11 Things You Actually Need To Know Before Picking Up And Moving To Pennsylvania
By Beth Price-Williams|Published July 20, 2018
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
So, you’re thinking of moving to Pennsylvania? Just one question: What took you so long? Ask any Pennsylvanian why they moved to PA, and you’re likely to hear a plethora of reasons. And, that’s because PA is pretty fantastic, offering world-class educational opportunities, top-notch medical services, and some of the friendliest people in the county. (And, that’s just the beginning.) But, before you make that final decision, consider these 11 things you need to know before moving to Pennsylvania.
PA really does have its fair share of potholes. So, get ready to learn the art of maneuvering around them like a pro. Cities and towns will fix the pesky potholes over the summer, only to have winter come along and bring them all back.
That’s it. Just PA. You’ll easily be able to spot a Pennsylvanian by how he or she refers to our beloved state. (Hint: If you want to fit in quickly, start calling it PA now.)
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3. We have all four seasons, sometimes in a single day.
All four seasons promise natural beauty in PA. (But, you’ll definitely want to check out the fall foliage.) Suffering from the winter blues? Well, give it time – sometimes even a few hours – before a burst of warm air passes through. PA’s will definitely keep you on your toes, often going from frigid temps in the morning to summer temps in the afternoon.
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4. We pay the highest gasoline tax in the United States.
That’s right, we even beat out California for the highest gasoline tax in the nation. Pennsylvanians pay 58 cents tax per gallon of gasoline. The average for the rest of the nation? A mere 30.5 cents.
All those potholes? Sure, they’re an annoyance. But, what’s really frustrating is the rising costs of driving on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Annual toll increases are expected through at least 2047. If you’re moving to PA, you’ll use your GPS to find alternative routes to driving on the turnpike. (Don’t worry, though, the alternate routes are often prettier and more enjoyable to drive.)
You read right. PA’s home to only one official town: Bloomsburg. All the rest? Cities, boroughs, townships. If you want to experience a real PA-town, head to Bloomsburg. (Side note: We also lay claim to the smallest city in America: Parker.)
That’s right. You’re moving to a state that’s known for its delicious foods and goodies. (PA’s known as the Snack Capital of the U.S.) Famous PA foods include scrapple, chipped chopped ham, and shoofly pie. And, the popular snacks range from Hershey’s chocolate and Herr’s to Hanover and Peeps.
PA’s a pretty affordable place to live, especially if you’re coming from a larger city. In fact, the median home cost in PA stands at around $168,000 while the national median is $216,200.
You can fill every minute of your spare time, if you really want to. PA boasts 121 state parks, a national forest, historical villages, and impressive museums, theaters, and other attractions.
Welcome home. No matter where you move in the state, Pennsylvanians are a genuinely friendly, welcoming bunch. Spend a few minutes waiting for the bus or sitting on a mall bench, and you’re likely to make a new friend.
What else would you tell those thinking about moving to Pennsylvania? Would you encourage it? Why or why not? Join the discussion below. Then, click here to read about the 10 privileges Pennsylvanians have that the rest of the country doesn’t.
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