considering a move to Warren county pa (Pittsburgh, Erie: real estate, apartment)

[r3sunz]

What can you tell me about the area? I have a high schooler and a kindergarten student so I'm concerned about schools. Also taxes. Job isnt a concern as the job is stable that we're looking into.

[Krisps]

I love that area, beautifuls hills, forests, lakes, rivers, towns. It's a bit remote, which can be good or bad. Compared to the rest of PA and nearby NY, I would say the taxes are probably not bad. Real estate is very affordable and there are some beautiful victorian homes in many of the villages, like Warren.

I think a year or 2 ago or so it was rated one of the top rural counties to live (from I think a farming related magazine). If you do a net search you might be able to find it, it included some nice pics and descriptions.

The biggest complaints in the county are probably economy and weather. I love the weather myself, but it does get a pretty harsh and long winter, it is within the lake effect snow belt of Lake Erie. But late spring through fall I think nearly everyone would agree it's very nice.

[r3sunz]

I appreciate you answering this for me. It sounds great (although the amount of snow has me shivering already). My husband is a hunter and fisherman so hes thrilled at the thought. My oldest will fight me tooth and nail I'm sure.

How about hospitals in the area? If you need a specialist (pediatric in particular) how far would it be to a major hospital?

[pinetar10]

allegheny reservoir and kinzua dam are only a few miles from warren.

[badguykc]

You're moving to Warren? I wish you luck. You're gonna need it, my friend.

There are no (good) jobs here, the local economy sucks, companies here lay off workers with increasing regularity, and the city/county of Warren is unjustifiably concerned about building strip malls, bus terminals, parking garages, and apartment homes that the population simply can't support. Not to mention the fact that crime is on the rise because of drug dealers coming in from Detroit/Buffalo/Cleveland. No wonder Warren's population has taken a 7% nosedive since the last census count was taken. I myself am leaving for good very soon, and I can't wait :-)

If your mind is made up about Warren, I wish you the best. I STRONGLY advise you to look elsewhere though. Maybe try looking into Meadville if you're serious about NW PA.

[Krisps]

I can't really give you a knowledgable answer about hospitals in the county. I don't actually live in Warren county, but live nearby and visit a lot. I do know there are very good hospitals in Erie, I think about 1 to 1.5 hour drive. You also have some options in Jamestown, NY which is about a 20-30 minute drive.

As the above poster subtly (ha) pointed out, the economy is struggling, but heck, that's been the case for a long time just about everywhere. This is rust belt country, still trying to redefine itself after so much loss of mfg. If you're lucky enough to have a good job here, you should live very nicely.

[saturdayskids]

I second the Meadville suggestion

[badguykc]

Originally Posted by saturdayskids

I second the Meadville suggestion

As I said, I would DEFINITELY recommend Meadville over Warren anyday. Meadville is a little bit bigger than Warren, and the economy is a little better there.

Interstate 79 runs right next to Meadville (less than 5 minutes from the business district), providing EASY access to Erie and Pittsburgh.

Crawford County as a whole is alright I guess...I'd personally stay away from Titusville though. I grew up in T-Vegas and that place is going downhill faster than Warren.

[nwpahiker]

I live in Warren,PA. We moved from Pittsburgh to the quiet of northwest PA to raise the kids. crime is nonexistant in Warren. were are talking murders rapes armed robberies. If you live in town everything is in walking distance such as the library, the YMCA, Court house, City council building, Bookstore, Downtown grocery store and convience stores. the new plaza has a Walmart and a Lowes. twenty minutes away is jamestown, ny which has evey fast food chain know to every one. warren has Mc Donalds wendys burger king Applebys and a lot of greasy spoons.
If you are looking for a place to sit on your front porch and not worry about the safety of your kids Warren is the place to be. Snow can be a problem in the Winter. having 12- 18 inches of snow is something we deal with. Does that mean you can not get to the grocery store to get food . No. A storm means a two hour delay of school.
What is great about about warren is you have no choice but to slow down. we sit on the front porch almost evey night and talk about what happened to the kids in their day. we know all the neighbors and our kids play togather.
Erie is a hour away. every major shopping store you want. buffalo 2 hours. Pittsburgh about 3 hours.

[wowbaby]

dont leave me!!!!