I'm just beginning to think about a new place to live.
I currently live in south FL, I've been here 6 years, and I came here from Seattle to be near family. I grew up in the NYC area, Bklyn, Queens, L.I.,
so I'm familiar with cold weather, and I love snow.
The heat in FL is too much for me, it's too hot, for too many months.
I've researched the climate, real estate, various demographics; all are workable for me. In addition, I'd love to live in a small town, I'm really not a big city, bright lights, party kind of guy. I'm more of a take a long walk, read a book, get to know my neighbors, and cook a meal, kind of guy.
I also love American history, and am drawn to, and fascinated by, mid 19th century America.
Anyone live in, or near Gettysburg? I'm sure many of you have visited, and have thoughts about it as a vacation spot, but I'm more interested in people's impressions who have been there on a day to day, pay the bills, and go to work kind of experience.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Dennis
Good luck
Good luck
LOL. Lovely and empty sound good to me. I'm really looking for quiet and solitude.
What is shopping like? Groceries? Do people seem friendly?
I'm 76 y.o. I'm not looking for bright lights and fast times. I want to be able to hear the blood circulating in my ears.
He did indeed, you're right. Not a lot going on sounds great! That's exactly what I want.
Some good breweries in the area.
Less than an hour from thriving Greenville which has entertainment (on the Broadway theater and pop performers circuit), minor league hockey and a great baseball stadium.
Asheville is 1 1/2 hrs away with lots to do. Downtown Atlanta is 2 hrs away (Airport 2 1/2).
Many residents are known as "half backs"; folks from the North who relocated to Florida and could not take the heat. They then came halfway back and found a place that was "just right".
PS if you compare the taxes with NW states or NY/NJ/Conn/PA you will LOVE SC.
If you have kids, Clemson is a GREAT school (not just football) and of course as a resident you'd get a break on tuition.
Less than an hour from thriving Greenville which has entertainment (on the Broadway theater and pop performers circuit), minor league hockey and a great baseball stadium.
Asheville is 1 1/2 hrs away with lots to do. Downtown Atlanta is 2 hrs away (Airport 2 1/2).
Many residents are known as "half backs"; folks from the North who relocated to Florida and could not take the heat. They then came halfway back and found a place that was "just right".
PS if you compare the taxes with NW states or NY/NJ/Conn/PA you will LOVE SC.
If you have kids, Clemson is a GREAT school (not just football) and of course as a resident you'd get a break on tuition.
That's interesting. I was previously thinking about N.C., the triad area, High Point, be more precise. I'll so some research on S.C. Thanks!
Could you say more about what the area is like? Are people friendly?
Cost of living? Did you like the area, and why? Etc. Please?
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Could you say more about what the area is like? Are people friendly?
Cost of living? Did you like the area, and why? Etc. Please?
Ha, this was over 25 years ago. Lots of open areas, farmland, Round Top Mountains which were famous from Civil War. Quiet roads that you can drive as fast as you like almost whenver you like.
Cost of living has to be cheaper than avg. Poeple are low keyed, unpretentious. Dive bars.
I went there because that is where my college was. I didn't stay but it was fine for 4 years...
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In comment 15773537 Jimmy Googs said:
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Could you say more about what the area is like? Are people friendly?
Cost of living? Did you like the area, and why? Etc. Please?
Ha, this was over 25 years ago. Lots of open areas, farmland, Round Top Mountains which were famous from Civil War. Quiet roads that you can drive as fast as you like almost whenver you like.
Cost of living has to be cheaper than avg. Poeple are low keyed, unpretentious. Dive bars.
I went there because that is where my college was. I didn't stay but it was fine for 4 years...
Thank you! I understand, I didn't realize it was so long ago. Sounds like you had a good experience? Would you live there again, if you had a choice?
I’d recommend checking it out for 2 weeks or so before making a decision. I know lots of people that live around the area. It’s cheap and certainly a “livable” place. Not my cup of tea necessarily as I’m 37 and my wife is a city girl it’s a quaint area. Beautiful walks
I’d recommend checking it out for 2 weeks or so before making a decision. I know lots of people that live around the area. It’s cheap and certainly a “livable” place. Not my cup of tea necessarily as I’m 37 and my wife is a city girl it’s a quaint area. Beautiful walks
Yeah, all of this is... basically exactly my story, plus or minus a few details. I was also Gettysburg College, graduated in 2008. It's a great place to ride a bike, certainly, and pretty quiet except around the various anniversaries.
I definitely think it's worth taking a few days there to try to get a feel for the non-tourist town to see if it's somewhere you'd want to live. Most of the year it is a college town, basically.
Most underrated part of Gettysburg, if you're a baseball fan, is that you're decently close to a lot of stadiums. Without traffic you can get from Gettysburg to Camden Yards in an hour and fifteen minutes. Philly, Pittsburgh, DC, NYC all reasonable baseball day trips too.
I didn't stay in the area post-college but I would have at least considered it if my wife were interested.
LOL. Yes. But it's more complicated than that. My sister is 92, and dying of cancer. My brother is 87, had a stroke, and moved to NJ. I would not leave as long as my sister is alive. Once she is gone, there will be no one here that I want to be with.
I originally moved to FL, from Seattle, only to be with my brother and sister, through the last few years of their lives. I had no desire to ever live in FL. Once they are gone(my brother, as stated previously, is already gone), there is nothing in FL that appeals to me. I really don't do so well in the heat for 5 months a year, so I'm looking for other places to live.
I've researched N.C.
I'm considering going back to Seattle, but it's so expensive, especially for a single person
And I've always been enchanted by Gettysburg, and living in a small town. I'm really not a big city person. even though I've lived in big cities all my life. I live a very quiet, private, contemplative life. A small town would suit my lifestyle.
Thank you Sir!.
As for Clemson, my son goes there. The area is very pretty. Clemson is a very friendly place and the lake is terrific. Being close to Greenville is a big plus for me but maybe not to your liking. The weather is not as super hot as the rest of SC. The University is a happy place and the hospitals nearby are good. An issue with Clemson is that you can’t get there by accident. It is way out there.
Good luck!
As for Clemson, my son goes there. The area is very pretty. Clemson is a very friendly place and the lake is terrific. Being close to Greenville is a big plus for me but maybe not to your liking. The weather is not as super hot as the rest of SC. The University is a happy place and the hospitals nearby are good. An issue with Clemson is that you can’t get there by accident. It is way out there.
Good luck!
LOL. Fries in a salad does indeed sound strange. I believe there is a strong Amish influence there, in Adams county. I don't know if that could be the reason for salad and fries.
Thanks for your good luck wishes. Be well. I hope all is well with your son.
But the town itself is the type of place where families still take walks together in the evening. I had lots of friends who either stayed in Charlottesville after graduating or moved back to raise families.
I think you would like it. Gets a bit hot in the summer but the winters are relatively mild and the spring goes on forever.
There can be a little wariness of New Yorkers. If you can adapt yourself to the culture and be respectful of a non-northeastern-progressive-sensibility, people will generally respect you. People here look you in the eye and ask how you are doing, and call you sir or ma'm as the default. There's an acknowledgement of the dignity of others in most transactions that takes a little getting used to (compared to utilitarian transctions in NY), but I like it a lot.
In comment 15773521 Dennis said:
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Mountain Lake region, plenty of recreation (boating, hiking etc,) very scenic. We lived in the Western Finger Lakes and this is similar, w/o the harsh winters.
Less than an hour from thriving Greenville which has entertainment (on the Broadway theater and pop performers circuit), minor league hockey and a great baseball stadium.
Asheville is 1 1/2 hrs away with lots to do. Downtown Atlanta is 2 hrs away (Airport 2 1/2).
Many residents are known as "half backs"; folks from the North who relocated to Florida and could not take the heat. They then came halfway back and found a place that was "just right".
PS if you compare the taxes with NW states or NY/NJ/Conn/PA you will LOVE SC.
If you have kids, Clemson is a GREAT school (not just football) and of course as a resident you'd get a break on tuition.
That's interesting. I was previously thinking about N.C., the triad area, High Point, be more precise. I'll so some research on S.C. Thanks!
[quote] I'd echo what Keowee Fan said about NW SC. Cost of living is low, scenery is gorgeous with a chain of lakes and mountains nearby. People are friendly and respectful, as well as self- reliant. We just celebrated our first anniversary down here after leaving LI. We pinch ourselves every day.
There can be a little wariness of New Yorkers. If you can adapt yourself to the culture and be respectful of a non-northeastern-progressive-sensibility, people will generally respect you. People here look you in the eye and ask how you are doing, and call you sir or ma'm as the default.
"People here look you in the eye and ask how you are doing, and call you sir or ma'm as the default. There's an acknowledgement of the dignity of others in most transactions that takes a little getting used to (compared to utilitarian transctions in NY), but I like it a lot".
Lurts, that's a wonderful description, and it sounds wonderful. I find that I'm hungering for that kind of politeness. The world feels like it has gotten so uncivil, and I'm bone weary of all the little assaults and microaggressions that happen every day. I wish I could find a kind and peaceful place to finish out my life. My intuition is that I'm likely to find that in a small town. Your description sounds like what I'm looking for.
But the town itself is the type of place where families still take walks together in the evening. I had lots of friends who either stayed in Charlottesville after graduating or moved back to raise families.
I think you would like it. Gets a bit hot in the summer but the winters are relatively mild and the spring goes on forever.
Hi Vanzetti. Thanks. Charlottesville sounds good too. One more place to add to me list.
Are you in S.F.? I believe you're on the West Coast? How do you like it? I loved Seattle. The West Coast seems like it has a whole other way of life, different values and sensibilities, that I came to love, after leaving NY.
...she's Satan times 4 :-)
I wish you well in your journey. Finding a complete new place to live is an exciting journey enjoy it to the fullest!
Tamworth is in a valley between the lakes and mountains. Grover Cleveland retired there for the trout fishing. Lots of dirt roads to walk, rivers, village.
But with all of that, I wouldnt move there unless I had family nearby.
Id go where there are no income taxes or less taxes. I'd go where there's things to do in your retirement.
But again, its worth a visit for sure.
South Carolina came up several times, so I want to research that, especially Asheville
Charlottesville sounds like an interesting place, and I want to research it.
Gettysburg continues to be an option.
Steve in KY, That's my idea also, I will rent for the first 6 mos-year, and not sell my place in FL during that time, so if things don't work out, I can return.
Pete in Maryland. That's interesting about the rain. Although I've looked at the climate tables, I need to look at that again.
If any of you have any additional thoughts, I'd be very interested in hearing them. Thank you so much again!
Cost of living is very low and with the large university nearby there is a nice center of activity if you want it. 2, 3 miles off campus? Quiet as a church.
Best to you.
John
Best to you.
John
Hi John. Thank you. It's funny how as I get older, I have more of a need for politeness, courtesy, kindness, stillness. Perhaps it's because of all the weirdness in the world; Covid, the war in Ukraine, the country pulling apart along cultural and political lines, monkeypox, but I find that insensitivity, and harshness affect me very deeply these days.
Your description of NW S.C. as respectful and polite, and quiet as a church, sound like a tonic for my aching soul. Thanks. I'll do more research. Any particular towns or cities I should look at? Greenville? Spartansburg?
Best to you too, John. Stay in touch.
Dennis
Cost of living is very low and with the large university nearby there is a nice center of activity if you want it. 2, 3 miles off campus? Quiet as a church.
Best to you.
John
Sorry, I see you referenced Seneca and Clemson. Thanks.
Yes Ike’s farm was southwest of the main part of town if I recall from 60 years ago.
The politics of the area may not matter to you one way or another, but the reality of Pennsylvania in 2022 is that it's increasingly difficult to escape the polarization, and it won't subside soon. So, if sleepy and boring is what you're looking for, the outward placidity of SC PA might be a bit of a mirage.
The politics of the area may not matter to you one way or another, but the reality of Pennsylvania in 2022 is that it's increasingly difficult to escape the polarization, and it won't subside soon. So, if sleepy and boring is what you're looking for, the outward placidity of SC PA might be a bit of a mirage.
I did think about that, and I know that Mostriano reps Adams County. However, since Gettysburg is a college town, and because it attracts a large number of academics and visitors due to the battle, I thought it might be more broad minded than the surrounding area. The politics of the area due make me hesitate a little, but I also realize that no area will be perfect in meeting my needs. However, it is a significant consideration for me.
1) Charlottesville, which is lovely and has much more to offer, will be significantly more expensive than Gettsyburg.
2) If you seek nothing more than good people, a slow pace, low expenses, and hearty food – with a little energy from the college – Gettysburg would be excellent.
3) If you want even fewer distractions and lower expenses, try smaller places to the east and west of Gettysburg. The pace of life in Lancaster, for example, would be even slower, thanks to the influence of Amish and Mennonites. Franklin & Marshall College is based there, offering some lectures and sports.
4) The German influence on the cuisine is strong if you like heavy and hearty farm-style fare. However, throughout the entire area, you'll find the fruits and vegetables unbelievably good in season. Summers when I lived there, everyone knew when the crops were coming in, week by week, at the local farm stands: cherries, peaches, plums, cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon, nectarines, tomatoes, squash, corn, and on and on. I've never eaten better farm-to-my-table in my life.
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Mountain Lake region, plenty of recreation (boating, hiking etc,) very scenic. We lived in the Western Finger Lakes and this is similar, w/o the harsh winters.
Less than an hour from thriving Greenville which has entertainment (on the Broadway theater and pop performers circuit), minor league hockey and a great baseball stadium.
Asheville is 1 1/2 hrs away with lots to do. Downtown Atlanta is 2 hrs away (Airport 2 1/2).
Many residents are known as "half backs"; folks from the North who relocated to Florida and could not take the heat. They then came halfway back and found a place that was "just right".
PS if you compare the taxes with NW states or NY/NJ/Conn/PA you will LOVE SC.
If you have kids, Clemson is a GREAT school (not just football) and of course as a resident you'd get a break on tuition.
That's interesting. I was previously thinking about N.C., the triad area, High Point, be more precise. I'll so some research on S.C. Thanks!
Don't do the Triad. My folks live there and it's not really a great area. Has some of what you're looking for but a little bit too run down. I think SC dominates NC in every aspect. From city areas to rural areas, SC just does it better.
1) Charlottesville, which is lovely and has much more to offer, will be significantly more expensive than Gettsyburg.
2) If you seek nothing more than good people, a slow pace, low expenses, and hearty food – with a little energy from the college – Gettysburg would be excellent.
3) If you want even fewer distractions and lower expenses, try smaller places to the east and west of Gettysburg. The pace of life in Lancaster, for example, would be even slower, thanks to the influence of Amish and Mennonites. Franklin & Marshall College is based there, offering some lectures and sports.
4) The German influence on the cuisine is strong if you like heavy and hearty farm-style fare. However, throughout the entire area, you'll find the fruits and vegetables unbelievably good in season. Summers when I lived there, everyone knew when the crops were coming in, week by week, at the local farm stands: cherries, peaches, plums, cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon, nectarines, tomatoes, squash, corn, and on and on. I've never eaten better farm-to-my-table in my life.
Charlie, this is really helpful. This is just the kind of information I was wanting.
"2) If you seek nothing more than good people, a slow pace, low expenses, and hearty food – with a little energy from the college – Gettysburg would be excellent."
That's really just what I'm looking for, good people, slow pace, low expenses, and some intellectual energy from the college and academics who visit to study the battle.(Except for the food. I tend to eat a fairly simple diet).
The suggestion of Lancaster is also really helpful. I will definitely research that. I remember reading about Lancaster in my various journeys through early American history,
I can hardly express how much I just want peace and quiet. I want nothing more than to live out the remaining years of my life with a few good friends, my books, long walks, and my meditation practice. Really boring, I know. Having lived in NYC for 32 years, and then Seattle for 40 years, I've had bright lights, big city. If I want that, I can travel to Wash D.C., Richmond, or Philly.
Thank you!
If you want peace and quite, then its a nice small community over there. You're also right near the Maryland boarder and you have a lot of options close to you too on that side. (not going to cover the items around Gettysburg, as that's already been discussed on this thread).
* Emmitsburg, MD - Very nice small town community feel to it that is just a 10-15 minutes drive from Gettysburg. Several charming diners in town.
* Thurmont, MD - The Catoctin Mountains are just a 15-20 minute drive from Gettysburg. If you're into Hiking, there are TONS of scenic trails on various difficulties for you to try out. Personally, have about 8 different trails I like to hike with my family with but the trail that leads to the waterfalls if my favorite.
Also in Thurmont, MD is Catoctin Mountain Orchard Bakery/Market. Great location for fresh local fruits and vegetables. Not to mention they have some of the best fresh baked pies and apple cider in the entire area. There are also several vineyards and winery's to explore in the area.
* Frederick, MD - Usually just a 40-45 minute drive from Gettysburg, is a great place to visit when so inclined. Downtown Frederick is historic and very charming, with TONS of great restaurant options. There are many activities\festivals offered throughout the year in downtown Frederick, especially around the creek and walking trails through downtown. Plus Frederick has a large shopping district, so anything that you might need that in not available in Gettysburg, you'd be less than an hours drive.
As far as weather, it does get cold winters but I like the cold weather personally. Plus it doesn't get as much snow as further up north east like NY\NJ\CT.
I'd also agree with renting first, before buying. Maybe rent for a full year in Gettysburg and then a full year in South Carolina and see what your favorite was before making a big home purchase and moving permanently to either location. Good Luck!
If you want peace and quite, then its a nice small community over there. You're also right near the Maryland boarder and you have a lot of options close to you too on that side. (not going to cover the items around Gettysburg, as that's already been discussed on this thread).
* Emmitsburg, MD - Very nice small town community feel to it that is just a 10-15 minutes drive from Gettysburg. Several charming diners in town.
* Thurmont, MD - The Catoctin Mountains are just a 15-20 minute drive from Gettysburg. If you're into Hiking, there are TONS of scenic trails on various difficulties for you to try out. Personally, have about 8 different trails I like to hike with my family with but the trail that leads to the waterfalls if my favorite.
Also in Thurmont, MD is Catoctin Mountain Orchard Bakery/Market. Great location for fresh local fruits and vegetables. Not to mention they have some of the best fresh baked pies and apple cider in the entire area. There are also several vineyards and winery's to explore in the area.
* Frederick, MD - Usually just a 40-45 minute drive from Gettysburg, is a great place to visit when so inclined. Downtown Frederick is historic and very charming, with TONS of great restaurant options. There are many activities\festivals offered throughout the year in downtown Frederick, especially around the creek and walking trails through downtown. Plus Frederick has a large shopping district, so anything that you might need that in not available in Gettysburg, you'd be less than an hours drive.
As far as weather, it does get cold winters but I like the cold weather personally. Plus it doesn't get as much snow as further up north east like NY\NJ\CT.
I'd also agree with renting first, before buying. Maybe rent for a full year in Gettysburg and then a full year in South Carolina and see what your favorite was before making a big home purchase and moving permanently to either location. Good Luck!
Thank you. This is really helpful.
I like cold weather and snow also, so I don't think the weather would be too hard for me, and I grew up in NYC.
How do you like living in that area? Are you happy living in that region?
What don't you like about it?
Thanks!