Best and Worst Towns in PA (Philadelphia, Penn: school, place to live, safest)

[toobusytoday]

Marilyn, you've asked for some important advice, I suggest you start your own thread the Lehigh Valley forum. Most people will tell you that west Allentown and even Salisbury township are nice and more affordable. Salisbury township is just south of Allentown, but north of Center Valley. I drive through Allentown, I shop a bit there, go to the museum, once the symphony but don't really know much about places to live.

[BFM]

I started considering this last year, and I'm just getting back to it now. I live in New Jersey, but have been looking for a spot that is somewhere midway between northern Maryland, Hopewell, NJ and Cape May, NJ. The community that pops up is Media, PA, or the nearby areas. We'd be looking to retire there, while still doing some work in Jersey, and spending time in Cape May for the summer. New construction, single family detached, near a small town center, within 45 minutes of an airport, good medical, shopping, maybe some history and scenic value, etc. Won't be commuting, so we can try for an area with more housing value for the dollar in trade for being a little off the commuter routes. South of Media would be better than north. Any thoughts??

Thanks !!

[appalachiangirl]

Some of the worst (run-down depressed) cities: Donora,Monessen (these are about 25 miles south of Pittsburgh--poor schools,crime etc)
Lancaster is nice--many of the cities in that area--Lititz,Lancaster,Carlisle aren't bad. West of the Harrisburg area is scenically pretty(mountains) but economically poor.

[clyde12a]

Regarding SHPD corruption-I'm quite sure the police had some reason to pull you over in 4 different vehicles. Either you have a problem operating a vehicle or you drive vehicles with equipment violations. As far as paying for the police station with fines, you didn't mention if you received any. The municipality receives half of the fine on a citation. The average fine is $25. The rest of the fine and costs on a citation goes to the state-county. I'm pretty sure the inconsequential amount they receive from traffic fines isn't paying for their station. Tell me how your getting pulled over equals corruption. There are more traffic deaths and injuries than occur through crime. Don't you think something should be done to prevent these?

[paskiguy]

Originally Posted by appalachiangirl

Some of the worst (run-down depressed) cities: Donora,Monessen (these are about 25 miles south of Pittsburgh--poor schools,crime etc)
Lancaster is nice--many of the cities in that area--Lititz,Lancaster,Carlisle aren't bad. West of the Harrisburg area is scenically pretty(mountains) but economically poor.

I agree that Lancaster is a great place to live or visit. I have family there and we love to visit. It is also located near some of the best hiking in Pennsylvania

[whorunbartertown]

I moved to Tremont in the early 90's. restored an old 'Cottage Victorian, (got it for $34,000) and raised my family here. I was working in Harrisburg, in fact my office was right next door to the Gov's mansion, when 9/11 happened. When I left for home that eve, felt really safe and secure climbing into the mountains driving 81 past the 78 split. Nice, quiet, community, where I can get a haircut and the local gossip for $6.00. Its been 18 years here now, and occasionally my wife and I both miss New England, but this is home. "People let me be just what I want to be"-John Mellencamp

[whorunbartertown]

Unfortunately, Lancaster, York and Reading are becoming drug infused from cities east, like Philly. There was a car chase and gun battle last week in downtown llancaster by rival gang members. Illegals involved. I'll drive the extra miles for culture and events thank you, but let my head rest in a quiet smaller community.........

[tremontpa]

Originally Posted by whorunbartertown

I moved to Tremont in the early 90's. restored an old 'Cottage Victorian, (got it for $34,000) and raised my family here. I was working in Harrisburg, in fact my office was right next door to the Gov's mansion, when 9/11 happened. When I left for home that eve, felt really safe and secure climbing into the mountains driving 81 past the 78 split. Nice, quiet, community, where I can get a haircut and the local gossip for $6.00. Its been 18 years here now, and occasionally my wife and I both miss New England, but this is home. "People let me be just what I want to be"-John Mellencamp

Which victorian home in Tremont did you restore? There are several that I can think of. I do like Lee's Barber Shop too, you can learn a lot of history there.

[whorunbartertown]

I live on N. Pine St., up from Pribillas next to the Mennonite church. It's the house of 'many colors'..............

[tremontpa]

I love that house. It is very beautiful and it appears like you have put a lot of work into it. When I move back to town after I'm through High School and College I plan to fix up an old house because the town is such a nice place.

My Tremont Website:
The Tremont Online News and Directory | Everything You Need To Know, stop by sometime.