from what I've seen and heard.

I am originally from Jersey Shore (20 minute drive west of Williamsport). I love my hometown. It is relatively low crime (although a very small portion of the crime from Williamsport has filtered in over the past few years). Still, I (as a 24 year old female) feel safe going for a walk by myself in most areas of town. It has a decent school system that is very sports centered (although I recall that the football wasn't very good when I was in high school). The music program has been growing in recent years. It's pretty much your typical small town in PA.

I'm currently living and teaching in Southern VA and would definitely consider moving back to the area if my husband or I were offered a job.

[gemkeeper]

Clbpsu and sport225, I think most of us feel a bit negative about the Montgomery area because it is really mostly farm country and does not have much to offer families as far as recreation, schools, or shopping.

It is a simple town that seems happy to be that way.

Muncy and Montoursville are both very nice areas, as is much of Loyalsock Township.

I, too, grew up in Williamsport - Old Lycoming Twsp - and now live in the Atlanta area. We will be soon moving closer to PA, but still remaining in the milder climate.

I love to return to PA and stay in my old hometown with my extended family all there. I probably spend a total of 3 - 6 weeks a year in the Williamsport area.

It has changed tremendously since Bethlehem Steel, Avco and other big employers have fizzled out. It was a booming little city of about 50,000 when I was going to Williamsport High. All of the shopping was downtown, all of the doctors and dentists, 2 busy movie theatres, Glick's Shoe Store with the great sports shop right across Pine Street from L.L. Stearns. I miss those days, but without the industrial base to support it, a downtown is not able to thrive like it did back then.

The James V. Brown Library is still a wonderful resource for all now, and Brodart Books still has their great book bargains, if you are readers.

I hope that the downtown area continues to be revitalized and blossoms again. Right now, the medical center and its revamping and expanding is one of the best things to happen to Williamsport. It provides many jobs, brings newcomers to the area without concern for quality healthcare and really boosts the economy.

I hope that all of you considering a move to the Williamsport and Montoursville area enjoy your time there. It is certainly one of the loveliest spots in the country and is an outdoors families' dream.

We get out of a new community what we are willing to put into it, and I hope that you receive lots of happiness living there. I would if I could convince DH to return.

Best of everything to you, clbpsu and sport225. Let us know how things turn out for you and where you land!