Central PA (Huntingdon, Hollidaysburg: fit in, home, organic)

[bobsmith]

I would definitely reccommend the state's Upper Tier. I just visited Tioga and Bradford counties and they are some of the most beautiful areas in Pennsylvania!

[mrkool]

Originally Posted by mach

and . My neighbor has goats.. about 30 of the suckers. He stores them in his basement.

And your point is what ??

[PeterRabbit]

Williamsburg is near Altoona. There isn't too many people, just enough, depending. There's an amusement park in the area, a train track turned into a nice path of some sort, gas was fifty cents a gallon cheaper than Pittsburgh. A cow came up to the window while we were having breakfast next to a farm. I liked it a lot. It has what you need and isn't overdone.

[Pureblood]

Originally Posted by PeterRabbit

Williamsburg is near Altoona. There isn't too many people, just enough, depending. There's an amusement park in the area, a train track turned into a nice path of some sort, gas was fifty cents a gallon cheaper than Pittsburgh. A cow came up to the window while we were having breakfast next to a farm. I liked it a lot. It has what you need and isn't overdone.

I am shocked to see someone mention Williamsburg. Williamsburg sounds like just what some people are looking for. The path that you are talking about is called Rails to Trails. It is about 16 miles long, next to the frankstown branch of the Juniata River. Almost entirely wooded and has a about mile of paved trail. The rest is gravel people ride bikes or just walk on it. The town it self is about 1 square mile. It has a dollar general store, martins general store and a grocery store. Walmart in Huntington is only 15 minutes away. Right outside of town is farms in almost every direction. The only bad thing about Williamsburg is that is in a big hole and surrounded by mountains.

[mcorrales]

I live in a small town of Gallitzin having moved from SoCal, been here almost two years now. Cambria and Blair County are good suggestions, lots of rural areas, nice small towns and close to WalMarts, etc. I love living here. I have a four bedroom, three bath older home on almost an acre for under a $85k. Nice people too

[Pureblood]

Yeah the cost of living is really cheap here. (Blair county area)

[clem16]

My husband grew up in Altoona and I was raised in Patton (Cambria Co.). After living away from the area for 40 years, we are considering moving back "home" to retire. We don't want to live in Altoona, but want to be reasonably close and in a smaller community. Surfing around the internet I found a very neat old house near Huntingdon. We have foggy memories of the area, day trips to Raystown Dam and Canoe Creek, and are thinking this may be the area for us.

My question is this: Would the Huntingdon area be accepting of a kind of old hippie-type couple? Vegetarians, organic gardeners, involved in dog rescue and environmental issues? Or would we be shunned as weirdo's?

I've also seen mentioned that it is difficult to get a job in the area. Does that include part-time jobs in maybe a bookstore or antique shop, something like that?

We do know we'd like to stay east of the mountains, where the winters aren't quite as harsh.

Thanks for any input!

[rocafeller05]

The immediate State College area is not a good fit. Its becoming costly and over populated. If you want peace and quiet look about 30 mins north. Around the Snow Shoe area. Get yourself a 5 acre parcel that backs state game lands. You would be home free.

[Pureblood]

Originally Posted by clem16

My husband grew up in Altoona and I was raised in Patton (Cambria Co.). After living away from the area for 40 years, we are considering moving back "home" to retire. We don't want to live in Altoona, but want to be reasonably close and in a smaller community. Surfing around the internet I found a very neat old house near Huntingdon. We have foggy memories of the area, day trips to Raystown Dam and Canoe Creek, and are thinking this may be the area for us.

My question is this: Would the Huntingdon area be accepting of a kind of old hippie-type couple? Vegetarians, organic gardeners, involved in dog rescue and environmental issues? Or would we be shunned as weirdo's?

I've also seen mentioned that it is difficult to get a job in the area. Does that include part-time jobs in maybe a bookstore or antique shop, something like that?

We do know we'd like to stay east of the mountains, where the winters aren't quite as harsh.

Thanks for any input!

Sure I think you would be accepted. Huntingdon County has a humane society and there is a lot of out doors type things to do. I am not so sure about the jobs. Though I don't think that it would be hard to find a part time job.

[clem16]

Thanks, Pureblood! We are planning a short trip up that way in the spring to check things out and start the house-hunting process.