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Old 12-05-2011, 01:53 AM
 
31 posts, read 52,233 times
Reputation: 18

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We are looking to relocate from the Dallas, TX area back to PA. We are both originally from PA and NJ, late 40s. Have been in TX since 1986 and it's just time to return home. Family, culture and other various reasons are helping us make this decision. I'm originally from Williamsport, PA. I am dual careered and will be working in healthcare locally and also commuting to NY about 4X month to fly international for a major airline. I think I can manage the 4X a month commute. I will also be bring back my elderly Mom who lives with us, but may need placement in a nursing home at some point, (but I won't leave her alone in TX).

We would like to be semi rural with some some acreage. Also looking at the Poconos areas. But we do NOT want in a community and they seem to be everywhere up there! (Also maybe 1-5 acres). Land and space are the most important thing to us now. Open to almost any type of home, even manufactured. (Can build)

What areas have a good blend of commutibility, safety and reasonable taxes. (We have no children).

When are you moving? 6-8 months
Where are you coming from? Dallas TX
Why are you moving? Family, friends, culture, lifestyle
Where will you be working? Major Airline (NY) AND local healthcare system
Have you been here yet? Yes

Will you buy or rent? BUY
If buying, are you looking for a house or a condo? How much can you spend? Would like to stay below 250K
If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend?
Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up?

Are you married or single? Do you have children? Committed relationship No children
Do you prefer public or private schools?
Do you have pets? Kittys
Do you want or need a yard? Yes
Are you keeping a car? Yes
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? Quiet

What do you want to be closest to?
Work YES near interstate 78
Shopping
Basic services (supermarket, drugstore, etc.) YES
Nightlife a little maybe!
Near Bus stop? Please note that there is NO rail service in the Lehigh Valley.

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood? We are a liberal couple. If we have land, the neighbors are not as relevant.

Phillies or Mets? Phillies

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Old 12-05-2011, 05:56 AM
 
13,254 posts, read 33,535,081 times
Reputation: 8103
The land is going to be the sticking point to finding a house in your price range. The further west or north or northwest you go, the lower the house prices. That is outside of the towns. You might be able to find a fixer upper in a town with land but you won't find a nice house with over half an acre in a town, and I'm not speaking of the developments, but that sounds like what you want anyway.

I would try someplace like Trexlertown or maybe Schnecksville. Trexlertown is very pretty and close to 78.
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Old 12-05-2011, 10:48 AM
 
31 posts, read 52,233 times
Reputation: 18
I will look at those areas.

Thanks!
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Old 12-05-2011, 12:41 PM
 
Location: Newport, NC
955 posts, read 4,091,065 times
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Also look a little further outside of town at New Tripoli or Kempton.
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Old 12-05-2011, 04:12 PM
 
14,611 posts, read 17,573,452 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pafrmboy View Post
I will look at those areas. Thanks!
I see 7.5 acres in Kutztown, PA 19530 for $90,000 where one back corner of the lot touches I-78. It has a very old farmhouse from the late 19th century. I imagine it is in awful condition, but it may be livable while build a new house.

The lot is next door to a 2500 square ft home, built in 1987.
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It is against forum rules for me to give you an exact address, but you may be able to find it.
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New Tripoli is remote, so be prepared to drive a lot.
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Old 12-05-2011, 08:32 PM
 
31 posts, read 52,233 times
Reputation: 18
I will look at it! Thanks!

I'm really open to all options. I guess you know it when you see it. I just don't know the lay of the land like I used to. Property taxes seem to vary widely too.

This forum is GREAT!!

Todd
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Old 12-06-2011, 09:52 AM
 
14,611 posts, read 17,573,452 times
Reputation: 7783
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pafrmboy View Post
I will look at it! Thanks!

I'm really open to all options. I guess you know it when you see it. I just don't know the lay of the land like I used to. Property taxes seem to vary widely too.

This forum is GREAT!!

Todd
You can set zillow to look for houses for sale below a certain price and with lot areas above a certain square footage. In your price range there are very few homes with more than 2.5 acres. I opted for the Kutztown property since it was such a large lot for very little money, and a more expensive home next door. It allowed for a home to camp out in, while you build a home. The property did border I-78 but it was midway between exits.

But it wasn't really scenic. For a more expensive property, you may not have the resources to build a new house, but have to renovate the old one.
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Old 12-06-2011, 10:26 AM
 
31 posts, read 52,233 times
Reputation: 18
It looks like it may be a decent house to restore too! I am looking into it.

How does one find out the zoning and codes for a property. (Like this one).

Todd
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Old 12-06-2011, 02:57 PM
 
14,611 posts, read 17,573,452 times
Reputation: 7783
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pafrmboy View Post
It looks like it may be a decent house to restore too! I am looking into it.

How does one find out the zoning and codes for a property. (Like this one).

Todd
Greenwich Township, Berk's County Zoned Rural

Talk to people at the township

A house for $80K with almost 8 acres of land must be pretty beat up.
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