York area or Montgomery county (Reading, Lancaster: ski resort, apartments, for rent)

[JKJ]

Hello everybody-

We are moving to PA and since I work from home I can live anywhere in the state except for the Philly area. My wife was told that Montgomery County is nice and I have been researching the York area. I guess it would be best if I tell you exactly what we are looking for, so here is our wish list:

1. Small town country feel with everything close by (my wife does not want to drive 20 miles to the grocery store)
2. Safe and low in crime
3. No children yet so school system is not of concern
4. close to lakes and outdoor activities (close to ATV trails a big plus)
5. 2+ bedroom w/ garage rents between 1000 and 1400
6. We have visited the Pocono’s and feel it’s to mountainous. We like back roads but the ones in the mountains can make ya dizzy.

Thanks ahead of time for your recommendations

[JHG722]

I know absolutely nothing about nearby lakes and ATV trails. If we have them, hopefully someone can help you out. Outside of that, Montco is great, albeit expensive in most parts.

[Icy Tea]

I read an article a few months back in the Reading Eagle about how few ATV trails there are in SE Pa. Lakes, grocery stores, good schools, low crime, affordable rents, parks, SE Pa has all that, at least if you avoid the major cities. I know Berks has and is getting alot of new trails going, but ATVs are definitely not going to be allowed.

[snomint3]

Originally Posted by JKJ

Hello everybody-

We are moving to PA and since I work from home I can live anywhere in the state except for the Philly area. My wife was told that Montgomery County is nice and I have been researching the York area. I guess it would be best if I tell you exactly what we are looking for, so here is our wish list:

1. Small town country feel with everything close by (my wife does not want to drive 20 miles to the grocery store)
2. Safe and low in crime
3. No children yet so school system is not of concern
4. close to lakes and outdoor activities (close to ATV trails a big plus)
5. 2+ bedroom w/ garage rents between 1000 and 1400
6. We have visited the Pocono’s and feel it’s to mountainous. We like back roads but the ones in the mountains can make ya dizzy.

Thanks ahead of time for your recommendations

Hi! I have lived in the York area for 6 years and can definately say that York fits all of your criteria! Previous to living here I lived in a rural area and have to say that York is a great mix of small town feel w/all the amenities of a larger town. We live in a country setting but are easily within 5 minutes of both "main" roads in York (rt.30 & 83). York has almost any major store or restaurant you could think of and a nice mall plus several non-chain local restaurants that are fantastic.

York is a safe area in general however just as in any city there are parts of York City that aren't as nice, but nothing like compared to a big city or anything!

There are lots of state parks in the area, several local state parks with lakes are Gifford Pinchot & Codorus. Both have camping & allow boats up to a certain horsepower. Most people who have powerboats/etc. boat on the river or at Reystown (about 1.5hrs. away). There are ATV trails around, I know there are a few trails in York at John Rudy County Park. I'm sure there are ways to find them in this area, almost everyone I know who lives more in the "country" owns ATV's so there must be places to ride around here! York is definately an outdoorsy persons place and there are even some great state parks/etc. close by in other counties & even Maryland all within an hours drive.

$1000-$1400 is good range for a 2bdrm/garage around here. You should be able to find a townhome or condo for rent around that price range. I can't think of any apartments with garages, but a few complexes offer covered parking spots for an extra charge.

As far as mountains go, I would describe the York area as more hilly than mountainous! We do have a ski resort but it's nothing in comparison to the Poconos. The hills make for some beautiful scenery, there are some back roads that can get pretty winding, but again nothing like the Poconos.

HTH!


snomint

[Beachgurly1203]

I have lived in York actually was born there, it has changed and there is quite a bit more crime now than when I was growing up. I lived in Frederick, MD for 18 years after that and that is an area close to what you are talking about but it is getting more crowded too because all the people that work down the road in DC or Montcomery Co live in Frederick. So I moved earlier this year to Thurmont, MD, the mountains are right out my window and Frederick is 20 minutes away as is Gettysburg. Thurmont has that small town appeal but has 3 grocery stores and alot to do. There is a zoo nearby and several parks. Great restaurants and something this weekend called Colorfest, a huge craft fair. It has everything you asked for and more. I don't really think you would like Montgomery Co as it is very crowded and a lot of crime. I work in Montgomery Co so I know what it is like first hand.

[Beachgurly1203]

oh, and thurmont has a huge lake and falls area. But it isn't like the poconos..

[JHG722]

Originally Posted by Beachgurly1203

I have lived in York actually was born there, it has changed and there is quite a bit more crime now than when I was growing up. I lived in Frederick, MD for 18 years after that and that is an area close to what you are talking about but it is getting more crowded too because all the people that work down the road in DC or Montcomery Co live in Frederick. So I moved earlier this year to Thurmont, MD, the mountains are right out my window and Frederick is 20 minutes away as is Gettysburg. Thurmont has that small town appeal but has 3 grocery stores and alot to do. There is a zoo nearby and several parks. Great restaurants and something this weekend called Colorfest, a huge craft fair. It has everything you asked for and more. I don't really think you would like Montgomery Co as it is very crowded and a lot of crime. I work in Montgomery Co so I know what it is like first hand.

You DO realize there is a MontCo (or as you guys say 'MoCo') in PA, right? I assume you're talking about MontCo, MD, because we don't have crime in MontCo, PA...

[Fatherof4]

Montgomery Co in PA is a very wealthy area. Crime Low, taxes and cost of living HIGH! Lots of shopping and places to go. I dont know much about the outdoor life there. I work in King of Prussiaand getting out of their at rush hour can be quite a challange -)

Stick to York county or Berks. Nice places to live

[mdb06]

Nice to hear someone suggest Berks County. Berks is nestled in between Chester, Montgomery, Lehigh and Lancaster counties with easy access to all of them. Additionally the northern part of the county has easy access to I-78 and routes to NYC, not close enough to commute for work but certainly close enough for cultural day trips. Still fairly rural but with quite a bit of development going on. As Fatherof4 said, a nice place to live.