City Folk Want Lancaster County Farm (Are we crazy?) (Chester: fit in, real estate)

[hjtoledo]

My wife, 5 year old daughter and I have spent the past 2 years talking about leaving Philly (Chestnut Hill, which we love) and purchasing a farm in Lancaster County. Some of you maybe thinking 'Oh brother, I've heard this before' - pls read on. I've been reading some of the posts and have to say that I was a bit concerned w/ some of the posts/replies that I've read, particularly the way some recent transients felt they've been welcomed/unwelcomed.

I'm hoping that through this post, I might obtain some insightful opinions from locals. However, I feel that sharing a bit about ourselves first might help...

For starters, we're probably slightly different then most urbanites. We are vegetarian, believe in the environmental causes and (my wife especially) has strong feelings about animal rights. We were both raised Catholic, but do not practice. I guess you could say that we're a pretty common (non-militant) liberal family. If you knew us, you'd probably not know (the above mentioned), since we don't find it necessary to share w/ people we know.

Here is why we maybe a bit different than most of our neighbors... We don't own a TV. Yes - its true, it’s been 3 yrs. Our daughter plays with non-traditional toys (in today's standards) - wooden blocks, rock/sticks/fabric and toys my wife widdles, sews etc...

My wife is a stay at home Mom and is incredibly resourceful and handy around the house. She will not hesitate to do plumbing, put a dry wall, refinish floors etc... On top of that - she is very crafty (makes wonderful toys, clothes...) and a fantastic cook. It’s an amazing thing! I'm a lucky guy! On top of that she has two college degrees one of which is 'Animal Science'. She'll sometime pass the time reading her old farm animal text books - either because she's extremely interested or is trying to give me subtle hints.

I on the other hand, have none of the aforementioned skills, but do have a decent Information Technology job that I enjoy in Center City Philly. I understand/accept that my commute from Lancaster (AMTRAK) could be 3 hrs a day. Of the three of us, I would be the one that might be most sensitive to feeling like we don't belong. I'm of Latino heritage and have always been accepting of all backgrounds, except of course the unaccepting kind...

Finally, our interest in owning a farm in Lancaster is because of 3 primary reasons. First, we believe that our lifestyle and interests lend itself well. I should mention that we don't want to move to the area and contribute to suburban sprawl - we might as well stay here. Secondly, our daughter currently attends one of only three Waldorf schools in PA. The other Waldorf School is in Marietta, PA. This is an important note, because we believe strongly in their philosophy and would never move to an area that did not have a Waldorf school. Finally, we find ourselves at peace whenever we visit the area and admire the beauty/simple life.

Would we fit in? Is it a crazy idea? Let me know your thoughts. Thanks in advance for your insight.

[Oldiebutgoodie26]

This does not apply to the farm areas around the city, but, so you know, Lancaster City is home to MANY, MANY Latino/Hispanic folks. When I worked in the schools (elem), the classes were about 70% Hispanic. Lots of kids from PR, DR, and Cuba. Lots from NYC, too. They have Latino bodegas in the city, too. There, you will fit right in.

[hjtoledo]

Thanks for the note. I have heard there is a large Hispanic population in Lancaster proper. What is your opinion on how accepting or not accepting locals are of new residents? It appears to me that there is a collision of two worlds. Those that want/enjoy peaceful living and those that want to maintain the life they had (peaceful country living). It appears they both want the same thing. I'm wondering if increased taxes and/or traffic are a concern for locals.

I guess I'd like to think that (based on the above mentioned post) our reason/approach might be different than the typical person wanting to move to the area.

Thanks again.

[kitty71]

I know that I would be thrilled to see you move here, and welcome you to the area. We need more soft-core liberals around here who are willing to work hard, be friendly and moral, and show that they can be a positive addition to what is a VERY conservative area.

I suppose that would be my only caution to you... Prepare to feel a little out of your element in this society. Although no one would be cruel or outwardly hostile to you, there is an element of feeling judged that I do feel, even after five years in Lancaster County. I say this even though I am finally starting to feel at home here, and having had a positive experience OVERALL with the people.

Good luck in your endeavor! My husband is an agricultural/environmental engineer - I suppose I should add that make sure if you buy a farm it is up to code as far as the environmental regulations go. It can get very expensive having to rebuild or redesign key parts of your farm - believe me, I know - I have heard from him what can happen.

[hjtoledo]

kitty71,
Thanks for the info. and words of encouragement. I appreciate the note of caution as well - that is exactly the kind of honest feedback that I seek.

Your note about 'buying a farm up that meets environmental codes' - is interesting and not one that has crossed my mind before. We've bought and sold 3 homes, but I guess being a smart purchaser of a farm is whole different ball game. Thanks again!

[PAFOREVER]

I moved to Lancaster (from Philly Suburb) about five years ago and have lived in a few different towns here. I know a lot of people talk about how the locals can be unfriendly towards "outsiders" but I personally have never felt that I was being judged or thought less of because I was not born and raised here. My husband and I just bought our first home (always rented before) and have made many friends in the neighborhood already. Only advice I have for you is to be sure to know the correct pronouncuation of Lancaster...I was corrected several times when I first moved here and for some reason they (those born and raised) can get pretty offended about that . Good luck to you in whatever you decide to do.

[zenguy21]

I'm sure it would be fairly accepting. One thing irritating that people might not like is that city folk move out and jack up local real estate prices with their much greater purchasing power. I'm sure you guys have worked hard and saved up there in the city but if you really want to be accepted-- do NOT come out and push on your neighbors a flashy lifestyle. People with two Infiniti QX56s and a brand new huge development house on a big field smell of new money and being opportunist. Not a way to win friendly neighbors.

You do not sound like this kind of couple you seem like you would want a traditional house and some land, probably conservative, and have some needs and good interests. Be modest, dont compare Lancaster county too much negatively to the city and I think you should be accepted.

Oh brother a 3 hour commute into the city that is pretty crazy. If you have to stay late at work you should probable keep some kind of condo so you can live in the city during the week and see your family on the weekend. A long day at work or week could be hell with that extra 15 hours cumulative in commuting time. Are people that desperate? Honestly if you are tired of the city you could get a little closer in like Phoenixville or other places in Chester County. It would probably be a step up. Waldorf school in the city I would imagine that your daughter could commute in with you to go to.