Moving to York PA...Maybe (Lancaster, Harrisburg: real estate, high crime, homes)

[houdinisgirl]

Hello all,
I am considering moving to York PA from South Philadlephia. I have been reading some horror stories about crime/shootings etc. The police were not very helpful when I requested a report, and the Real Estate Agent cannot say what is what. The area that I am looking at would be considered "the avenues"...It is York City, but the prices are AMAZING for huge properties. Does anyone live near this area and can anyone give me an honest perspective of what this area is like (Farquhar Park is within 3 blocks). The York Fairgrounds are also close. I have only been there during the day and it seems very quiet. I am married with no kids. Love the culture and arts in Philly. Hate the prices and the high crime.

[teachbeach]

Those huge properties, because they are in the city, carry huge tax bills. There is very little industry and a whole lot of services needed for the city, so taxes are through the roof! I'd be wary of buying in York City anywhere not because of the crime, but because of the taxes. You might want to consider surrounding communities with easy access to the city~West York, Dallastown, or older homes along Market Street as you head (east) out of the city (Route 462). There are many lovely homes in the "suburbs" of York City that are actually in different townships (Spring Garden, Springettsbury etc). Going south on George Street or Queen Street towards the hospital/college area has older and quaint homes as well.

[danwxman]

Originally Posted by houdinisgirl

Hello all,
I am considering moving to York PA from South Philadlephia. I have been reading some horror stories about crime/shootings etc. The police were not very helpful when I requested a report, and the Real Estate Agent cannot say what is what. The area that I am looking at would be considered "the avenues"...It is York City, but the prices are AMAZING for huge properties. Does anyone live near this area and can anyone give me an honest perspective of what this area is like (Farquhar Park is within 3 blocks). The York Fairgrounds are also close. I have only been there during the day and it seems very quiet. I am married with no kids. Love the culture and arts in Philly. Hate the prices and the high crime.

If you love culture and arts then I would recommend Lancaster or Harrisburg. York city has a bustling downtown and a growing arts/restaurant scene, but it still isn't quite "there" yet. It's really just a small area that is gentrified and even there the crime is pretty bad.

York's suburbs seem pretty boring to me.