Danville (Bloomsburg, Lewisburg, Riverside: real estate, rental, crime)

[NNYGIRL]

My husband is interviewing for radiology residencies and one of the places he interviewed at is Geisinger in Danville. Could anyone tell me about Danville and the surrounding areas?? We understand it is fairly rural (which we are very excited about, because we both yearn for the country!) so that is one big reason why he chose to interview at Geisinger.

How is the housing market? Any nuances that we should know about? How's the weather? Schools?? The only concern I have is that I may have difficulty finding a job. Though I am probably luckier than most women in my position, in that I am a certified teacher, and I have a background in biology/medical research. But I am still a bit nervous about available jobs.

(On the opposite end of the spectrum, he also interview in Albuquerque, NM. I have read some VERY interesting input on this forum for that place.)

I would appreciate any input people have on Danville. Thanks.

[turboredcart]

Danville is a decent place. It is americana small town. bloomsburg and lewisburg are nearby. reiverside looked abit swankier then danville. both have good schools.

GMC is a world classs med facility. if you feel at home in a small town, you will love it.

[TheBluffs]

I am also looking at relocating to Danville with spouse looking at employment at GMC. We are willing to live within 20 to 30 mile radius. Looking for good neigborhoods in a good school district. 2 school children, 1 wil be a 5th grader and the other an 8th grader. Any information will be greatly appreciated. Would be moving ths summer July time frame.

[cathyde]

NNYGirl and TheBluffs, this is a copy of a post I wrote yesterday under the Lewisburg thread, but hopefully will help you both out as well!!

Danville is a very nice town. Two grocery stores, several pharmacies and small speciality shops in the downtown can meet your basic needs, and you're within 15 -30 minutes of three different malls as well!

I lived in Danville for over 10 years and recently moved from there due to DH's new job, but have always found it to be a friendly, inviting area to live. (We probably would've stayed if Merck didn't sell the facility across the bridge in Riverside.) My house was a block away from both the Mahoning Creek and the Susquehanna River, and because of the levees, never worried about flooding (and on three occasions we had flooding in the towns around us - Bloomsburg was particularly hard hit; TPTB are still fighting over a levee system there). Lovely homes in historic districts close to downtown, and newer, bigger homes in various developments as you move outside the town give you a good variety of real estate to look at and choose from.

Crime was never a big issue; they did have a series of robberies last year, but that was the most I ever heard happening. Minor vandalism, kid-type stuff happened here and there, but nothing that ever got me worried.

Danville School District is a very strong school district, and I was very pleased at the education my children received there. (BTW it's also stellar in special education as well!!) Besides great PSSA scores, they offer a very wide range of courses at the high school level, and numerous Advanced Placement courses as well. Lots of extra curricular activities too! For those in elementary school, besides the public school there is St. Joseph's School, a catholic elementary school serving grades 1 through 8. My kids went there until 6th grade, and I was, again, very pleased with the education they received. They are also allowed to participate in the various activities in the public school, so that's a big plus.

Nearby Bloomsburg does have more, in terms of entertainment, with the university and the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, not to mention a cinema center, but it's a 15 minute drive there, so again, to me that wasn't a negative. Danville does have several special events, including the Iron Heritage Festival in the summer, two craft fairs in spring and fall, and the Halloween Parade every October.

In regards to real estate, I believe that Lewisburg probably has the higher pricing for housing, but Danville isn't too far behind there. They also have a lot of rental properties, mainly due to all the doctors from Geisinger doing rotations at the hospital.

Good luck with your search and I hope that, no matter what town you choose to call home, that you'll enjoy central PA!

Cathy

P.S. Feel free to PM me if there is anything else I can help with!!