Recent move from NJ to Lancaster,PA? (York, Hershey: insurance, house)

[njinjune]

Hi! I am new to this post and looking for insight from someone who has moved from central NJ to Lancaster, PA area. We are considering the move, and are worried about the change in culture, lifestyle and overall QOL. I lived in Lancaster about 15 years ago, and that is what I am basing my perspective on however maybe things have changed? Also, our perspective is that we would have lower taxes and overall cost of living. Does anyone have any perspective about this?

[teachbeach]

I moved from New Jersey to York 19 years ago, and found the "differences" at times to be both refreshing and frustrating. The positives were more house, less $$ for taxes and services, lower insurance (auto), less traffic, quicker, faster service for home repairs, great neighbors (we bought in new development instead of an established area), greater options for free or affordable entertainment, quicker access to medical care, and our paychecks seemed to go further, feelings of safety while out at night and walking in the neighborhood. The frustrations were not life threatening, but more of an awareness of what we left behind; cultural diversity, progressiveness with/for change (I can't tell you how many times I heard "it's always been done this way"), people who were objective, open minded & expressed liberal points of view, no Macy's within 30 miles. After all of these years we are now embracing the life here, the slower pace, the not having to keep up with or impress the neighbors, the lower cost of living, the friendliness and helpfulness of people, and the still lower taxes and less traffic than in NJ.

[njinjune]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[teachbeach]

We also finally have a Macy's but I've never been in the one in York!

[Positiveone]

But how is the current employment situation in Lancaster County? I read on others post that many large firms, companies are leaving Lancaster to do business outside the states. Didnt Hershey & Armstrong have alot of lay offs?

Some told me the job market is stong there, others said only fro smaller low paying jobs.

Also how is the Illegal alien situation in Lancaster County? Getting worse? Causing any gang issues?

[lititzman2003]

I came to Lititz from Philly 4 1/2 years ago and, like Teachbeach, have had ups and downs. Great house for the money, low taxes, insurance and crime, stores galore and quick access to major highways. On the down side I find the people to be similar to what Teach is stating. They can be very closed-minded and very fearful of someone taking away their way of life, which is not true at all. We came here to embrace the small town culture, not to change it. I've also found, in my development anyway, that there is envy and immature abound. Sometimes it seems that some of my neighbors never mentally left the elementary schoolyard.

[Marodi]

If you come to the area as a democrat, you'll be saddened because Center of PA has historically been republican.

[vwscottie]

Originally Posted by teachbeach

We also finally have a Macy's but I've never been in the one in York!

The Macy's we have in our malls are a joke compared to the Macy's in Manhattan. They are almost like a subdivision of the company.