Is there any place in PA that resembles Queens N.Y. ? (Pittsburgh: house, neighborhoods)

[Mr.Retired]

Thankyou,
Harrisburg was nice within this imaginary concrete circle.
The river homes are gorgeous. As I traveled North I
ran into some seedy areas. Very surprised and upset
to see such an instantaneous rather than gradual change.

[mathjak107]

we live in queens and had a 2nd home in the pocono's . we were going to retire there but once it came down to it compared to queens pa lacked so much that would eventually be important to us.

sold the house and retired in queens

[BeerGeek40]

Maybe some of the suburban Philly towns - Willow Grove, New Hope, Abington, Jenkintown
Going to be tough to find.

Check out Willow Grove - that was the first one that came to mind

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willow...,_Pennsylvania

[Wells5]

Check out Pottsville: much lower cost of living, row homes like Queens and no state tax on pensions. Basically friendly people especially if you are buying at the local tavern. Lotsa hills though.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IN3rQ1mdd-o

[Mr.Retired]

Thanks Mathjak107

I love Queens N.Y. . I just don't like the taxes. I have noticed in the short few years being retired the doubling of prices in
your basic shopping needs let alone all the others mentioned. I finally and truly begin to understand why so many older folks
end up leaving. I always thought it was just the want of an warmer climate for some old bones. Realized that only paints a small
portion of the picture. Seniors are monetarily forced out. Been on the books for over 40 years. Paid my dues and now just trying to
ride out the tide in comfort. Oh, I can hunker down and pull the belt around my waste a little tighter down the road if need be;
but why? I didn't work all these years just to get by in the end. So here I am exploring my options. If N.Y. wants to kick seniors to
the curb so be it. In the mean time I am committed to my continued research.

[Mr.Retired]

Thankyou Wells 5

Pottsville looks interesting.
I had a few friends wanting to visit the beer factory.
Nice aerial views. I like that the town has friendly folks.
I'll look into that also.
Any other suggestions?

[fisheye]

Originally Posted by Mr.Retired

Thankyou for such detail.



I had my eye on Lititz especially the surrounding towns and Lancaster.
Not sure on Allentown and Philly. Need to research the crime stats.
In Queens crime varies from neighborhood to neighborhood.
Shopping strips ,cemeteries,highways,parklands and other physical structures contains
crime or lack of crime between each.

Is this the same in the PA locations you mentioned ?
Or does crime follow or increase along the interstate and its exits?

You looked at the aerial pictures of Pottsville; don't forget that Google 'Earth' is a very useful tool. That Earth program also tells you exact elevation. That way you might have a better idea of how snowy and cold the specific towns average that you're looking at. You can also measure distances with the program as well as checking out if you might have flooding problems.

You can get the crime states off several different sites including CD. Just keep in mind that it only takes one bad neighbor to spoil your move. Don't buy sight unseen because of any real estate agent. Many of us suggest renting in any area, where you eventually want to buy, first (if you have that option). That way you can take a good, long, look at the properties on the market. You can talk to the police station, Post Office, neighbors, as well as you will be getting a feel for the neighborhood. With the younger, still working generation from the city; I always suggest doing the commute from here before they buy. What sounds great on paper might not be a cup of tea for those that believe the grass is greener.

[mathjak107]

Originally Posted by Wells5

Check out Pottsville: much lower cost of living, row homes like Queens and no state tax on pensions. Basically friendly people especially if you are buying at the local tavern. Lotsa hills though.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IN3rQ1mdd-o

pottsville is really depressed . it is no where near queens . queens is a city . there is no comparison at all

[theatergypsy]

In essence, it sounds like people are telling the OP there ain't no place like that place in this place.

[Mr.Retired]

Thank you all.
I understand completely that great sacrifices would be made in leaving N.Y.
There is no city in the world like it. This is all about affordability.
Trying to find some place in PA that resembles Queens N.Y. with minimal
sacrifices including all amenities,low crime table as possible, affordability,and a sense of
neighborhood bounded by religious values and a strong sense of neighborhood are key.

I appreciate all input and will evaluate all. I research,travel and this does take time,which I now have.
Any more suggestions from N.Y. transplants and long time PA residents.
Love to hear your stories.
Thanks again.