Best college towns (Bethlehem, State College, Chester: crime, new home, unemployment rate)

[Micah Girl]

Pennsylvania is a state that I have only driven through, but I appreciate hearing all of the insights into the towns!

Thanks!

[delong1974]

I grew up in Bloomsburg, and it isn't too bad if you're older. It is a bit oppressive for young people, IMO. But that's true for just about all of northeast PA.

Bloom used to be a major party town. Since Kozloff has been president of the university, that has declined considerably. But it is a very young town, a more active downtown than most comparable NEPA towns of its size, and plenty of "progressive college town" atmosphere. There are four bars in the square mile downtown area, for instance. And four pizza shops. One of which used to be owned by the notorious Sal Salamone, minor mobster, now recently deported. That's not a typo, I meant "deported". Like back to Italy.

There's lots of flavor there, more than plenty of local "colorful personalities", and Bloom U is a pretty decent small state school that injects alot of culture into the area.

[loose cannon]

The Southside of Bethlehem has the Lehigh University College faction and is the closest to a true College area in the region. All other Lehigh Valley Colleges like Moravian in North Bethlehem, Muhlenberg in Allentown, and Lafayette lack the true College experience as the lifestyle is too integrated with the city. For a true College experience you are better off going to Kutztown, Penn State, Bloomsburg, and Carlisle.

[Supersarad]

Pennsylvania is a beautiful state. I have been a resident here since I was born and I am now 22 years old. Right now I live in Shippensburg, PA which is where I go to college (Shippensburg University). It's a beautiful small, college town. The area is somewhat conservative. I've been to many other college towns in PA, but they are just too big and outrageous for me. That's why I like Shippensburg. It's also a great central location. It's only 20 mins from Carlisle and Chambersburg, PA and is only about 2 hours away from DC, Philly and Baltimore. I like the area, but my career aspirations are taking me to NC come December, but Shippensburg will always hold a special place in my heart

[Criterion]

Both Shippensburg University (Shippensburg, PA) and Dickinson College (Carlisle, PA) are good options. Carlisle is a better option since it is bigger and closer to downtown Harrisburg. Good luck with your move.

[onmywaytoPA]

When I was turning 12, my family moved to Carlisle -- out West from my happy home in the NYC suburbs. I was sure it was in the wilds. (And I worried about whether they had heard of Elvis out there!)

Now, many years after I escaped and a had a long career in southern California, I am preparing to retire home to wonderful Carlisle for all the things you seek. It is a college town, hip without being shallow, genuine, history-filled, and still close to nature if you will just partake.

Come, remember to give more than you take, pick up more trash than you put down, and fight off the developers who are out to kill the farms (restore an old house instead). At the farmers' markets, you will actually buy from the plain people and help them maintain their simple lives, and some may rub off on you. I heard a nasty rumor that a Starbucks is on its way, and Target and Walm**t are already there, but patronize LOCAL businesses and you will help keep this lovely town the treasure that it is. And, oh yes, once you get there, register and VOTE!

[soulsurv]

Swarthmore is one of the pretties little towns you'll ever see with a lovely campus, locally-owned businnesses, a popular grocery co-op, fantastic, casual eateries, a corner drugstore and some of the most gorgeous ardchiteture you'll ever see. Also one of the best school districts in the state It is indeed a bit pricey, but here is a listing of homes/condos under 400K. TO THE WEB MANAGER: I AM NOT A REALTOR; PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE THIS LINK http://www.prufoxroach.com/search/search_Results.cfm (broken link)

[DebThomasPhoto]

If you are looking for "progressive" keep going south when you hit Bloomsburg. I've lived here all my live, graduated from BloomU and own a business here, it's NOT progressive. I would think Philly, Bucks Country, etc. would give you more of the lifestyle you are looking for. Take a look at Collegeville outside of Philly, beautiful area with lots to do.

[Stockholmaren]

Any thoughts on the area around Penn State's main campus?

[mm_mary73]

Asheville, NC, but only if you're a student.