moving from England (Chester, West Chester, Cornwall: how much, home, landscaping)

[gremmo]

I have just posted this on the NEPA forum but I suppose it applies elsewhere in PA (thanks v. much for the NEPA responses I have had)

I am thinking of moving to Pennsylvania and am very interested in certain parts of the Lehigh, Lackawanna, Delaware, Montgomery and Bucks Counties. I have read so many threads over the last 6 months concerning these areas.

This may irritate loads of you however I have to ask. I am really anti hunting and I know this is big in the states. How big is it really and do I have to be exposed to it or can I avoid it? Also how is it for veggies? Will I come up against abuse for the way I feel? May seem silly but it is a big issue!

[Dawne]

I think if you keep your anti-hunting views to yourself as much as possible and don't be "in your face" to people you encounter you'll be fine. One thing to be aware of is during hunting season many local newspapers, and even the TV news, have pictures of people with their kills. It can be disturbing if this bothers you. They usually limit it to a certain section (sports?) so you can hopefully avoid seeing what you don't want to see.

By "veggies" do you mean vegetarians? That shouldn't be an issue. You may get some odd looks or comments, but no one should be hostile to you about that.

[gremmo]

Thanks for that - there is a whole thread dedicated to this on NEPA now! and yes I do mean vegetarian (well actually vegan) but the rest of the family are just 'veggies'!

[west chester]

no one will say anything to you at all really. as big as it is its not talked about really because as many people dont like it as they like it. i have a question im tring to move to england think you could help me out with some places to look for a home

[Marodi]

Well, PA has 250,000 registered gun licenses and has the largest membership of any state in the NRA. I know in this area, the open of deer hunting season is a school holiday.

[toobusytoday]

I think if you go looking for the horrors of hunting you will find them. I know many vegetarians, it's not unusual or a big deal. My daughter is one. Okay, she's living in China now but still.... Unless you live in the country you're probably not going to notice hunting season much at all. Also, most hunters spend much more time hunting and just waiting and waiting then actually killing. PS - My son just found out today that he will be able to do a study abroad at UEA in Norwich, England. Any chance you are from that area??

[judd2401]

Interesting post Englander. The question about hunting is complex. If you're looking to move to PA, the closer you stay to Phila., the less hunting you'll encounter, however keep in mind the deer population waxes/wanes and there have been problems in the suburbs with deer destroying your landscaping, eating your bushes, etc. Where I live, hunting is a way of life, but I don't hunt and it doesn't bother me. I don't necessary like to see piles of deer at the butchers, but hunters here love venison and it is very healthy, low in fat and cholesterol and it keeps the deer population in check. Regarding "vegies", eating whole foods is gaining momentum, and the closer you are to rural farming areas, the more fresh produce you will find, and cheaper. We stopped gardening in Perry County because the Amish produce the best produce I've ever eaten, and it's eaten the day it's picked. Unbeatable. I live in Perry County and despite having a redneck reputation, people leave you alone with all your quirks, unless you get aggressive which you don't sound to be. Another factor you should consider is crime, the counties you mentioned are Phila suburbs and having lived in Bucks Co for 10 years, you may be in for some culture shock. You may not encounter hunters but you will encounter "hunters" and I think there's something to be said about locating in an area where all your needs can be met. Not trying to scare you, but the gun density in the Phila suburbs probably rivals/exceeds that of the rural "hunting" areas. Rural hunters tend to be respectful, city gun carriers drove me out of Phila in 1995 and I can't say I miss it. If you want more let me know. I'm a PA native, have lived all over PA and am moving again for a job change within PA.

[gremmo]

Thanks for all the info.

West Chester, regarding your move - it depends on how much you can afford, whether you want city, town, country, seaside? Many, many factors affect this decision.
Some great places in my opinion are Brighton, Bath, Edinburgh, parts of London, Tunbridge Wells, many parts of Cornwall are lovely too. I need a bit more info though.

Too busy today - I don't know Norwich that well I am afraid - I have a friend who started UEA last year though - if you need any info on the uni or the surrounding areas I can email her??