Is PA depressing? (Erie, Bethlehem, Washington: beaches, things to do, retire)

[Gil3]

A place can be heaven or hell if you choose to make it either..

[jfeagin]

Actually PA has the 2nd oldest population in the states as a percentage after FL.

Here is the link

http://www.census.gov/prod/2/pop/p25/p25-1131.pdf

Also in terms of projected growth, we are 49 out of 50.

Don't get me wrong, PA is a nice place with some beautiful scenery. It also has interminable gray days in the fall/winter/spring, cold (at least for me) about 7 months out of the year, and hot, hazy and humid summers (at least in my part of PA). If you like that, great. Many do and all power to them. Actually hot and humid don't bother me and I rather like them... It is just the haze that drives me batty. For me, I am looking to move south or west. Just haven't figured out where and when but it will be a couple of years I suppose.

Have we had enough rain yet?

John

[danwxman]

Originally Posted by jfeagin

Actually PA has the 2nd oldest population in the states as a percentage after FL.

Here is the link

http://www.census.gov/prod/2/pop/p25/p25-1131.pdf

Also in terms of projected growth, we are 49 out of 50.

Don't get me wrong, PA is a nice place with some beautiful scenery. It also has interminable gray days in the fall/winter/spring, cold (at least for me) about 7 months out of the year, and hot, hazy and humid summers (at least in my part of PA). If you like that, great. Many do and all power to them. Actually hot and humid don't bother me and I rather like them... It is just the haze that drives me batty. For me, I am looking to move south or west. Just haven't figured out where and when but it will be a couple of years I suppose.

Have we had enough rain yet?

John

The report you cited was issued 11 years ago. In terms of growth, Pennsylvania has actually beat projections. For example, according to Census estimates PA gained 29,975 people from 2006-2007 while states like Michigan and Rhode Island lost population. PA also gained more people then Ohio and New York. The Census bureau also predicted continued population loss in the District of Columbia, which has actually recorded growth in the past few years.

[Katiana]

Originally Posted by jfeagin

Actually PA has the 2nd oldest population in the states as a percentage after FL.
John

Yes, but I really don't think elderly people are moving there in droves. As someone else said, maybe not leaving for FL, AZ, places like that, though plenty seem to be going to FL.

[danwxman]

I've read in studies that in 30-40 years, Pennsylvania will actually have one of the youngest populations in the country once the current generation has completely died off. The reason our population is so old today is because the state's outmigration is actually very low for middle and older-aged folks, while people continue to retire here from nearby states. Younger folks have moved elsewhere for job opportunities, but the tide has certainly been changing the past several years.

[storm1976]

again you should come to warren. we have alot of retirees here. granted alot move south such as florida but we here in warren have a saying...warren si like a rubberband...it always springs ya back.

[Katiana]

Originally Posted by danwxman

I've read in studies that in 30-40 years, Pennsylvania will actually have one of the youngest populations in the country once the current generation has completely died off. The reason our population is so old today is because the state's outmigration is actually very low for middle and older-aged folks, while people continue to retire here from nearby states. Younger folks have moved elsewhere for job opportunities, but the tide has certainly been changing the past several years.

First off, it's hard to predict population trends that far out. No one predicted the birth rate in Europe to drop so low, to give one example. Secondly, the above is just not true. Pennsylvania continues to lose people to out-migration, not just deaths being > births. Here are some statistics:

Pennsylvania Population and Components of Change

[weezy18]

check out Clearfield, since most industries left the area long ago, the only way one can actually afford to live here is a retiree or if you work outside of the area. We are retiring to Wyoming in the fall.

[sunshineann]

I think every state is having problems with the employment. I must agree that the central to eastern part of Pa. is great. Not to mention its not that far to the ocean. lol.

[danwxman]

Originally Posted by Katiana

First off, it's hard to predict population trends that far out. No one predicted the birth rate in Europe to drop so low, to give one example. Secondly, the above is just not true. Pennsylvania continues to lose people to out-migration, not just deaths being > births. Here are some statistics:

Pennsylvania Population and Components of Change

Thanks for proving my point with that link. Pennsylvania's out-migration is VERY low and if the trend keeps up, should be net positive in a couple years.