Laurel Highlands? (Pittsburgh, Somerset, Bedford: moving, housing, suburban)

[mass_biker]

I have a friend considering relocating from NOVA/DC to other climes. They had brought up the Laurel Highlands area outside of Pittsburgh as they are looking for higher elevation/less oppressive summer than the swampy midAtlantic, and maybe a less hectic pace of life. Immediate proximity to DC was a plus.

Not knowing much about the area thought I'd post the inquiry here. I assume at higher elevation it is quite wintry in the winter months, but much more manageable in the summer. Not sure about the specifics of rural, ex-urban, suburban in terms of their mental calculus re: housing stock, convenience etc.

Any insight - please send this way.

thank you

[villageidiot1]

Originally Posted by mass_biker

I have a friend considering relocating from NOVA/DC to other climes. They had brought up the Laurel Highlands area outside of Pittsburgh as they are looking for higher elevation/less oppressive summer than the swampy midAtlantic, and maybe a less hectic pace of life. Immediate proximity to DC was a plus.

Not knowing much about the area thought I'd post the inquiry here. I assume at higher elevation it is quite wintry in the winter months, but much more manageable in the summer. Not sure about the specifics of rural, ex-urban, suburban in terms of their mental calculus re: housing stock, convenience etc.

Any insight - please send this way.

thank you

Somerset/Fayette County, PA and Garrett County MD

[emmmcubed]

Originally Posted by mass_biker

Immediate proximity to DC was a plus.

How "immediate" a proximity? It's a solid 3 1/2 hour drive to DC from that area of PA.

[bridge12]

One thing to keep in mind is that the Allegheny Plateau (basically the area between Laurel Ridge and Allegheny mountain - most of Somerset and Cambria County) is significantly cooler and wetter than the surrounding areas, especially east of there. Allegheny mountain acts to block a lot of bad weather from moving east. It's not uncommon in the winter for it to be snowing west of Allegheny mountain in Somerset and completely sunny and dry in Bedford County. That could be what they want but just a warning. It does mean that weather in the summer on the plateau is cooler as well.

[RetireinPA]

Originally Posted by emmmcubed

How "immediate" a proximity? It's a solid 3 1/2 hour drive to DC from that area of PA.

lol, good point. and that is on a GOOD day. I do pitt to martinsburg wv and that is 3:45 on a good day and DC at any time is gonna tickle well over an hour more at midnight... pitt to somerset is only an hour via pike.