Looking for progressive, outdoorsy (mountains), diverse town/small City preferably near eastern pa (living, best)
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My wife and I are looking for a town or small city near eastern pa (but other states are in play) that is culturally diverse, progressive, and has a nice nature setting nearby (preferably mountains). Some history, parks and a nice shopping/restaurant district would be a big plus. We have two small kids, so children's activities and good schools are important.
This is a dream scenario, obviously, but any helpful insight into something that closely resembles what I've described would be greatly appreciated.
This might fit better in the Pennsylvania forum. Are you moving for work? What is your budget?
Check out Bethlehem for a real small city vibe, New Hope for a more upscale yet bucolic setting, and Jim Thorpe for a small town yet gorgeous mountain setting.
If you just want to be near Eastern PA, check out Ithaca, NY which is incredibly progressive, beautiful and not too far from Eastern PA. Saratoga Springs, NY also comes to mind, and it is just outside the Adirondacks. Both have lovely downtown areas with shopping and restaurants.
In terms of NY, places such as Oneonta(has 2 colleges and is in the Foothills of the Catskills), New Paltz(in the mid Hudson Valley/college town known for its "liberal" vibe) and Vestal(very good school system/relatively diverse(relatively high Asian population, with a few black and Hispanic residents, substantial Jewish population as well)/home to Binghamton University/plenty of (big box)shopping and is right next to Binghamton) could also be considered. Corning is another place/area that comes to mind.
Thanks for the responses. We're moving to be near family (members in Delaware, Philly, and NYC) and Eastern PA is right in the middle. However, if we're a bit north or a bit south, that's ok. We're moving on a modest budget -- typical middle class earnings.
Another quick point: Most of Pennsylvania, outside of the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metros, is moderate at best, and usually quite conservative. If you want something that comes closer to checking all the boxes of a small city with nice shopping/restaurants, progressive, beautiful natural/mountain setting, etc., in my opinion Upstate New York will have more of what you are looking for. There are just more small progressive (leaning) cities. Also, small cities in most of the Northeast are typically quite white. Just be prepared for the diversity box to be hard to check if you want to stay in a small city.
However, as someone who grew up in Upstate New York, I actually hope you choose Pennsylvania. Eastern PA really isn't a bad place for a progressive, because you can find many moderate areas where you can connect with progressives, even if you are not an outstanding majority. As evidenced by the last presidential election, we need you here more than in New York State.
Besides the towns I already suggested, I also want to suggest Doylestown, PA and Phoenixville, PA. Both are in the Philadephia metro area, with Doylestown being very much an "outer ring" suburb - there is commuter rail access to Philadelphia, Doylestown being the last stop on its line. Doylestown is very close to New Hope, the progressive yet expensive small city I already suggested. Doylestown and New Hope are in central Bucks county which is known for its bucolic setting and historical 19th century covered bridges. Bucks county tends to be a swing county in national politics. The county narrowly went for Clinton in 2016, yet in 2018 it narrowly elected a Republican to the House of Representatives in PA's new congressional map.
You might like Phoenixville even better. Firstly, it is known for being the quirky, progressive small town of the Philadelphia metro area. I think you will find many of your "ilk" with young families in the area. Secondly, from my knowledge, home prices tend to be more reasonable in Phoenixville over Doylestown, so I think you will have more options on a middle class income in Phoenixville over Doylestown. The only downside is Phoenixville is a bit more centrally located in the Philly metro, so it feels a bit less "small city-esque" and I believe traffic around there is more annoying than Doylestown.
Neither Phoenixville nor Doylestown are in a jaw-dropping mountain setting, but the Poconos are just a short drive from the area (typically 1-1.5 hours to Jim Thorpe). Both are loaded with history and historical houses, which you should love. Living in the Philly metro means you have the best access to Delaware, NYC and of course Philadelphia for your family, and more diversity. We need progressives like you in PA. Let me know where you choose, and good luck!
In terms of NY, places such as Oneonta(has 2 colleges and is in the Foothills of the Catskills), New Paltz(in the mid Hudson Valley/college town known for its "liberal" vibe) and Vestal(very good school system/relatively diverse(relatively high Asian population, with a few black and Hispanic residents, substantial Jewish population as well)/home to Binghamton University/plenty of (big box)shopping and is right next to Binghamton) could also be considered. Corning is another place/area that comes to mind.
Just to add, the highlighted city could also work and if you are open to private schools or look in specific areas like the West Side(south of Main Street) or the western 2/3rds of the South Side, those areas have relatively better public schools within the city. Recreation Park is a nice West Side park and the city has the country's 5th oldest zoo. There's minor league hockey and baseball, as well as Division 1 sports. It also has an opera company, a Philharmonic orchestra, First Friday art walks, the Roberson Museum and Science Center and other arts based options. You would still be close to the Catskills and Poconos in terms of mountains as well.
Last edited by ckhthankgod; 07-23-2019 at 10:39 AM..
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