Considering relocating to Eastern PA From the Deeeeeeep South. Crazy? (Scranton: vacation home, employment)

[Gerania]

Originally Posted by Pullenaway

I think the big thing for her would be adjusting to driving. She's not fond of driving when we're there, but that's mostly because I'm there to do the driving so she doesn't have to.

I know...a real Prince Charming. How did she *ever* get so lucky?

Naw... My husband would have to be losing consciousness before he'd let me take the wheel. My son is the same way.

[Avalon08]

OK, OP, I just found you a house, lol -- 6 BR, 2 BA, beautifully renovated Victorian in Schwenksville, a nice quiet outer suburb of Philly. $269,900! Check it out at the phillymag website, I don't know how to do links. Anyway, just kidding as I know you're not quite ready to pull the trigger, but I was the one who said you'd never find a large enough house for $265K in the Philly area.

[Pullenaway]

Originally Posted by Avalon08

OK, OP, I just found you a house, lol -- 6 BR, 2 BA, beautifully renovated Victorian in Schwenksville, a nice quiet outer suburb of Philly. $269,900! Check it out at the phillymag website, I don't know how to do links. Anyway, just kidding as I know you're not quite ready to pull the trigger, but I was the one who said you'd never find a large enough house for $265K in the Philly area.

Love it! I checked it out! I think I found the same one (or a similar one) and it was only $249,000.

This gives me hope!

[Pullenaway]

Okay all, I have a question.

My youngest brother married into a family from PA. They are spread all across Eastern PA, including these places:

Tobyhannah
Tunkhannock

Anyone know anything about the area? I haven't had a chance to speak to his in-laws.

[MarketStEl]

Originally Posted by Avalon08

OK, OP, I just found you a house, lol -- 6 BR, 2 BA, beautifully renovated Victorian in Schwenksville, a nice quiet outer suburb of Philly. $269,900! Check it out at the phillymag website, I don't know how to do links. Anyway, just kidding as I know you're not quite ready to pull the trigger, but I was the one who said you'd never find a large enough house for $265K in the Philly area.

Glad to know someone here's reading my section:
Mod cut: Single real estate listings are not allowed, and the link that I'm cutting qualifies.
The Perkiomen Valley in upper Montgomery County is lovely country, and this house is right across Main Street from the Perkiomen Trail bike/hike path. And it really is a beauty.

[Gerania]

Originally Posted by Pullenaway

Okay all, I have a question.

My youngest brother married into a family from PA. They are spread all across Eastern PA, including these places:

Tobyhanna
Tunkhannock

Anyone know anything about the area? I haven't had a chance to speak to his in-laws.

You should ask this question in the Northeastern PA forum. I grew up in Wilkes-Barre, but haven't been to either of those places in decades.

My first thought is that you aren't going to find work in those little towns and have a long drive in the morning. You don't want to do that in the winter.

There are no stores or services in Tobyhanna. The nearest supermarket, pharmacy, doctors are in Mount Pocono. At least Tunkhannock has those things and a small hospital.

[Avalon08]

Originally Posted by Gerania

You should ask this question in the Northeastern PA forum. I grew up in Wilkes-Barre, but haven't been to either of those places in decades.

My first thought is that you aren't going to find work in those little towns and have a long drive in the morning. You don't want to do that in the winter.

There are no stores or services in Tobyhanna. The nearest supermarket, pharmacy, doctors are in Mount Pocono. At least Tunkhannock has those things and a small hospital.

I remember when I used to drive across I-80 toward Williamsport, and once I had to get off early and go through some little towns that would put me back up on the main road into Williamsport. Those "towns" were no more than a collection of a post office and a few houses, maybe a restaurant at an intersection. So my point being just because you see a town on a map doesn't mean it's a fully-functional "town" with all the amenities you'd expect.

[bluecarebear]

Your wife and children will experience culture shock if they have never lived outside of the Gulf. People aren't as friendly up here in the cities and it is a much faster pace of life. SWPA is awfully poor. The best jobs and money are located in the Philly region. Teaching jobs are almost impossible to get. Find jobs first before you settle on a town.

[Pullenaway]

Originally Posted by bluecarebear

Your wife and children will experience culture shock if they have never lived outside of the Gulf. People aren't as friendly up here in the cities and it is a much faster pace of life. SWPA is awfully poor. The best jobs and money are located in the Philly region. Teaching jobs are almost impossible to get. Find jobs first before you settle on a town.

I agree...I've always been of the notion that I need a job first, but I appreciate the advice none the less.

Were you saying that jobs in the Philly region are almost impossible to get, or were you speaking, generally, state-wide?

I've been looking for jobs as part of my PA teacher cert process and I do see that being the case in some areas, but not others (and I don't mean just the "bad" districts/areas). Any insight is greatly appreciated!

[Pullenaway]

Originally Posted by Avalon08

I remember when I used to drive across I-80 toward Williamsport, and once I had to get off early and go through some little towns that would put me back up on the main road into Williamsport. Those "towns" were no more than a collection of a post office and a few houses, maybe a restaurant at an intersection. So my point being just because you see a town on a map doesn't mean it's a fully-functional "town" with all the amenities you'd expect.

Thanks! I will keep that in mind.