Any Former Long Islanders Here?

[maestro]

I am a native NY/LIer that moved to the Philly area a few months ago after several years in Ohio. I can tell you that so far, so good. The southeastern PA area has so much to offer -- great towns, beautiful nature, big city life is close by (as is Amish country in the opposite direction). The cost of living is so much better than the greater NY area. And the biggest bonus -- it's just a few hours away from all the things you love about NY (NYC, beaches, family, etc).

You just have to get used to the Philly sports fans!

[lialleycat]

Thanks I Love PA!

Yes, I'd like to be able to live, and not just survive. Wish I had family that made PA their home, it would be a lot easier. Most of them went to Florida and North Carolina, and though those places are cheaper, I don't like the heat and I don't see the sense of community I feel from the PA posters here and from what I've seen on visits down there. I'm one of those people who can (and does) strike up conversations with everyone I meet. My BF and I had a great time our last trip down to the Lancaster area talking with people we met.

[lialleycat]

Thanks Maestro!

Yes, I do love the mix of nature and city that I found in SEPA. And as I noted, being close enough to visit (or have family visit me) is a HUGE concern. I saw a great job offer in Lancaster, I got to get my resume in order and start applying.

I'm used to sports fans, but since I don't have any real interest in sports, I guess it'd be the same as here!

[maestro]

Originally Posted by lialleycat

Thanks Maestro!

Yes, I do love the mix of nature and city that I found in SEPA. And as I noted, being close enough to visit (or have family visit me) is a HUGE concern. I saw a great job offer in Lancaster, I got to get my resume in order and start applying.

I'm used to sports fans, but since I don't have any real interest in sports, I guess it'd be the same as here!

I'm on the same page with you RE: the family thing. That's why I left Ohio after so long -- to get closer to my family in NY and LI.

My mother is actually driving in to town this weekend, it's about a 4-hour drive from eastern LI to the western Philly burbs, depending on the exact town (and traffic, of course).

I haven't been to Lancaster yet, but I've been told the outlying areas are beautiful (the city of Lancaster itself is supposedly pretty dumpy).

[J5K5LY]

Sorry LIalleyCat!
I have not been here for awhile as getting ready to move but I see you wanted more thoughts from me.
I am moving back for a variety of reasons. The first one is family. I have grown kids still out east on the island and it is time for me to be back near them.
Also, I have to confess that I am somewhat bitter about Pa. I have had a hard time here. I came here with a relationship I thought was wonderful, only to turn into porn addiction and abuse (among other things- not fit for print). He moved us to an area that ended up being a city dump for all the NY city area rejects. (Tobyhanna) The east end of LI was tons more "country" than there! I have struggled and have had some hard times surviving.
Pa is backwards in many ways. While I love the country and nature, I also don't like some of the hostiltiy I encounter when I speak my views on the cruelty of sport hunting. Jobs are not good here. Workers are not treated with any respect. Thank God I found, after many years, a job that is a national corp. The local jobs are just awful. I can transfer to LI and still have an excellent job.
The place I live now is gorgeous but the neighbors are so strange! I had that at the last place I lived too. There are alot of people around who have nothing better to do than watch your every move (alot of people that I have encountered here don't work!) and complain about everything. Such a darn shame to have such small lives. I don't have time for their ridiculous nonsense.
There is much Pa has to offer. The fairs are wonderful, the country is gorgeous, the peace and tranquility is to die for. I love Knoebels and will always come back to go there. If I were in a position that work and survival were not my main concerns and I had time to relax and enjoy the things Pa has to offer, I may be happier here.
So those are a few of the reasons I am heading back. I found a lovely place in Wading River near the duck pond and even had to stop for turkeys crossing the road! I may not have mountains but I can still have the wild life and woods and the state park down the road and I can have the ocean and the north shore and Montauk and Orient Point and best of all, my family.
I wish you much luck and hope Pa is kinder to you than it has been to me. Oh and make sure you hit Knoebels!
Best always!!!!
JKL

[lialleycat]

JKL,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I hear a lot of times that the people aren't friendly, but then I hear others are. It's hard to tell. I guess I'll find out later.

Sorry to hear about your relationship troubles. A failed relationship is what's pricing me off Long Island. I can't afford my house after I kicked out my drug using, 'lady of the night' soliciting ex husband. I'm so much better off without him, but it's hard to be a single person on LI. Especially with two mortgages, I had to take out a second to buy him out. I think I'll stay single from now on. I'm not good at the relationship thing, it's not worked out in my favor the last two times! But I'm independent and happy overall and I wish you happiness too!

Yes, the Turkeys have had a population explosion in the last few years. My old boss and now current co-worker at BNL was one of the people that worked hard to get some of them down here after they were hunted to near exinction. I think they are great. Ugly as can be, but in a cute sorta way. And when they run, they are even cuter! We have tons of them at the Lab and I'm even starting to see them up as far as Rocky Point. I'm glad they were able to make a comeback. I like them so much more than the Canada Geese! And they eat bugs, including ticks!

MJT