Somerset-Good or Bad? (Pittsburgh, Johnstown, Greensburg: ski resorts, violent crime, hotels)

[JMZ]

I will be moving to this area for a position, what is there to do? Any good bars? Micro brews? Is it a nice town to live in?

Just trying to find some more information on the town.

[Marodi]

It's a mining town, I don't know too much about it, but i'd assume there'd be some bars there.

Town hall is gorgeous.

They have a crapload of restaraunts next to the turnpike exit.

That's about all I know.

[Ohiogirl81]

It's the county seat with a gorgeous courthouse. It's a pretty town, but small and isolated and very working-class (not that that's a bad thing!). It even has its very own outlet mall.

As far as things to do -- hiking, skiing, canoeing, rafting, boating. Anything outdoorsy.

[mams1559]

Somerset is smack dab on the PA turnpike. It is the county seat. There is Hidden Valley and Seven Springs ski resorts less than 30 min to the west. Flight 93 memorial is not far away either. Theres loads of outdoor activities, very close by (within 1 hr) including white-water rafting, hiking, etc. There is a playhouse in nearby Jennerstown (? - I think that's the town).

There are bars and taverns and restaurants... but not like big cities. Mostly blue-collar workers, with some professionals (lawyers/doctors)

It is a small town with all the pros and cons that go with it. The next larger city is Johnstown (25 mi north) with all its amenities (even a micro-brew )

Here's a link that should provide more info for you: Borough of Somerset, PA Somerset County

[JMZ]

Hey thanks I love Micro's. I appreciate all of the responses so far!

Thanks guys!

[mams1559]

Here's another link that can help illustrate what the area has to offer:
Somerset County Chamber of Commerce

[h_murr76]

Try Mels, it's a cozy place with bands on Wed and the weekends. It is a tiny place. A great place for eats is the Summit Diner. LOVE IT. Greasy spoon, but good people. If you want something a bit more classy there is a Pine Grill across from it. Both are located right off the pike.

[SharonShoe]

I live in Somerset and I couldn't really recommend it. It depends on you, what you like to do, your age, etc. There's plenty of hiking/biking/outdoor activities here, but little in the way of anything else. The only movie theatre in the county closed 2 years ago. Most of the department stores are closed, but there is a Super Wal Mart. There isn't much for children/young people and most teens leave when they get out of high school.

The economy is shaky. Cost of living is fairly low, but so are incomes. If you need a good job, you likely won't find one here. Blue collar jobs are being moved overseas and some of the biggest manufacturers have laid off large percentages of their work force. There's very little in the way of arts or entertainment. There are plenty of hotels/fast food establishments (due to being right off the pike and Seven Springs resort which is nearby).

If you don't mind having to drive 30-60 miles to Johnstown/Greensburg/Pittsburgh to do anything, then it might be a nice place to live. Violent crime raters are low. People are fairly nice, albeit a bit closed-minded. There aren't any gangs/gang activity. There is a modest drug problem but it's not something you're confronted with on a daily basis.