State College a good area? (Pittsburgh, Lancaster: to rent, house, job market)

[trmac]

My husband is being transferred to Pennsylvania and we are currently looking for places to live. His territory goes from Lancaster to Pittsburgh. State College seems ideal location wise - but we have heard it does not have good highway access and is not a good place to live. It looks beautiful. We are in our late 20's and have our first baby on the way. We would probably be looking to rent a 3 or 4 bedroom home. Any feedback would be appreciated.

[JackSpade]

I'm actually moving to SC next week. What was the reason given when you were told it's not a good place to live? I've read thru all the state college posts and most everyone said it's a great place to live albeit expensive and a little isolated.

[danwxman]

Harrisburg might be a little better. Excellent transportation options between Pittsburgh and Lancaster....State College is a bit isolated.

[trmac]

I think part of it was the access piece. Someone else had just said they didn't think it was a good place to live. But you're right - it seems that everything I have read has been positive.

[trmac]

Harrisburg is definitely an option. A little more central than Pittsburgh. Between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg though - which one would you suggest? Thanks for the feedback.

[danwxman]

Originally Posted by trmac

Harrisburg is definitely an option. A little more central than Pittsburgh. Between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg though - which one would you suggest? Thanks for the feedback.

Pittsburgh is a much larger city with a lot more amenities. They are both affordable but Pittsburgh obviously has a lot more traffic, Harrisburg is an easy area to get around. The economy is better in Harrisburg with population growth from in-migration, while the Pittsburgh area is in decline (though mostly from older folks dying off).

[R.J. MacReady]

I lived in the State College area for three years and may move back next year. Really enjoyed it down there although it was expensive. Paid $650 for 3/4 of a house with two bedrooms although it was two story. That was right next door in Pleasant Gap. I enjoyed what the town had to offer and lots of fun things to do.

[Katiana]

I'd go with Pittsburgh, but I'm from there, so a bit biased. The population loss is not so large as to be particularly noticeable, and some areas are growing. The biggest negative is the job market, but DH has a job.

The chief complaint about State College is that it's so isloated. It's hard to get in and out of. It's not on a major highway, there aren't a lot of flights out of the airport, hard if you have to make connections somewhere.

It's a college town and has everything that goes with that, good and bad. I've heard tales (none corroborated by any personal knowledge) of PhDs who can't find professional jobs. That is the way it is in many college towns, BTW.

Check it out. You may find it's just your cup of tea. Also check out the other places suggested.

[vetegnc]

We moved to SC in March, and LOVE it here. We can't believe (for what we want) how awesome a place this is.

Both my husband and I are NOT city people...so we think this is a great area...since it has all the amenities of a larger town because of PSU, but still small.

Our opinions...
GOOD:
**LOTS of outdoor activities within a short (5-30 min) drive. TONS and TONS of hiking trails
**great bike path/walking path through much of town
**decent restaurants
**lots of more unique stores (for a small town)
**are there any BAD areas here?
**good economy
**lots of cultural events
**TONS of great children's parks...all well maintained, with good equipment (and lots of mom's groups too)
**excellent schools
**major cities all 3 hours away for great weekend trips with the kids
**Little crime

BAD:
**moderate taxes (but, you get what you pay for, IMHO)
**poor job market...they say if you want a decent paying job, and don't have one when you get here, good luck
**Um. I'm really trying to figure out another one.
**OH! Pathetic mall for a college town! Much better shopping in Altoona

Best wishes!!

[I'mSoPhilly]

if you're used to city life state college is NOT the place for you... having spent 4 years at PSU i couldn't wait to get out of there. don't get me wrong, it is a nice place to live but i was bored to death and the mall is terrible :-)