Want to buy a Summer/Winter Home no more then 2 Hr. from 15203 (town, accident)

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by bethany12

Yes, but that area gets the Lake Effect snow. It isn't a 2hr drive in the winter.

The same would apply to your first recommendation---Laurel Highlands.

[Copanut]

Get out your wallet if you want Deep Creek. That place is running wild with DC and Baltimore money. You water ski at your own risk since the lake is so small.

Maybe look to Erie or even Lake Conneaut. My wife and I have a place on Lake Chautauqua, about a 2.3 hour drive, 161 miles door to door. Of course, it's a condo, which so many on this board seem to hate.

[BrianTH]

I actually want serious snow in winter.

[robrobrob]

Chautauqua is very nice. My wife and I went there for the first time this fall. We loved walking around the Institute. I agree the drive there is very easy. I think it is also pretty close to some skiing too. I just wish some of the towns were bigger. Then again, I imagine most people are going there for the lake and not to walk around a little town.

[Copanut]

Originally Posted by robrobrob

Chautauqua is very nice. My wife and I went there for the first time this fall. We loved walking around the Institute. I agree the drive there is very easy. I think it is also pretty close to some skiing too. I just wish some of the towns were bigger. Then again, I imagine most people are going there for the lake and not to walk around a little town.

There are two ski areas nearby, Peak n Peak, and Holiday Valley. Jamestown is a city in decline, to be sure. But we enjoy spending time in Mayville, the county seat. The 4th of July parade is like a walk back in time to the 50's. I really like it up there, if the winters weren't so bad, I'd retire up there.

[bethany12]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

I actually want serious snow in winter.

I have been snowed in at the Chautauqua Lake area several times. Tons of snow up there.

Again though, not an easy drive back to Pittsburgh in mid-Winter. For some reason I-79 isn't well maintained south of I-80. It isn't uncommon to see cars off the road.

[BrianTH]

Growing up in Michigan, back in the pre-global warming era when it actually snowed, and doing winter vacations in rural Michigan--I know all about driving in snow. It wasn't so much a matter of whether you would get stuck or do a 360, it was how many times.

So yeah, our 2 1/2 hour drive to our cabin could easily be longer than that in the worst winter weather. But even back then (no Internet!), we could get weather reports, and planned accordingly. And if we missed a day of school here or there--I don't remember complaining.

[Chichappens]

Originally Posted by gallacus

How much are you looking to spend?

100k or less not looking for a apartment...just a small house cottage like setting is fine. That can be use yr round...lake area is my first choice.


Thanks to ALL OF YOU for these wonderful ideas...this will be my homework assignment this weekend xo

[CortlandGirl79]

You might want to look into Lake Milton, Ohio. Ohio State Parks - Lake Milton State Park

[criostiona]

If you're looking at Deep Creek Lake, don't look for homes on the lake. You'll never find anything for 100k or less. Instead, look at the smaller towns near the lake: Accident, Oakland, Friendsville, and more. All are a 10-15 minute drive from the lake and ski slopes.