relocating to Brookville. any info or suggestions appreciated (Bethlehem, Harrisburg: for sale, real estate)

[dragnmastr85]

I have been given a job offer with Schlumberger (an oilwell services company) and they would be relocating me to the Brookville area. I was wonder what areas would be best to move to. I live in Bethlehem PA now. It is a pretty urban area and I know of nothing else. I have never lived in a smaller city. Are there any nearby cities that would be better? Thanks for any info you can offer.

[jrn2011]

Brookville is quite a small town, with a population hovering around 4,500 people and steadily declining. It has a gorgeous historic district and a number of nice historic homes. Brookville, however is definitely small town America with the closest small urban centers being DuBois, Clarion and the more distant, Saint Marys. The largest city in the region is Dubois, with a regional population of roughly 20,000 people. The most desirable place to live in the region is subjective, but Saint Marys, the regions largest manufacturing center, is without question the town with the highest household income levels, lowest poverty levels, most expensive real estate and highly-rated schools. Dubois is the regions retail, entertainment and healthcare center, while Clarion has the largest University in the region. All of these towns offer a similarly high quality-of-life factor, but continue to struggle economically.

[ki0eh]

None of these places are "urban" by Lehigh Valley standards. That's not a bad thing at all, as long as one is in the right frame of mind. Of course that business is known for long hours.

Note that they also get more snow than the LV usually gets. St Mary's is likely the most attractive of the 3 larger towns around Brookville, but it's also 2-lane roads to get out so DuBois and Clarion seem the more likely of the alternatives to Brookville itself for proximity to shopping etc. and easier commute.

Brockway is a well kept community as well, proud though not fancy. Fairly short drives on 2 lane roads from there to both Brookville and shopping in DuBois. They used to have a HQ of a Fortune 500 company so they used to be at least used to people moving in and out of the community.

Ridgway and Punxsutawney are more fixed-up old towns but both further on the windy 2 lane roads.

Generally people in that area seem to make the most of what they have, that area of PA seems to have a more positive frame of mind setting it apart from superficially similar sections of the state.

[North Beach Person]

If you're based in Brookville you may as well live there, or close by. Of the towns named Clarion probably has the highest house prices, although by most standards not so high really. The downside to Clarion is the fact that it is a college town with the problems associated with 4 or 5 thousand unsupervised young adults away from home for the first time (a disclaimer, I grew up in Brookville and to an extent Smethport and went to college in Clarion).

[Rtom45]

I can't add to what the others have said, but I will tell you this. After college I lived and worked in the Lehigh Valley for about 20 years. I grew up in western PA and moved back in '95 for a job. It took awhile (a couple years) for me to readjust. My wife, who grew up in the Harrisburg area, is still working on it. Just something to think about.

[dragnmastr85]

Thanks so much for all the info guys. How is the housing market? Will I be able to find a home? Are there any apartment complexes? I probably do not have good enough credit to get a home and I would certainly need a down payment loan. Thanks again.

[North Beach Person]

No real apartment complexes although some of the older, larger houses have been split up into such. Brookville is almost entirely SFH with the very few apartments being mostly for the elderly. Houses in Brookville tend to be on the older side with a lot of 1900 vintage Victorian/Queen Anne architecture. Also Craftsmen style houses and bungalows. You may laugh but B'ville is large enough to have a "good" side and a "bad" side. Not based on crime or even house price but more on social class (the Northside is the "better" one by the way. I grew up on the Southside.). Lots of rentals and houses for sale. Range of prices from mid $20s to high $80s or so.
Clarion has apartments but they are aimed at the college students. Architecture of the houses is roughly the same as Brookville. Clarion has more shopping if you mean a mall. Brookville's Main street is prettier.

[The_gateway]

What are you going to be doing with Schlumberger? Are you worker or engineer?
Just hope you know what you're getting into. This company is infamous for the amount of turnover every year. I believe their retention ratio is like 1 stays for every seven they hire.
I worked for them for a few weeks. Worst experience of my life.
People get the training then book it to other companies. A good friend of mine still works for them, says they can't get people to stay to save their life.
Not sure how it is where you're going to be, but very few people stay for the long haul.

[dragnmastr85]

Why do you think there is so much turnover? I am willing to put in long hours. I would be an electronics tech. What were you?

[sr1234]

I will be surprised if you make it six months after the culture shock hits on day 1. Brookville is in one of the more rural areas of the state. The biggest "city" nearby is State College.