Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Let me know when you find a nice town in PA, doubt you will! Aside from a select few, I think Pennsylvanians are the worst people in the country. They're anti-social, rude, can't drive, and have the worst food I have ever tasted. I could write for hours recounting bad experiences with people in this state. The word "neighborly" is not in their creed. They also seem to be no smarter than a box of rocks. I cannot tell you how many times I've nodded my head in agreement talking to someone that was mentally unarmed, just to avoid pointing out their stupidity.
We moved down here 7 years ago to get away from NY cost of living. Well, since it appears to have followed us, we're headed back. The difference is marginal now (Montgomery County vs. Long Island). It's a little more in LI, but definitely worth it. I'm sorry, but to live here it would have to be like "Wyoming cheap". If you compare salary to housing down here, the ratio is now worse in PA. Buh-bye!
First off, no matter where you go, a select few rude people will exist. I am a native of Pennsylvania and I'm from the area near Reading. Around here, especially in dutch country you'll find some delicious, home cooked food. Every area has different foods and if you're a native of the area, you're more than likely to have a better appreciation of the food.
In my neighborhood, everyone is polite and yes we do tend to keep to ourselves, but that's because we don't like to be in everyone's business. There's nothing wrong with that...it's just our way of living. And I don't consider it anti-social.
Also, although PA may not have the best economy of other states, the pay rates are higher for jobs than down south, especially for recent college grads. The cost of living may be higher in my area, but the farmland and the houses are beautiful. It's definitely worth it.
And I don't know where you're from buddy, but you're pretty rude yourself.
Let me know when you find a nice town in PA, doubt you will! Aside from a select few, I think Pennsylvanians are the worst people in the country. They're anti-social, rude, can't drive, and have the worst food I have ever tasted. I could write for hours recounting bad experiences with people in this state. The word "neighborly" is not in their creed. They also seem to be no smarter than a box of rocks. I cannot tell you how many times I've nodded my head in agreement talking to someone that was mentally unarmed, just to avoid pointing out their stupidity.
We moved down here 7 years ago to get away from NY cost of living. Well, since it appears to have followed us, we're headed back. The difference is marginal now (Montgomery County vs. Long Island). It's a little more in LI, but definitely worth it. I'm sorry, but to live here it would have to be like "Wyoming cheap". If you compare salary to housing down here, the ratio is now worse in PA. Buh-bye!
First off, no matter where you go, a select few rude people will exist. I am a native of Pennsylvania and I'm from the area near Reading. Around here, especially in dutch country you'll find some delicious, home cooked food. Every area has different foods and if you're a native of the area, you're more than likely to have a better appreciation of the food.
In my neighborhood, everyone is polite and yes we do tend to keep to ourselves, but that's because we don't like to be in everyone's business. There's nothing wrong with that...it's just our way of living. And I don't consider it anti-social.
Also, although PA may not have the best economy of other states, the pay rates are higher for jobs than down south, especially for recent college grads. The cost of living may be higher in my area, but the farmland and the houses are beautiful. It's definitely worth it.
And I don't know where you're from buddy, but you're pretty rude yourself.
I moved from TN to Pittsburgh and found I knew more neighbors in 2 months than I knew in 10-yrs in TN, which is kinda surprising considering the friendliness of Tennesseans (to caucasian visitors, at least). I was always considered a **** Yankee in TN who didn't fit in even after 20 years.
As a general rule, I agree that PA folks are rather rude and unfriendly and don't go out of their way to make you feel welcome. But in my neighborhood in Pittsburgh, which was designed as a front-porch kinda neighborhood in the early 1900's, folks know one another, stop and talk as they walk their dogs, watch out for one another, etc. It probably all depends upon your neighborhood, where you're coming from, and what you're looking for, which is why neighborhoods are a big deal in cities here.
Pittsburgh is a beautiful city with lots to do. Magnet schools are strong; other public schools can be troubled.
Property and all other taxes are out of control compared to TN, but housing is quite inexpensive. We bought a big old Vic with original woodwork throughout, 6 brs, 4 original tile fireplaces, huge stained-glass dining room window for $110k 8 years ago. We had to put in a new kitchen and bath, but our house would sell for $500-600k in Nashville in a similar neighborhood.
There are many quaint old towns in PA that are pretty but quite conservative. Ligionier is a pretty town. I think Litiz is gorgeous, but I've only visited. Gettysburg and the whole Lancaster area has traffic problems from growth now, but these are relative.
I've been shocked by blatant racism and anti-Catholicism I've witnessed here (this from a white Protestant). In many ways, it's worse in most of PA (with the possible exception of Philly) than it was in TN (and that ain't good!). The south had to deal with its problems after Civil Rights, but that didn't really happen as much here. Many of the suburbs of Pittsburgh were the result of white flight.
Mostly, I find the conservatism in PA about provincialism and resistance to change. (I can't speak for Philly in this regard.)
But of course it all depends upon where you are and who you're with. If you run with a more open-minded, cultured, academic crowd, you'll find that in Pittsburgh. But you'll also find lots of old Germanic, Italian, Irish, Eastern European immigrants from the 19th century still practicing things from the old country, too. That can be both good and bad.
I notice nobody responded to your inquiry about Sullivan County, so I figured I'd do so. Sullivan County is EXTREMELY rural---At only 6,000 residents, it may just be the least-populated county out of the 67 counties in PA! There's not a single chain business anywhere in the county (a positive in my opinion), but you have to drive a good 45 minutes to the Williamsport area in Lycoming County for most of your "urban" conveniences such as the mall, Lowe's, Wal-Mart, and even decent jobs!
There are only a few towns of interest here:
EAGLES MERE: A rustic tourist trap, Eagles Mere is home to only a few little country stores and a large town park. It's a nice community, but it has the mindset that it's the "Paris of Central PA" when our family was bored in about an hour when we came up for a visit last year. The town is also host to an annual ice sledding festival that has been canceled in recent years due to very mild winters (Global warming...cough...Bush doesn't care...cough...LOL!) This is the closest town center to Lycoming County.
LAPORTE: The county seat, Laporte is located a few miles north of Eagles Mere. Not much to see in this town of only a few hundred souls besides the beautiful court house, some nice homes, and a mom-and-pop shop or two.
DUSHORE: The largest "city" in Sullivan County, Dushore has a population hovering near 1,000 and is home to what I believe is the county's only traffic light. Dushore has a very "Mayberry" feel to it---One of those small towns with its own bank, barber shop, etc. where "everybody knows your name."
Overall, the quality-of-life is outstanding in Sullivan County, but it is also TOO ISOLATED for most tastes. Real estate is so cheap here because there is very little industry and not many people are willing to commute from Eagles Mere to Williamsport or from Dushore to Towanda for work. If you are retiring and don't have a desire to spend your days doing anything other than fishing, hiking, hunting, etc., then this is a PERFECT place for you! If you are trying to raise a family, then your kids and spouse will be bored to death, and you'll go nuts trying to commute everywhere. I believe the county also has the lowest percentage of high-school graduates in the state---Keep that in mind if you are craving any sort of cultural opportunities.
Actually, Forest County is the smallest, population and land wise, with only about 4,950 residents.
Population is 6,556 in Sullivan County... With a summer population of over 15,000.
OMG... Where the hell do yo u get your information? Your post is just riddled with inconsistency.. It wouldn't take much of an internet search to find the correct information.
Actually, Eagles Mere isn't for tourists.. it's for those who have worked hard and made it big. It's a place for the heads of industry and the business world to get away from the city and relax. It's a resort that is unspoiled, unlike the Poconos.. They have two of the highest rated restaurants on the East Coast, with chefs from all over the world, a country club, a soda fountain, a beautiful lake and beach.. The town is so nice, it's a great place to visit.. Yes, they do have standards.. Why shouldn't they? They work hard, and spent a lot of money to have that town the way it is.
Dushore has a population of 663. It is the center of commerce for the county, it always has been. It was settled by Aristide Aubert DuThouras in 1794, he worked for Marie Antoinette, fought in the Battle of the Nile, was a famous French Naval Captain, and has four Naval ships named for him. There is also a French Naval ship named for Dushore. We have a pharmacy, three banks, 1 bar, a hotel, two grocery stores, seven restaurants, a coffee shop, an art gallery, an herbal foods shop, a spa, a gym, a library, a post office, three hardware stores, three department stores; five chain stores; three gas stations, two car dealer ships, three clothing stores, four barber shops, two factories; two funeral homes; an Ambulance Service; two medical clinics; a Newspaper; a radio station; five service stations; a senior citizens center; five churches; a school; a fire department with an aerial ladder; two dentists, two wineries, and a feed mill.
The real estate and property values in Sullivan County are among the highest in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We have one of the HIGHEST graduation rates in Pennsylvania. The highest scoring on state exams in both High School and Grammar School. Small classes, better time ratio for teachers to students. Everyone in my class of 84 students graduated, most went to college, and about a dozen joined the Armed forces. We care that our children can lead productive lives inside and outside of Sullivan County.
Don't knock the place if you don't know what you are talking about city boy!
Actually, Forest County is the smallest, population and land wise, with only about 4,950 residents.
Population is 6,556 in Sullivan County... With a summer population of over 15,000.
OMG... Where the hell do yo u get your information? Your post is just riddled with inconsistency.. It wouldn't take much of an internet search to find the correct information.
Actually, Eagles Mere isn't for tourists.. it's for those who have worked hard and made it big. It's a place for the heads of industry and the business world to get away from the city and relax. It's a resort that is unspoiled, unlike the Poconos.. They have two of the highest rated restaurants on the East Coast, with chefs from all over the world, a country club, a soda fountain, a beautiful lake and beach.. The town is so nice, it's a great place to visit.. Yes, they do have standards.. Why shouldn't they? They work hard, and spent a lot of money to have that town the way it is.
Dushore has a population of 663. It is the center of commerce for the county, it always has been. It was settled by Aristide Aubert DuThouras in 1794, he worked for Marie Antoinette, fought in the Battle of the Nile, was a famous French Naval Captain, and has four Naval ships named for him. There is also a French Naval ship named for Dushore. We have a pharmacy, three banks, 1 bar, a hotel, two grocery stores, seven restaurants, a coffee shop, an art gallery, an herbal foods shop, a spa, a gym, a library, a post office, three hardware stores, three department stores; five chain stores; three gas stations, two car dealer ships, three clothing stores, four barber shops, two factories; two funeral homes; an Ambulance Service; two medical clinics; a Newspaper; a radio station; five service stations; a senior citizens center; five churches; a school; a fire department with an aerial ladder; two dentists, two wineries, and a feed mill.
The real estate and property values in Sullivan County are among the highest in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I graduated from the high school, which has one of the best records for graduation in the Commonwealth, and the highest scoring on state exams. Everyone in my class of 84 students graduated, most went to college, and about a dozen joined the Armed forces. We have one of the HIGHEST graduation rates in Pennsylvania.
Don't knock the place if you don't know what you are talking about city boy!
OK, so I'll visit the web sites - where exactly are these counties? Central PA? I am so embarrassed not to know or remember, but I've not lived here in ages and I feel a need to return, even if only for a short time - aging family members, etc.. I want rural and if there are 2 clinics, I might actually have a job possibility!
Actually, Forest County is the smallest, population and land wise, with only about 4,950 residents.
Population is 6,556 in Sullivan County... With a summer population of over 15,000.
I was going by 2005 estimates for the U.S. Census---Forest County has a population of 5,739 while Sullivan County has a population of 6,391, a decrease of 2.5%. If you're going to nitpick and say that I'm full of inconsistency, then please explain to me why 6,000 is that much different than saying 6,391, and why I was so off-base by mistaking Forest County and Sullivan County for being the least-populated out of the 67 counties in PA when the population difference between both of around 600 isn't that remarkable. Talk about nitpicky!
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackCatPhotography
OMG... Where the hell do yo u get your information? Your post is just riddled with inconsistency.. It wouldn't take much of an internet search to find the correct information. Don't knock the place if you don't know what you are talking about city boy!
I didn't appreciate your rudeness at all; if you're indicative of the typical people who reside in Sullivan County, then I'll never be visiting again anytime soon!
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackCatPhotography
Actually, Eagles Mere isn't for tourists.
I have brochures that beg to differ. Just from what we saw in the literature, our family thought Eagles Mere was almost like a "Jim Thorpe of North-Central PA", which it most definitely was not! We drove all the way out on 118 to 220, just to finallyget to town and say to ourselves "this is it?" after about an hour of hitting up the entire town! In tourism publications, the town makes itself out to sound like Jim Thorpe, New Hope, Lewisburg, etc.---a thriving, large town with artists, sidewalk sales, restaurants, etc. Just because Eagles Mere has about three stores, two restaurants, and an art gallery doesn't make it a major tourist attraction, and the Chamber of Commerce should stop deceiving people to make it sound as such! Perhaps it would be a nice place to visit for people from nearby areas like Benton or Hughesville, but to drive all the way from SCRANTON, we were quite disappointed, and drove home after only an hour in town. If you're going to over-inflate your image as a tourist town, then at least live up to your end of the bargain so people aren't disappointed in droves when they do arrive after driving for an hour!
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackCatPhotography
Dushore has a population of 663. It is the center of commerce for the county, it always has been. It was settled by Aristide Aubert DuThouras in 1794, he worked for Marie Antoinette, fought in the Battle of the Nile, was a famous French Naval Captain, and has four Naval ships named for him. There is also a French Naval ship named for Dushore. We have a pharmacy, three banks, 1 bar, a hotel, two grocery stores, seven restaurants, a coffee shop, an art gallery, an herbal foods shop, a spa, a gym, a library, a post office, three hardware stores, three department stores; five chain stores; three gas stations, two car dealer ships, three clothing stores, four barber shops, two factories; two funeral homes; an Ambulance Service; two medical clinics; a Newspaper; a radio station; five service stations; a senior citizens center; five churches; a school; a fire department with an aerial ladder; two dentists, two wineries, and a feed mill.
It's very nice that you know so much about your hometown, but so do many others. I can likewise give you a synopsis of the history of the city of Pittston, as well as a physical count of every business in town. If this is your attempt at trying to show other people that you "know better than me", which I'm assuming it is judged by your rude tone, then it was a pretty snide way to go about it. Do I know everything about Sullivan County? No. Do I know that you're stretching the truth when you tell people that it's some sort of easy drive and convenient to many places? Yep. Scranton is the region's "hub city", and it's an HOUR AWAY! People moving to Sullivan County from NJ/NY are eventually going to crave some of the same cultural amenities and nightlife opportunities they gave up when they moved; I would never deceive them into thinking that a move to Sullivan County would put them within a reasonable reach of those amenities!
The real estate and property values in Sullivan County are among the highest in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Your median home values are $74,000. I'm supposing you've never been to Clarks Summit? Waverly? Sewickley Heights? Bucks County? Glenmaura? Mountain Top? Back Mountain? Many properties in these areas easily net in the upper-six-figure range, and quite a number are into the seven-figure range.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackCatPhotography
We have one of the HIGHEST graduation rates in Pennsylvania.
Perhaps now you do, but don't say that the census (or myself for that mattter) lie. Your county still lags far behind the rest of the state and nation in educational attainment, which doesn't promote a healthy employment climate.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackCatPhotography
The highest scoring on state exams in both High School and Grammar School. Small classes, better time ratio for teachers to students. Everyone in my class of 84 students graduated, most went to college, and about a dozen joined the Armed forces. We care that our children can lead productive lives inside and outside of Sullivan County.
Once again, this is in complete contradiction to the U.S. Census, which puts you all lagging behind the rest of the state and nation academically and economically, so perhaps it can be wrong. If so, then that puts the accuracy of Census information in question. I try to base my judgments upon as much FACTUAL information as I can, which is why I often reference the U.S. Census statistics in my research. If they're actually indeed wrong on all of these issues, such as property values, median household income, educational attainment, population, etc., then don't shoot the messenger!
By the way, when did I "knock" Sullivan County? All I did was give my own personal experience of a bad family mini-vacation to a much over-hyped Eagles Mere. Other than that, I did say that Sullivan County provided an outstanding quality-of-life, did I not? I did compliment the overall beauty of the scenery, did I not? Put yourselves in our shoes---After visiting Jim Thorpe, Lewisburg, and New Hope, and then, assuming Eagles Mere was the same based upon the tourist information we received, headed an hour away to Eagles Mere, wouldn't you be disappointed that it was so much smaller?
P.S. Debating is a part of this forum! Please don't take disagreements and disputes on issues so personally! Wow! If I had a dollar for every time I had to defend Scranton from being called a "city of redneck hicks", I'd be a millionaire! We're having a disagreement here; it's all in good spirits!
Last edited by SteelCityRising; 11-08-2006 at 06:57 PM..
Reason: Brevity
OK, so I'll visit the web sites - where exactly are these counties? Central PA? I am so embarrassed not to know or remember, but I've not lived here in ages and I feel a need to return, even if only for a short time - aging family members, etc.. I want rural and if there are 2 clinics, I might actually have a job possibility!
Sullivan County is a very nice place to live! I think "BlackCat" was offended because I basically called Eagles Mere a "tourist trap" (which it is!), and that's how we got into our little argument. I won't argue with the fact that Sullivan County is probably one of the only counties in PA yet untainted by urban sprawl, which is a definite plus in my book! My main gripe comes with the fact that it's quite simply too far from major employers, nightlife, shopping, etc. The average Sullivan County resident commutes 26 minutes each way to work (I'm assuming to Lycoming County), and I just personally feel as if that's a bit far. (Don't forget that this is 26 minutes of unimpeded driving too---It's not like NJ where you'd go 3 miles in 26 minutes! LOL!) It's an HOUR to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for minor-league hockey, baseball, football, concerts, big-box stores, etc. (Williamsport offers some urban amenities, but they pale in comparison). This may be a good bet for a retiree looking to unwind on a front porch overlooking a lake while reading the local newspaper everyday in retirement, but if you're looking to be dually-employed, earn a decent living, and be near to conveniences, then it isn't the place for you!
Yes, Dushore is like the "Downtown" of Sullivan County, but it still won't satisfy someone moving here from a larger area who is accustomed to Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Starbucks, etc. Only move here if you know you can give these things up! I rant on and on about this because I'm seeing this phenomenon happen NOW in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area, where New Yorkers are piling into Pike County and then complaining about being "bored out of their minds!" The same would happen to transplants moving to Sullivan County---I just don't want to see the county become spoiled with new housing filled with people who don't appreciated a quieter, more-relaxed pace of life. If I hear one more New Yorker complain that the Poconos doesn't have an IKEA yet, I think I'm going to have to slap them upside the head with a whoopie pie!
BlackCat, this is my main gripe! Trust me! You do NOT want people from NY/NJ starting to lick their lips while looking at places like Lopez and Shunk; they'll die! If they can't handle living just 40 minutes from Scranton now in Pike County, then how will they be able to handle living an HOUR AWAY? They won't! Please try to work to keep your county the unspoiled sanctuary of pristine woodlands it currently is! Would you really want Sullivan County to become the next Monroe County?
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
not to know or remember, but I've not lived here in ages and I feel a need to return, even if only for a short time - aging family members, etc.. I want rural and if there are 2 clinics, I might actually have a job possibility!
Part One
Just from what we saw in the literature, our family thought Eagles Mere was almost like a "Jim Thorpe of North-Central PA", which it most definitely was not! We drove all the way out on 118 to 220, just to finallyget to town and say to ourselves "this is it?" after about an hour of hitting up the entire town! 
In tourism publications, the town makes itself out to sound like Jim Thorpe, New Hope, Lewisburg, etc.---a thriving, large town with artists, sidewalk sales, restaurants, etc. Just because Eagles Mere has about three stores, two restaurants, and an art gallery doesn't make it a major tourist attraction, and the Chamber of Commerce should stop deceiving people to make it sound as such! Perhaps it would be a nice place to visit for people from nearby areas like Benton or Hughesville, but to drive all the way from SCRANTON, we were quite disappointed, and drove home after only an hour in town. If you're going to over-inflate your image as a tourist town, then at least live up to your end of the bargain so people aren't disappointed in droves when they do arrive after driving for an hour!
Put yourselves in our shoes---After visiting Jim Thorpe, Lewisburg, and New Hope, and then, assuming Eagles Mere was the same based upon the tourist information we received, headed an hour away to Eagles Mere, wouldn't you be disappointed that it was so much smaller? 
We're having a disagreement here; it's all in good spirits!
It's an HOUR to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for minor-league hockey, baseball, football, concerts, big-box stores, etc. (Williamsport offers some urban amenities, but they pale in comparison). This may be a good bet for a retiree looking to unwind on a front porch overlooking a lake while reading the local newspaper everyday in retirement, but if you're looking to be dually-employed, earn a decent living, and be near to conveniences, then it isn't the place for you! 
I rant on and on about this because I'm seeing this phenomenon happen NOW in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area, where New Yorkers are piling into Pike County and then complaining about being "bored out of their minds!" The same would happen to transplants moving to Sullivan County---I just don't want to see the county become spoiled with new housing filled with people who don't appreciated a quieter, more-relaxed pace of life. If I hear one more New Yorker complain that the Poconos doesn't have an IKEA yet, I think I'm going to have to slap them upside the head with a whoopie pie! 
Please try to work to keep your county the unspoiled sanctuary of pristine woodlands it currently is! Would you really want Sullivan County to become the next Monroe County? 
