Moving to South PA (near Hagerstown, MD) (York, Chambersburg: home, buying)

[Katiana]

If you are looking for "Mayberry", you are chasing a dream. It's fiction, like the TV show. Look for a place that has most of what you want. Every place has its problems.

[PaganMustangGT]

Originally Posted by Marodi

There's more dislike towards commuters that move to PA to avoid taxes than towards any race as far as i've noticed.

Really? My sister in law and her family moved to York and they didn't have much of a warm welcome. They had their house egged because she's white and her husband is Cuban.

[AskAngel]

Hi-
I'm in the same boat you're in. Just got back to SC from PA last night. I've been in PA for a month scouting-checking-looking. It's exhausting going from a tri-county area to basically a tri-state area. Whoever said they lived in the Laurich Gems area is right about that sub. It's affordable and the most beautiful sub. I've seen yet. I was considering Chambersburg downtown area but changed my mind. That whole Southern PA area is sooo beautiful with mountain views everywhere (of course I had to adjust to the cow poop smell from the farms heading to Mercersburg). The Greencastle area is quaint and friendly. The Waynesboro area gave me mixed vibes (seems like an unsettling or hodge-podge area). The was a small (Mayberry-like town) that we liked (although there isn't like a town-town there, but it was quiet and small-it was Marion. We saw the most adorable home there (and the vibes were overwhelmingly filled with love on the inside) but at the same time, we thought the area is so cozy that you'd almost feel like you HAD to get to know your neighbors, etc. but some like that. One town that I was drawn to and will be posting my own post soon to find out more was Shippensburg. The homes cost less. I know it's a university town, but they are there to learn-and it's helps to know the school was ranked 57 out of 200 best in the NE region. The univ. has more of a cutting edge in education with an elem. school on campus-I'm all for new concepts (and a triple major grad from UNCC-so I guess I favor education anything if it means advancements for research/education) etc. Also the town ranked 27 out of 100 of America's best small towns. Sometimes I would see an Amish person and horse/buggy come into town. I think that is sooo awesome (it made me feel safe in a way-like if they feel safe enough to travel there-then it can't be that bad). It's farther out there from MD (my H works at Mack Truck) so there's the commute to consider-but they had a large downtown area. It's decorated nicely for Christmas. Greencastle had top comments from the locals for their school system-they have a christmas tree in the circle, so that reminded me of the whos in Whoville from Dr. Seuss (the Grinch). But it is a nice little town too. Mercersburg is also a nice area. We were considering (and I love the City Park) Hagerstown area (but aside from the park itself)the area gave me very mixed chaos vibes -like there's no order there. I'm also checking out the EPA sight as well. I guess I had this image in my mind when people referred to PA as 'Amish' country (and as a new parent)I thought...yeah, I like that...traditional values, conservation, wholesome living, etc. But my daydream burst when I saw the areas seem to be like anywhere else. Even the darling town of Mercersburg showed me a rude side at the gas station (and a hunter man in his truck) tried to dash to the pump after I had been waiting for several minutes-and he was too-but I was there first-and he still tried to dash it-but I beat him to it. So then he did it to the lady that was next after me. She just shook her head in awe (I kept my mouth shut from barking a sarcastic comment outloud-but still couldn't believe his audacity). Maybe it's a hunter thing. Hunting is big in that area (Rt.456) due to the forest (Tuscarora) and mountains,etc. McConnellsburg was also a larger area with impressive real estate prices, but it's way farther (and I'd rather avoid giving the car a workout over the hills and the mountain area everyday). I've been told that their school system isn't the best and it's the poorest area (besides Fayetteville) to live in. It had that Mayberry feel. I liked it because it had places to eat-a little more spread out, etc. but it's way too far and there's a huge factory over there (I mean HUGE) so I'll pass on that town too. (aside note: 2 places we found to be impressive for food were Lighthouse Restaurant outside of Chambersberg and Hempin Hill in Hagerstown -FountainHead area). Things I've noticed about the area in general (more so in the WV area) is that people cannot spell -I'm talking like professionals-like real estate agents, etc. (not all of them-but about half-and that's just weird to me), also people seem to have a problem telling their left from right-either giving directions or using blinkers. And I'm not sure why-but going through the Route 16 area where Nova and Welsh Run (tiny towns) it's VERY hilly and the speed limit posted is like 35 and I'd still go about 45-50 and people would be passing me at HIGH speeds beyond what I was going. So I'm not sure they have cops around those areas. That was a daily occurance. I'm like-jeeze people-what can be sooo important that you're willing to risk your life for-sometimes the other side of the hill can be blinding. There are deer that constantly jump across-so I'm not sure about the level of common sense exercised around the farmland-small township areas. Good Luck in the search. I hate to leave where I am right now in Summerville, SC but sometimes another door opens to bring about public awareness/balance/sunshine elsewhere.

[military spouse]

Originally Posted by AskAngel

Hi-
I'm in the same boat you're in. Just got back to SC from PA last night. I've been in PA for a month scouting-checking-looking. It's exhausting going from a tri-county area to basically a tri-state area. Whoever said they lived in the Laurich Gems area is right about that sub. It's affordable and the most beautiful sub. I've seen yet. I was considering Chambersburg downtown area but changed my mind. That whole Southern PA area is sooo beautiful with mountain views everywhere (of course I had to adjust to the cow poop smell from the farms heading to Mercersburg). The Greencastle area is quaint and friendly. The Waynesboro area gave me mixed vibes (seems like an unsettling or hodge-podge area). The was a small (Mayberry-like town) that we liked (although there isn't like a town-town there, but it was quiet and small-it was Marion. We saw the most adorable home there (and the vibes were overwhelmingly filled with love on the inside) but at the same time, we thought the area is so cozy that you'd almost feel like you HAD to get to know your neighbors, etc. but some like that. One town that I was drawn to and will be posting my own post soon to find out more was Shippensburg. The homes cost less. I know it's a university town, but they are there to learn-and it's helps to know the school was ranked 57 out of 200 best in the NE region. The univ. has more of a cutting edge in education with an elem. school on campus-I'm all for new concepts (and a triple major grad from UNCC-so I guess I favor education anything if it means advancements for research/education) etc. Also the town ranked 27 out of 100 of America's best small towns. Sometimes I would see an Amish person and horse/buggy come into town. I think that is sooo awesome (it made me feel safe in a way-like if they feel safe enough to travel there-then it can't be that bad). It's farther out there from MD (my H works at Mack Truck) so there's the commute to consider-but they had a large downtown area. It's decorated nicely for Christmas. Greencastle had top comments from the locals for their school system-they have a christmas tree in the circle, so that reminded me of the whos in Whoville from Dr. Seuss (the Grinch). But it is a nice little town too. Mercersburg is also a nice area. We were considering (and I love the City Park) Hagerstown area (but aside from the park itself)the area gave me very mixed chaos vibes -like there's no order there. I'm also checking out the EPA sight as well. I guess I had this image in my mind when people referred to PA as 'Amish' country (and as a new parent)I thought...yeah, I like that...traditional values, conservation, wholesome living, etc. But my daydream burst when I saw the areas seem to be like anywhere else. Even the darling town of Mercersburg showed me a rude side at the gas station (and a hunter man in his truck) tried to dash to the pump after I had been waiting for several minutes-and he was too-but I was there first-and he still tried to dash it-but I beat him to it. So then he did it to the lady that was next after me. She just shook her head in awe (I kept my mouth shut from barking a sarcastic comment outloud-but still couldn't believe his audacity). Maybe it's a hunter thing. Hunting is big in that area (Rt.456) due to the forest (Tuscarora) and mountains,etc. McConnellsburg was also a larger area with impressive real estate prices, but it's way farther (and I'd rather avoid giving the car a workout over the hills and the mountain area everyday). I've been told that their school system isn't the best and it's the poorest area (besides Fayetteville) to live in. It had that Mayberry feel. I liked it because it had places to eat-a little more spread out, etc. but it's way too far and there's a huge factory over there (I mean HUGE) so I'll pass on that town too. (aside note: 2 places we found to be impressive for food were Lighthouse Restaurant outside of Chambersberg and Hempin Hill in Hagerstown -FountainHead area). Things I've noticed about the area in general (more so in the WV area) is that people cannot spell -I'm talking like professionals-like real estate agents, etc. (not all of them-but about half-and that's just weird to me), also people seem to have a problem telling their left from right-either giving directions or using blinkers. And I'm not sure why-but going through the Route 16 area where Nova and Welsh Run (tiny towns) it's VERY hilly and the speed limit posted is like 35 and I'd still go about 45-50 and people would be passing me at HIGH speeds beyond what I was going. So I'm not sure they have cops around those areas. That was a daily occurance. I'm like-jeeze people-what can be sooo important that you're willing to risk your life for-sometimes the other side of the hill can be blinding. There are deer that constantly jump across-so I'm not sure about the level of common sense exercised around the farmland-small township areas. Good Luck in the search. I hate to leave where I am right now in Summerville, SC but sometimes another door opens to bring about public awareness/balance/sunshine elsewhere.

Hi,
I think it was me who mentioned Laurich, but I was actually talking about Laurich Meadows, not Laurich Gems. Laurich Gems is beautiful with phenomonal views, but Laurich Meadows has better access to both Hwy.11 and I-81. Also, I really liked that our daughter could attend Marion schools in that neighborhood. We've moved to Goodyear, AZ and we really miss PA.

[Marodi]

The area in general smells like cow poop and the occasional skunk, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I know I'm home. Hunting is a very big thing. The schools usually have off the first monday after thanksgiving for the beginning of deer season. And that's south central PA in general.

Pennsyltucky.

[devildtackle]

Originally Posted by AskAngel

Hi-
I'm in the same boat you're in. Just got back to SC from PA last night. I've been in PA for a month scouting-checking-looking. It's exhausting going from a tri-county area to basically a tri-state area. Whoever said they lived in the Laurich Gems area is right about that sub. It's affordable and the most beautiful sub. I've seen yet. I was considering Chambersburg downtown area but changed my mind. That whole Southern PA area is sooo beautiful with mountain views everywhere (of course I had to adjust to the cow poop smell from the farms heading to Mercersburg). The Greencastle area is quaint and friendly. The Waynesboro area gave me mixed vibes (seems like an unsettling or hodge-podge area). The was a small (Mayberry-like town) that we liked (although there isn't like a town-town there, but it was quiet and small-it was Marion. We saw the most adorable home there (and the vibes were overwhelmingly filled with love on the inside) but at the same time, we thought the area is so cozy that you'd almost feel like you HAD to get to know your neighbors, etc. but some like that. One town that I was drawn to and will be posting my own post soon to find out more was Shippensburg. The homes cost less. I know it's a university town, but they are there to learn-and it's helps to know the school was ranked 57 out of 200 best in the NE region. The univ. has more of a cutting edge in education with an elem. school on campus-I'm all for new concepts (and a triple major grad from UNCC-so I guess I favor education anything if it means advancements for research/education) etc. Also the town ranked 27 out of 100 of America's best small towns. Sometimes I would see an Amish person and horse/buggy come into town. I think that is sooo awesome (it made me feel safe in a way-like if they feel safe enough to travel there-then it can't be that bad). It's farther out there from MD (my H works at Mack Truck) so there's the commute to consider-but they had a large downtown area. It's decorated nicely for Christmas. Greencastle had top comments from the locals for their school system-they have a christmas tree in the circle, so that reminded me of the whos in Whoville from Dr. Seuss (the Grinch). But it is a nice little town too. Mercersburg is also a nice area. We were considering (and I love the City Park) Hagerstown area (but aside from the park itself)the area gave me very mixed chaos vibes -like there's no order there. I'm also checking out the EPA sight as well. I guess I had this image in my mind when people referred to PA as 'Amish' country (and as a new parent)I thought...yeah, I like that...traditional values, conservation, wholesome living, etc. But my daydream burst when I saw the areas seem to be like anywhere else. Even the darling town of Mercersburg showed me a rude side at the gas station (and a hunter man in his truck) tried to dash to the pump after I had been waiting for several minutes-and he was too-but I was there first-and he still tried to dash it-but I beat him to it. So then he did it to the lady that was next after me. She just shook her head in awe (I kept my mouth shut from barking a sarcastic comment outloud-but still couldn't believe his audacity). Maybe it's a hunter thing. Hunting is big in that area (Rt.456) due to the forest (Tuscarora) and mountains,etc. McConnellsburg was also a larger area with impressive real estate prices, but it's way farther (and I'd rather avoid giving the car a workout over the hills and the mountain area everyday). I've been told that their school system isn't the best and it's the poorest area (besides Fayetteville) to live in. It had that Mayberry feel. I liked it because it had places to eat-a little more spread out, etc. but it's way too far and there's a huge factory over there (I mean HUGE) so I'll pass on that town too. (aside note: 2 places we found to be impressive for food were Lighthouse Restaurant outside of Chambersberg and Hempin Hill in Hagerstown -FountainHead area). Things I've noticed about the area in general (more so in the WV area) is that people cannot spell -I'm talking like professionals-like real estate agents, etc. (not all of them-but about half-and that's just weird to me), also people seem to have a problem telling their left from right-either giving directions or using blinkers. And I'm not sure why-but going through the Route 16 area where Nova and Welsh Run (tiny towns) it's VERY hilly and the speed limit posted is like 35 and I'd still go about 45-50 and people would be passing me at HIGH speeds beyond what I was going. So I'm not sure they have cops around those areas. That was a daily occurance. I'm like-jeeze people-what can be sooo important that you're willing to risk your life for-sometimes the other side of the hill can be blinding. There are deer that constantly jump across-so I'm not sure about the level of common sense exercised around the farmland-small township areas. Good Luck in the search. I hate to leave where I am right now in Summerville, SC but sometimes another door opens to bring about public awareness/balance/sunshine elsewhere.

HA HA, I live not far from Nova and that is how people drive around here. Oh, and yeah, we barely have a police force (1 chief, 1 more full-timer, and 2 part-timers who all barely do any night work.) The hunter who cut you off isn't a big surprise since he was probably on his way to the mountains and really doesn't care what anybody thinks, and return "sarcastic comments" with something much worse and not think anything of it. No offense, but if you want Mayberry, you better be ready for people just like that, not far off from myself, although I wouldn't cut anybody off at a gas pump. The cow poop and skunk are nothing, they are very common and are much nicer than the smell of dead groundhog that somebody (probably me) just shot. I think I noticed you are a parent, the school in Greencastle, my school, has had 3 bomb threats , a stabbing, an empty threat of mass killing, and a drug overdose since SEPTEMBER!!! And, with all do respect people in this area do NOT like new-comers because as far as we are concerned all you are doing is taking up the space we loved with homes and cars and ruining our farm land and schools(all but one of the events at the school were all by kids that were new in the area accept one or two, there were between 8-10 involved in the various events.) Now, I know it is we are told through Church (something also very important in the area) that we should welcome newcomers and we do our best, even though it is very hard, but don't expect to ever be fully accepted, you are a newcomer and will always be. The people that put on a good face are trying, but many hunters or farmers will do their best to inconvienience you in any way, shape, or form possible. Sorry, but that's how it is. If you don't mind that come, but if you are opposed to it, I advise you find somewhere else.

[Marodi]

Originally Posted by devildtackle

HA HA, I live not far from Nova and that is how people drive around here. Oh, and yeah, we barely have a police force (1 chief, 1 more full-timer, and 2 part-timers who all barely do any night work.) The hunter who cut you off isn't a big surprise since he was probably on his way to the mountains and really doesn't care what anybody thinks, and return "sarcastic comments" with something much worse and not think anything of it. No offense, but if you want Mayberry, you better be ready for people just like that, not far off from myself, although I wouldn't cut anybody off at a gas pump. The cow poop and skunk are nothing, they are very common and are much nicer than the smell of dead groundhog that somebody (probably me) just shot. I think I noticed you are a parent, the school in Greencastle, my school, has had 3 bomb threats , a stabbing, an empty threat of mass killing, and a drug overdose since SEPTEMBER!!! And, with all do respect people in this area do NOT like new-comers because as far as we are concerned all you are doing is taking up the space we loved with homes and cars and ruining our farm land and schools(all but one of the events at the school were all by kids that were new in the area accept one or two, there were between 8-10 involved in the various events.) Now, I know it is we are told through Church (something also very important in the area) that we should welcome newcomers and we do our best, even though it is very hard, but don't expect to ever be fully accepted, you are a newcomer and will always be. The people that put on a good face are trying, but many hunters or farmers will do their best to inconvienience you in any way, shape, or form possible. Sorry, but that's how it is. If you don't mind that come, but if you are opposed to it, I advise you find somewhere else.

Pretty much.

[BPP1999]

Ahh, no wonder why huge swaths of Pennsyltucky are dying a slow and painful (and pathetic) death.

But then again, that average hunter doesn't care, anyway.

[Marodi]

Originally Posted by BPP1999

Ahh, no wonder why huge swaths of Pennsyltucky are dying a slow and painful (and pathetic) death.

But then again, that average hunter doesn't care, anyway.

Dying? I don't know where you are getting your figures from, but you might wanna recheck.

[BPP1999]

Originally Posted by Marodi

Dying? I don't know where you are getting your figures from, but you might wanna recheck.

It's you that should re-check. It's amazing that some locals sit there and lambast newcomers, considering the fact that our job growth in PA is anemic, our population growth is way less than the national average, and quite a few of our youth get educated, then leave. But I know, the yokels don't want growth, don't want good jobs, don't want development, because that hurts their "quality of life."

And for any potential newcomers, I hope you choose to move to places like York, because such places need you more than some of the locals might want to admit.