u/GardenFairyxx

Edit: i really appreciate everyone giving their honest opinions! It seems like both Scranton and State College are great areas, which gives me a sense of relief, lol. Im going to look into everyone's recommendations as I do more research - thank you all!

Hi all! My family and I are looking to move within the next few months from the Philadelphia region. I am a nurse and have the opportunity to transfer to Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, State College, or Chambersburg, so naturally I have been focusing my home search in these areas. Im hoping to be within 45 minutes of these cities. We are looking for a 2 bed/2 bath on 5+ acres for up to 275k. Over the past few weeks of searching, I've found some good homes for up to $300k.

A little about us: in our early 30s, interracial, LGBTQ, progressive. Being in nature is VERY important us, as is the ability to homestead - we arent doing animals, but we are looking to set up a large garden/ food forest, sell at market, and install some off-grid features in the nearby future- solar, rain water catchment, etc. (Originally we were planinng to move down south bc it has many of these things, but after months of research, it doesnt seem like the best fit for us culturally. Its also more convenient for us to stay in PA for my job and our family)

We are gonna make time to actually visit each of these regions to get a better feel, but i wanted some opinions from people who actually live here - based on this criteria, any towns you recommend looking into? Avoiding altogether? I appreciate any insight!!

(Note: I wanted to post this in the r/Pennsylvania community, but for some reason my account isn't "reputable enough" yet, so posting here instead. Will also post in r/centralpa)

Hi all! My family and I are looking to move within the next few months from the Philadelphia region. I am a nurse and have the opportunity to transfer to Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, State College, or Chambersburg, so naturally I have been focusing my home search in these areas. Im hoping to be within 45 minutes of these cities. We are looking for a 2 bed/2 bath on 5+ acres for up to 275k. Over the past few weeks of searching, I've found some good homes for up to $300k.

A little about us: in our early 30s, interracial, LGBTQ, progressive. Being in nature is VERY important us, as is the ability to homestead - we arent doing animals, but we are looking to set up a large garden/ food forest, sell at market, and install some off-grid features in the nearby future- solar, rain water catchment, etc. (Originally we were planinng to move down south bc it has many of these things, but after months of research, it doesnt seem like the best fit for us culturally. Its also more convenient for us to stay in PA for my job and our family)

We are gonna make time to actually visit each of these regions to get a better feel, but i wanted some opinions from people who actually live here - based on this criteria, any towns you recommend looking into? Avoiding altogether? I appreciate any insight!!

(Note: I wanted to post this in the r/Pennsylvania community, but for some reason my account isn't "reputable enough" yet, so posting here instead. Will also post in r/NEPA)

Edit: yall have given me so much information and options to consider! I feel much more prepared for when we come down here to check out the areas. I appreciate everyone who took the time to share their personal experiences!

Hi everyone! We are looking to move from Philadelphia PA to the Roanoke region - not *in* Roanoke proper, but the surrounding areas (such as in Montgomery, Floyd, Franklin, Bedford, and Craig Counties). We are hoping for 3-5+ acres for up to $250k. Homes that continuously come up in my search are Ferrum, Henry, Vinton and Rocky Mount.

A little about us - progressive & interracial couple in our early 30s. We LOVE the outdoors and are hoping to establish a mini homestead once we are settled in - unrestricted land is ideal!! Definitley no HOAs lol. I am an RN and I need to be within 50 miles/ 1 hour drive of Roanoke for work.

Yall are the locals and know the area better than me - based on this criteria, are there certain towns you recommend looking into, or alternatively avoid due to high taxes, drug use, racism, or any other reasons? Also, if yall have any personal recommendations for realtors and lenders, please let me know!

We will be spending a couple weeks here this fall to actually check out the region, meet with lenders, real estate agents etc. (Please note - I KNOW people are gonna say "move here and rent for X months first" and while I understand the reasoning why, unfortunately that is NOT an option for us at this time - we WILL be buying and I am hoping it is by Spring 2027.)

Thanks guys!!!