Is PA depressing? (Philadelphia, Scranton, York: gated community, wages, place to live)

[Duderino]

Originally Posted by heavenly

I was just about to pack my boxes and leave mousquito infested houston in the dust... until I read these posts.

Geez I just want to be where people care about each other... does such a burgh exist today?

What was it that you read that deterred you? You do realize that any judgements of an area based off of posts made online should only be a FRACTION of what comprises your overall judgement. I find it utterly ridiculous that anyone would totally discount a city (let alone state) based off of what they heard or read. Don't be so easily swayed -- lots of people on these boards are just plain bitter and act like armchair warriors when they need a place to vent. If Pittsburgh looked interesting to you, then by all means, check it out for yourself. After all, your opinions should come from what YOU experience -- not others.

That said, since African-Americans comprise over 25% of Pittsburgh's population, you're bound to find social comfortability.

[nocturnal rooster]

Originally Posted by Duderino

What was it that you read that deterred you? You do realize that any judgements of an area based off of posts made online should only be a FRACTION of what comprises your overall judgement. I find it utterly ridiculous that anyone would totally discount a city (let alone state) based off of what they heard or read. Don't be so easily swayed -- lots of people on these boards are just plain bitter and act like armchair warriors when they need a place to vent. If Pittsburgh looked interesting to you, then by all means, check it out for yourself. After all, your opinions should come from what YOU experience -- not others.

That said, since African-Americans comprise over 25% of Pittsburgh's population, you're bound to find social comfortability.

Why would someone move to a place that most people hate. Most people around here do think PA is depressing. heavenly, stay in houston. Pittsburgh is a dump. I lived there for 6 years. No jobs. The only thing I liked was the steelers

[Summering]

I know nothing about Pittsburgh.........but this is a BIG, BIG state.......
I don't know where "most people" are coming from.......
Heres what I think of Pa.....( mind you I know the eastern portion )
The mountains are awesome.....as you drive down the highways the tallness and beauty of the mountain ridges is breathtaking.
The State Parks are just wonderful for swimming, hiking, biking, camping......
The beauty of say Hickory Run as you enter it.......amazing.
Some of the towns are charming, with the cutest restaurants......example The Willowtree in Stroudsburg.....sitting outside by the river on a day like today.....emmmmmmm. Relax and enjoy the beauty there...........
Lancaster with its shows at the Sights and Sounds Theater.......fantastic.
Not to mention the " family style" restaurants that dot the area, with home-cooked foods. The camping in that area, the history of the Amish......a wonder to behold.
There is motor boat lakes........coves to swim in......picnic.
There is quiet peaceful lakes.......to sail, fish, rowboat.
A place called Lake Harmony to sit beside the water and enjoy at Nicks Lake House........
You can go see candy be made, pretzels, and antique shop up at Canadensis....then go golf at Skytop. By the way Golfing is just about everywhere and some are quite reasonable.
The friendlyness of the people is commendable........
There is Camel Beach for the kids........and the Great Wolf Lodge for all.
There is wonderful camping places, a few that are awesome for camping.
We have big, and grand schools......some like PV getting wonderful grades.
Shopping is quite nice......I never had Boscovs or Bon Tons in NJ and I love those stores.
The kids went to a race track last night and got autographs and trinkets from the drivers.......plus we are the home to the great Pocono Raceway.
Dickson City is a dream of a place to shop......go to your Home Depot, Lowes, Raymour, Sams, Pier One, Dicks, Wegmans, Walmart, Gander, Starbucks, Chucky Cheese, ValleyView Mall all on ONE mountain location!
We are all we need to be in Pa......we cover history, beauty, sport, fun,
entertainment, hospitality........and a motto that was " You've got a friend in Pennsylvania".........Its quite grand..........

[nocturnal rooster]

Originally Posted by Summering

I know nothing about Pittsburgh.........but this is a BIG, BIG state.......
I don't know where "most people" are coming from.......
Heres what I think of Pa.....( mind you I know the eastern portion )
The mountains are awesome.....as you drive down the highways the tallness and beauty of the mountain ridges is breathtaking.
The State Parks are just wonderful for swimming, hiking, biking, camping......
The beauty of say Hickory Run as you enter it.......amazing.
Some of the towns are charming, with the cutest restaurants......example The Willowtree in Stroudsburg.....sitting outside by the river on a day like today.....emmmmmmm. Relax and enjoy the beauty there...........
Lancaster with its shows at the Sights and Sounds Theater.......fantastic.
Not to mention the " family style" restaurants that dot the area, with home-cooked foods. The camping in that area, the history of the Amish......a wonder to behold.
There is motor boat lakes........coves to swim in......picnic.
There is quiet peaceful lakes.......to sail, fish, rowboat.
A place called Lake Harmony to sit beside the water and enjoy at Nicks Lake House........
You can go see candy be made, pretzels, and antique shop up at Canadensis....then go golf at Skytop. By the way Golfing is just about everywhere and some are quite reasonable.
The friendlyness of the people is commendable........
There is Camel Beach for the kids........and the Great Wolf Lodge for all.
There is wonderful camping places, a few that are awesome for camping.
We have big, and grand schools......some like PV getting wonderful grades.
Shopping is quite nice......I never had Boscovs or Bon Tons in NJ and I love those stores.
The kids went to a race track last night and got autographs and trinkets from the drivers.......plus we are the home to the great Pocono Raceway.
Dickson City is a dream of a place to shop......go to your Home Depot, Lowes, Raymour, Sams, Pier One, Dicks, Wegmans, Walmart, Gander, Starbucks, Chucky Cheese, ValleyView Mall all on ONE mountain location!
We are all we need to be in Pa......we cover history, beauty, sport, fun,
entertainment, hospitality........and a motto that was " You've got a friend in Pennsylvania".........Its quite grand..........

nothing about making a good living though

[Summering]

Originally Posted by nocturnal rooster

nothing about making a good living though

LOLOLOLOL........your right rooster.......PA is not the state for making a great salary.......I agree........I can not lie.......wages are low, low, low!

[I LOVE PA!]

Wages might be low in Pa., but I also have to say there are a lot of lazy people here! There are a lot of people who just don't want to work and spend more time looking for a handout than a job. I have met many people on all kinds of assistance while working part-time to support their family. Work two full time jobs if you have to! No noe has any business getting a handout unless they are working a minimum of 40 hours a week.
My husband works 90 hours a week. I also work. Neither of us has a college degree and all of our money that we earn is taxed. We are doing OK.

[Duderino]

Originally Posted by Summering

LOLOLOLOL........your right rooster.......PA is not the state for making a great salary.......I agree........I can not lie.......wages are low, low, low!

I also won't contest the fact that wages could be higher and job opportunities could be better in many areas of the state. I live in the Philadelphia area where jobs are plentiful and affluent families making six-figure incomes are commonplace, so I suppose my perception is skewed being that I reside in the most economically-sound part of the state. While SEPA and the Lehigh Valley are important exceptions, I think that Pittsburgh and NEPA are very up-and-coming. Pennsylvania is going through a slow but steady transition at this point by overcoming a downfall in the steel and textile industries. For example, P-burgh is making strides in the technology sector and NEPA, from what I understand, will undoubtedly gain more opportunity from firms relocating from NY. It is hardly unrealistic to be optomistic about PA's economic future.

Also, FYI, PA came in 22nd (right after NY) in a three-year (2003-2005) median income ranking of all states but the Census Bureau. I'm not saying that's spectacular, but that doesn't make PA economically-depressed, either:

Income 2005 - Three-Year-Average Median Household Income by State: 2001-2005

[Summering]

Originally Posted by Duderino

I also won't contest the fact that wages could be higher and job opportunities could be better in many areas of the state. I live in the Philadelphia area where jobs are plentiful and affluent families making six-figure incomes are commonplace, so I suppose my perception is skewed being that I reside in the most economically-sound part of the state. While SEPA and the Lehigh Valley are important exceptions, I think that Pittsburgh and NEPA are very up-and-coming. Pennsylvania is going through a slow but steady transition at this point by overcoming a downfall in the steel and textile industries. For example, P-burgh is making strides in the technology sector and NEPA, from what I understand, will undoubtedly gain more opportunity from firms relocating from NY. It is hardly unrealistic to be optomistic about PA's economic future.

Also, FYI, PA came in 22nd (right after NY) in a three-year (2003-2005) median income ranking of all states but the Census Bureau. I'm not saying that's spectacular, but that doesn't make PA economically-depressed, either:

Income 2005 - Three-Year-Average Median Household Income by State: 2001-2005

Thats great information Dude........I know Philly is just fine in wages.......I was specifically thinking of the Pocono region. Where a well trained LPN would come from NJ making $14.00 and upwards an hour........only to sit in at a doctors office and be told.......her starting rate would be $5.50!!
Only then, mouth dropping with disbelief.......
I think things are improving a bit.......but, when a job does come up thats any good........tons of people apply for it.
Even the new casino that will open one of these days.......had over 5000 applications.

[nocturnal rooster]

Originally Posted by Duderino

I also won't contest the fact that wages could be higher and job opportunities could be better in many areas of the state. I live in the Philadelphia area where jobs are plentiful and affluent families making six-figure incomes are commonplace, so I suppose my perception is skewed being that I reside in the most economically-sound part of the state. While SEPA and the Lehigh Valley are important exceptions, I think that Pittsburgh and NEPA are very up-and-coming. Pennsylvania is going through a slow but steady transition at this point by overcoming a downfall in the steel and textile industries. For example, P-burgh is making strides in the technology sector and NEPA, from what I understand, will undoubtedly gain more opportunity from firms relocating from NY. It is hardly unrealistic to be optomistic about PA's economic future.

Also, FYI, PA came in 22nd (right after NY) in a three-year (2003-2005) median income ranking of all states but the Census Bureau. I'm not saying that's spectacular, but that doesn't make PA economically-depressed, either:

Income 2005 - Three-Year-Average Median Household Income by State: 2001-2005

Dude, bro, whatever your name is, you do realize that PA is one of the only Northern states with such a low median income, right? I don't even count maine since they dont even have much of a population compared to PA. PA is eating everybody's dust right now.

[Tom Lennox 70]

Well I don't want to sound ignorant and believe everything the media or Hollywood says (I don't) but Pennsylvania absolutely feels depressing. I saw the new "Rocky Balboa" last night which was filmed on-location in Philadelphia and the feel of the entire city was utterly depressing deep into its core. The entire landscape has a feel of neglect, deterioration, poverty, and homelessness. The gray tones and cold, depressing, sunless winters don't help either. Throughout the film the city looks like one on the verge of collapse.

Philadelphia is up there as one of the most depressing places I've ever been to, along with places like Detroit and Newark. And Camden, which if ya'll don't know is just across from Philly.

I've been to Philly twice and felt scared the whole time except in the area immediatley around the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Some neighborhoods looked even worse than the ones Rocky Balboa was filmed in. I've also traveled along the Turnpike from the Maryland border to Monroeville just outside Pittsburgh and the drive through farm country was beautiful but the landscape approaching Pittsbrugh was very bleak, especially in November. But this feeling the weather is not limited to PA alone...it goes for the entire Northeast and Upper Midwest. But there's always news about rural Pennsylvania's poverty and mines shutting down. Its sad what's happening to Pennsylvania. There is a lot of natural beauty there but also a lot of crime, poverty, and cold weather.