What part of PA is best? (Pittsburgh, Erie: homes, schools, college)

[theperrottagroup]

I'm originally from Long island, NY. I've lived in FL the last 20 years. I am ready for the seasons again. I am looking for a place close to the mountains, but also close to a city. I would like snow again. Which is the best area of PA?

[bradjl2009]

Western PA or the Lehigh Valley where you will be near the Poconos. If you're looking for snow and close to a larger city, I would say the Laurel Highlands just east of Pittsburgh would be your best bet. Try looking at homes in Westmoreland County towns/cities such as Greensburg, Latrobe, Ligioner, Hempfield Twp, and Irwin.

[Liv-n-PA]

There is snow and then there is too much snow. I grew up in the Pittsburgh area and I would define that as too much snow. Now I am in Chester County (suburbs far west of Philly) and I think the seasons are just right. Also, everything is more accessible here. We have a number of major metros within driving distance and we have excellent train service to those same major metros.

[WonderingWanderer]

Originally Posted by theperrottagroup

I'm originally from Long island, NY. I've lived in FL the last 20 years. I am ready for the seasons again. I am looking for a place close to the mountains, but also close to a city. I would like snow again. Which is the best area of PA?

State College or Williamsport would be my recommendations. You could also add Mansfield to the mix. Depends on what other factors are involved, like jobs, schools, culture, etc.

[fisheye]

A little of it depends on what your real needs are. If you plan trips back to Long Island; you might want to locate farther east. It all depends on if you have relatives or other needs outside of PA. The closer you get to New Jersey; the more problems and the higher the cost of living. If you have no need to leave the area you settle in; take a virtual tour of our State on Google Earth. Check local newspapers and check out realtors.

[ki0eh]

Mountains, snow, maybe the beach in summer, in PA - how about PA's fourth largest city, Erie, close to Allegheny National Forest?

[varmintblaster]

I live on the western edge of the Poconos - 25 miles away from Willkes-Barre and big box shopping if need be. Minutes away from I80 and the NE ext of the Pa Turnpike.

I am surrounded by state parks, state game lands and Army Corp of Engineer land which insultates our town from the rapid development and associated problems that has plagued the eastern part of the Poconos 30 miles away.

I can step off my porch and be wading in a trout stream or hiking a park trail in a few minutes.

I love quiet, crime-free country living and my little piece of NEPA is like heaven.

[PA2UK]

Originally Posted by WonderingWanderer

State College

State College is not very close to any city, it is known for it's isolation. Then again, I guess it depends on what the OP considers "close" or "city". Harrisburg is the closest - about an hour and 30/45 min drive but it's a small city. Plus, in order to get there you have to drive through the mountains which isn't pleasant in bad weather.

I would recommend the northern Philly suburbs or up into Lehigh Valley, depending on whether the OP wants to be closer to the city or mountains.

[Ohiogirl81]

The part where you can dip your toes into Lake Erie.

[pman]

interesting question.
greensburg in western pa. good sized town close to pittsburgh and the alleghenies.
bethlehem-small city near poconos but reasonably close to Philly and not too far from NY either.
how close is lancater to mountains?