What's Life Like in Franklin? (Pittsburgh, Hermitage: home, neighborhoods, theater)

[dugdogmaster]

Originally Posted by JAG_HRD

Mountains? I haven't seen any mountains near Franklin. I've seen some low hills but no mountains.

Well I may have exaggerated a little bit. We currently have a house on an extremely well-placed acre and cannot see our neighbors. None of the other 13 houses in our area have that privacy. I 'spect I'll want 3-10ac. Do not want to spend 24/7 mowing. Did look at 100ac. during our visit last June that had a gas well with free gas and royalties. Hmmm.

Not being a hunter/fisher (actually a bit adverse to hunting) I shy away from properties that say "close to state game lands". Having grown up in SoCal the thought of hearing MORE gunfire does not thrill me!

Yes, mountains, hehe, not nearly what you're used to though out west. Franklin sits in the foothills to the Allegheny/Appalachian mountain ranges

[JAG_HRD]

I get the impression that it not terribly difficult to get a building permit in Venango County. Some properties I have looked at say un-zoned and yet are offered as potential homesites. Clearly I would go to the planning commission to verify suitability first.

Here in Monterey County it is almost impossible to build unless you are a big developer with plenty of $$. One general contractor friend told me that if you tried to follow all of the regulations you could not legally build a house in the county! The very wealthy just build what they want and pay the fines after. They seem to have plenty of $$ in Pebble Beach and Big Sur.

[dugdogmaster]

Originally Posted by JAG_HRD

I get the impression that it not terribly difficult to get a building permit in Venango County. Some properties I have looked at say un-zoned and yet are offered as potential homesites. Clearly I would go to the planning commission to verify suitability first.

Here in Monterey County it is almost impossible to build unless you are a big developer with plenty of $$. One general contractor friend told me that if you tried to follow all of the regulations you could not legally build a house in the county! The very wealthy just build what they want and pay the fines after. They seem to have plenty of $$ in Pebble Beach and Big Sur.

Yes, there's plenty of undeveloped land for sale around here. Most will build to suit, or you can build practically what you want once you've bought the property as long as you obtain the proper permits and licenses.

[KingMouse]

Here are some links that may help.

City of Franklin
City of Franklin, Pennsylvania (PA) - Home
Venango County Government
Venango County Pennsylvania (http://www.co.venango.pa.us/home/index.htm - broken link)

That should get you started.

[JAG_HRD]

Cool, thanks. I look at properties every day. Just have to realize I have a few more years to work yet.

[jrw355]

My fiance lives in Franklin and I have been visiting his family for the past 3 years now. There isn't much to do in Franklin, especially for the younger generation. Most who have graduated high school stay around the area and end up in a dead end job or a fast food window.

The surroundings of Franklin are beautiful. It runs right along the river and is very close to other cities (Pittsburgh, Clarion, Erie, Sharon). It's not a bad place to be. It's pretty quiet, any news is big news and everyone knows everyone else. Lots of hunters and fisherman around the area... and they are known for Light Up Night and Applefest....

[condatis]

[url=http://wherethecreekandtherivermeet.blogspot.com/]Where the Creek and the River Meet[/url] In case you are still paying attention to this thread. [url=http://venangago-go.blogspot.com/]venangago-go[/url]

[sr1234]

Which is the better walking city? Franklin or Oil City or another town in the area? Are there good restaurants downtown? Which is putting more of an effort into revitalizing the downtown area? I interested in finding an active outdoor community that is safe.

[dugdogmaster]

Originally Posted by sr1234

Which is the better walking city? Franklin or Oil City or another town in the area? Are there good restaurants downtown? Which is putting more of an effort into revitalizing the downtown area? I interested in finding an active outdoor community that is safe.

Both cities have small walkable downtowns. Franklin seems to be a bit nicer, it's had some nice up-keep over the years. However, Oil City is in the midst of a revitalization.

[sr1234]

Originally Posted by dugdogmaster

Both cities have small walkable downtowns. Franklin seems to be a bit nicer, it's had some nice up-keep over the years. However, Oil City is in the midst of a revitalization.

Thanks for your input. I am asking these questions because data just isn't enough info sometimes. Is there a strong sense of community in the area? Are the people friendly? I have visited the Clarion area and I have to say the people were pretty rude.