Why do people say PA is depressing? (Philadelphia, York: home, manufacturing)

[StreetJustice]

There have been some people on this forum who have said PA is depressing. Why would you say PA is depressing? PA is beautiful. If you want depressing try NJ or NY.

[_Buster]

I don't find PA depressING, but some towns are depressed for sure. Maybe that's what people mean. Same in much of WV. I don't find NY or NJ depressing either, or Delaware or Maryland. Of PA's neighboring states, Ohio is easily the most depressing to me.

[Craziaskowboi]

Pennsylvania is one of the most self-loathing states in the U.S., which is the biggest turn-off for me. The negativity can become a self-fulfilling prophecy too, when potential new residents get scared away by it.

[StreetJustice]

Originally Posted by Craziaskowboi

Pennsylvania is one of the most self-loathing states in the U.S., which is the biggest turn-off for me. The negativity can become a self-fulfilling prophecy too, when potential new residents get scared away by it.

You misspelled New York.

[cpomp]

Originally Posted by Craziaskowboi

Pennsylvania is one of the most self-loathing states in the U.S., which is the biggest turn-off for me. The negativity can become a self-fulfilling prophecy too, when potential new residents get scared away by it.

Its a shame, its naturally a beautiful state, and while there are many depressed parts, its also home to some of the nicest and most charming towns and cities in the country.

Philadelphia loves to hate on itself too, luckily the new younger crowd has a more positive outlook.

[StreetJustice]

Originally Posted by cpomp

Its a shame, its naturally a beautiful state, and while there are many depressed parts, its also home to some of the nicest and most charming towns and cities in the country.

Philadelphia loves to hate on itself too, luckily the new younger crowd has a more positive outlook.

He was talking about New York not Pennsylvania in post #3. Yes PA is naturally beautiful, although when you talk about many depressed parts that is NY not PA.

[Muinteoir]

Originally Posted by cpomp

Its a shame, its naturally a beautiful state, and while there are many depressed parts, its also home to some of the nicest and most charming towns and cities in the country.

Philadelphia loves to hate on itself too, luckily the new younger crowd has a more positive outlook.

Yeah, perhaps this is partially why I am confused about the premise of the thread. None of my friends hate on PA so much. However, half my blood dates back to some of the earliest settlers of Pennsylvania, and that side of my family takes huge pride in the state. They are the Nittany Lion clad, unofficial central PA promotion crew. Many of whom are v. old.

I think the once booming coal towns of Appalachian PA can give it this reputation. But as was belabored in the other "Depressing PA" thread, there is so much more to PA and all states have their depressed areas.

Honestly I really don't think PA hates on itself much more than most states. A few states for sure have more self-pride: Colorado, Washington, and Texas, for example, come to mind. Yet I family members who are life-long residents who LOVE the state, as well as friends both "native" and transplant here in Philly, who really go to dispel the premise of the thread.

[KevinE]

I’ve known many consultants and other road warriors who echo the sentiment that PA is depressing for the most part. Unfortunately PA had the double whammy of being a manufacturing has-been along with the rural parts being ruined by run down mining towns. PA is not alone though... Indiana and Ohio are similarly awful.

[toobusytoday]

I’ve only heard that on this forum. We moved here on purpose and like it.

[Duderino]

Originally Posted by KevinE

I’ve known many consultants and other road warriors who echo the sentiment that PA is depressing for the most part. Unfortunately PA had the double whammy of being a manufacturing has-been along with the rural parts being ruined by run down mining towns. PA is not alone though... Indiana and Ohio are similarly awful.

Except that "run down mining towns" are a very small fraction of rural PA. And Pennsylvania long ago transitioned into a post-industrial economy.

Alas, though, so many people would rather base their worldview on emotion and what they randomly saw from the highway "that one time they passed-through" than facts.