Need Help Figuring out Where to Move (Lancaster, Harrisburg: 2013, apartment)

[Mrs_H]

When are you moving? In a little over one year (Jan 2013)
Where are you coming from? Fort Campbell, KY
Why are you moving? Husband is getting out of the Army. He would prefer a job in law enforcement.
Where will you be working? Not sure. I will still be in college (working towards MSW)
Have you been here yet? No

Will you buy or rent? Prefer to rent first, then buy
If buying, are you looking for a house or a condo? How much can you spend? Would prefer somewhere below $150k
If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend? townhouse preferably


Are you married or single? Do you have children? Married - No children
Do you prefer public or private schools? Public
Do you have pets? One Dog
Do you want or need a yard? Prefer a yard
Are you keeping a car? Yes
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? A little of both

What do you want to be closest to?
Work
Shopping
Basic services (supermarket, drugstore, etc.)
Nightlife
Train or subway stations

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood?

Would prefer a fairly racially diverse area.

We are considering PA as our final destination because my husband and I's family and friends live in northern NJ/ NYC. Would prefer an area no more than 6-7 hours from NYC.

I've never been to PA, but would prefer an affordable, safe area fairly close to shopping.

Thanks in advance!

[SusqueHappy]

You are much closer to NJ & NYC than 6-7 hours anywhere in central and eastern PA. I live in the center of the state and it takes me about 3 hours to get into Manhattan, 4+ hours every once in awhile.

PA has a lot of colleges and universities, and the presence of a school boosts the cultural and shopping options so perhaps you would want to start looking for the 'college town' of your choice.

PA also has a lot of police, strong culture of law enforcement & several federal prisons.

You can buy anywhere from suburbs to rural with $150, but I'd be prepared to spend $180+.

The Lancaster / York / Harrisburg region has shopping & culture, great scenery and recreation and is even much closer to NJ & NYC that I am.

We'll be happy to have you join us in the Keystone State!

[Davros]

How about Millersville University near Lancaster ? They offer a Masters of Social Work program.

Temple University Harrisburg campus also has a MSW program.

[jeepejeep]

You may want to give Bloomsburg a look. That's where we're thinking about. Been there quite a few times and it's a nice town. Rural areas around it are what we are looking at.