York, PA Living (East York, Red Lion, Dallastown: transplants, for rent, condo)

[jordansmommy06]

My husband and I currently live in the subburbs of Baltimore, MD and are thinking about moving to York, PA. We like the fact that my husband could stay at his place of employment and we could rent a place in York for a fraction of what we pay for rent in the Baltimore metro area. I am not too familiar with York and the surrounding area so I am hoping to get some replies to my post from people who are familiar with the York area. We have 2 kids so we are looking to rent in an area that has low crime, great schools, and is kid/family friendly. I would like some suggestions on a good area within York that would be great for my family to live. I'm sure the crime rate has to be alot lower in York than what it is in the Baltimore/metro area. Also, would anyone happen to know the average cost of rent for a 3 bedroom house/condo/townhouse in the area?

[frogmed]

I'm relocating to York. Until someone answers your questions, below are some discussions I've found helpful :-)
http://www.city-data.com/forum/penns...-need-job.html

http://www.city-data.com/forum/penns...york-area.html

http://www.city-data.com/forum/penns...lancaster.html

http://www.city-data.com/forum/penns...t-york-pa.html

http://www.city-data.com/forum/penns...x-york-pa.html

[KingMouse]

As York County is basically becoming Baltimore north, the crime rate is going up.
Although the taxes are cheaper in PA, you get what you pay for. In the winter the roads are not maintained as well as they are in Maryland. All you have to do is drive across the border during a snow storm to see that.
Back to the crime. If you live in a township or boro that does not have its own police force, you will have the Pennsylvania State Police as your responding police department. Just ask anyone who relies on the PSP and you will hear tales of VERY slow response times. I don't mean 15 or 20 minutes, but hours.
Good luck on the commute to and from work. Interstate 83 was not designed as a commuter route and once you drive it a few times you will realize that.
Good luck in what ever you decide, but I would make sure I do a lot of homework and not make a snap decision.
FYI I am in York County due to be located here by my employer. I came from western PA and hope I can get back there someday.

[Gil3]

Originally Posted by jordansmommy06

My husband and I currently live in the subburbs of Baltimore, MD and are thinking about moving to York, PA. We like the fact that my husband could stay at his place of employment and we could rent a place in York for a fraction of what we pay for rent in the Baltimore metro area. I am not too familiar with York and the surrounding area so I am hoping to get some replies to my post from people who are familiar with the York area. We have 2 kids so we are looking to rent in an area that has low crime, great schools, and is kid/family friendly. I would like some suggestions on a good area within York that would be great for my family to live. I'm sure the crime rate has to be alot lower in York than what it is in the Baltimore/metro area. Also, would anyone happen to know the average cost of rent for a 3 bedroom house/condo/townhouse in the area?

Jordansmommy,

You will more than likely find that the Red Lion/Dallastown and Shrewsbury/stewartstown areas would suit your needs, as both are safe, have good schools, ammenities and offer relatively easy access to I-83. Many Baltimore transplants live in these areas in addition to East York.

I commute daily from York to Baltimore, and while initially I thought it would be overwhelming, it's something you get used to and most of the time, I don't mind the drive. Naturally, when bad winter weather hits, we just deal with it and do the best we can under the conditions. If the weather is really icy and severe, I simply don't go in. On the flip side, the snow and ice seem to fall late morning/afternoon while at work, thus making for a messy evening commute. Again, that's just one of the many risks involved in commuting and you deal with it.

There is also a new Rabbittransit bus that runs a daily York/Shrewsbury/Hunt Valley-Timonium light rail stations. While this service is not heavily used, it is an alternative.

While the York Area as a whole is not crime free, especially in the city, it's safer than the Baltimore region.

You could get a decent 2-3 bedroom for less than $1000, but again, it depends on the location.

I would definitely suggest taking a day or two and checking things out for yourself, then you can draw a final conclusion.

[lml33]

I moved to York over 3 years ago, thinking that it was more economical and a better place for my kids to grow up. But its a different kind of crew out here. The rednecks don't care for the African Americans. The Yrok residents refer to the newbies as "transplants". If you do not conform to York;s conservative views, you are not accepted. Put it this way. I'm moving to Delaware County , PA. Its my hometown. I know many who moved here with the same ideas that I had. But they hate it too. I am moving back home. And I didn't sell my current home in York yet. That's how bad I want out. You will see that people don't say "Thank you" and hold doors open, etc. It's not a friendly place.

[Jovesil]

Hello everyone:

I am currently live in York city for above 10 years. This area is very nice and quite. What I like the most is the people are respect full, and most of them greating you. I had have some problem with a neibor which i consider races, but I ignored them. I can only say good thing above my live in York. I migrate from Ecuador when I was 18 to NY city where I started college. During my junior year, my employer relocated me to this area and since them it is been very good to me and my family.
It is true, York has crime but it is everywhere in the country. York is very quite town like most of town in Pennsylvania. If you need more informantion let me know I will be glad to help you.

Sincerely

John

[Thruway]

My question...is York/Red Lion...do they root for the Ravens and O's?
Is this Steeler country...what are the sports affiliations?

Also...is this really metro Baltimore or is it already Pennsybama?
I drove through York once and the people I saw already had that Pennsylbama look.

[jason01]

Cheaper than MD??? Maybe, maybe not. Don't forget about property taxes.

Pro Football fans include Eagles, Ravens, Steelers

For more information on the area, SYCP discusses topics around southern York County/York County. Including shows on PA local tax and political structure which is much different from MD. Also property taxes and property tax reform. Local sports. Local events, arts, history, etc. You may find it very useful in understanding the area.

Southern York County Podcast | Your Podcast.