Is PA depressing? (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Reading: environment, tornado, mcmansions)

[ShadowCaver]

Originally Posted by sleeplessinpa

Very true- there are no jobs.

...snip...

Interesting... my entire reason for visiting this part of the country was due to a job interview. And then while looking through the local [Williamsport] paper, noticed what seemed to me to be quite a few, and quite varied, positions, esp. for a community that only has ~35k people - from working at the paper, to the local colleges/schools, ranging from professionals to blue collar types... During all of my walkings and drivings, I talked w/ many locals, and they all, while admitting the increase in crime [in some pockets], had very positive statements regarding the towns, the area, and the state. Granted, I only talked with ~45 some people, during this one week, but still...

[Duderino]

Originally Posted by sleeplessinpa

And she left-- Daugh!

Obviously, considering it's hard to have a career in Hollywood if you don't live there.

[mary1]

Originally Posted by mechtm84

New Hampshire

wow, your in for rude awakening, NH is not a place to live if your not wealthy, good luck

[Red1inPA]

I grew up in PA, and have lived in both Central, Western, and South Eastern PA. It is not depressing; as with all in life, it is what you make of it. PA has beautiful rolling hills and trees. In the Autumn, there aren't many other places that can compare to it's beauty.

People here are some of the friendliest people I've ever met. I travel a lot for work, and the people in PA are much warmer and family oriented than those I've met elsewhere.

Outside of the cities, the crime is low. Although, Pittsburgh is a beautiful city that does have some bad parts to it; just like any other city. Consider how many people in PA do choose to stay. Consider why twice I've left for work and always seem to find my way back to PA. The weather? It's awesome...you have four seasons no tornados, no hurricaines. We have everything here...mountains, rolling hills, beautiful lakes. I really think PA is hard to beat!

[njguy]

Originally Posted by Red1inPA

I grew up in PA, and have lived in both Central, Western, and South Eastern PA. It is not depressing; as with all in life, it is what you make of it. PA has beautiful rolling hills and trees. In the Autumn, there aren't many other places that can compare to it's beauty.

People here are some of the friendliest people I've ever met. I travel a lot for work, and the people in PA are much warmer and family oriented than those I've met elsewhere.

Outside of the cities, the crime is low. Although, Pittsburgh is a beautiful city that does have some bad parts to it; just like any other city. Consider how many people in PA do choose to stay. Consider why twice I've left for work and always seem to find my way back to PA. The weather? It's awesome...you have four seasons no tornados, no hurricaines. We have everything here...mountains, rolling hills, beautiful lakes. I really think PA is hard to beat!

New England is very beautiful as well with the attributes you mentioned that are in PA.

[Katiana]

No tornadoes? Consider this, from city-data: Beaver Falls-area historical tornado activity is slightly above Pennsylvania state average. It is 9% greater than the overall U.S. average. Of course, I always heard stuff like that when I was a kid: no (fill in the blank). Good reason to never leave and try anything else.

[Dave53]

I've lived here all my life and love it here. Grew up in Johnstown but moved to the Derry area 30 yrs. ago. Sure Pa. has some problems and some bad areas, and every other state has there share of them too. I drove truck for 32 yrs and traveled all around this country and even though I've seen some beautiful places in many other states Pa. is one of the nicest states I've been in.

[djvaly]

Originally Posted by imright

Just wanna know what you think.

depends where you live in PA. take a stab at narrowing down ya question.

[sleeplessinpa]

There is golf there.....other fun places to eat...like Piggy's ....all day breakfast and icecreams for the kids. ...Shenanigans for night time fun...
I see not problems with Lake Harmony and I buy the News everyday........
The lake is gorgeous.......Nicks has a nice glass room to sit and watch out over the lake. Relaxing.........[/quote]


I know what Lake Harmony is like, I live in the area. I have gone to Shenanigans often and Split Rock for Special Christmas events. I can tell you some true stories about Towenmensing Trails(I sold homes there) and they will shock you or not. Route 903 is full of accidents-agressive driving my husband hates using it for work. Penns Peak is nice but they are no longer getting the Big name talent like they use to(guess it is to much for this area). Not many nice places to eat.(yes we are spoiled but that comes when you travel around the country and world and experience life outside the PA Box).

For those who have traveled or lived elsewhere and find it depressing here in PA-it is Their View. Nothing wrong with that. We all are individuals and not one size fits all clones.
For those who love PA that is great. The state makes you happy,I am glad.

But just listen with a kind heart to those who are not happy and try to understand why. It is better to make a positive out of a negative. A Double Negative by bashing those unhappy will not make things better.

Understanding what turns people off the state or a town actually is Helpful input for those who love the state and want to make it better. Like being in Love a person can have Rose Colored glassess and not see the truth in front of them. It takes someones opposite view to bring everything into full focus.

For those of us who want to leave could be because Government is not doing anything or enough to improve life. Yes, jobs and wages are a major problem here. Quality of life is also what you make of it BUT being around depressed people effects your life in a major way. There are so many variables that do play on your life:Neighbors,Rude Elderly,Red Necks who know how to play the system,Small Town Gossips,Discrimination(oh it goes still in the small towns)Government(one family after another in the same office-no changes),Taxes(increasing vs wage that are one of the lowest in the nation),Housing Costs,Jobs(a struggle unless your in a Big City),Weather(Seasonal Depression is a BIG problem here),Crime,Education(many schools are considered poor),Cultural Events(or lack of it),Socializing(not just Bars please),Church(there is a following of many religions for sure) and simply nature(the Biggest asset the state has).

There is a lot going on around us and not everyone can find inner peace when they feel more like being on a rollercoaster ride.

Sometimes it takes courage to get off and walk away.
and for those of us who want to leave- we will eventually walk away when we have taken care of our obligations here.

Best of Luck to you all.

[imright]

Is it less depressing in the Mount Pocono area than the Scranton area?