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Moving To Pennsylvania - A Relocation Guide

Moving can be both exciting and overwhelming; even more so when you are relocating to a new town or city. Your American Financial Resources team has compiled the information in this Pennsylvania Relocation Guide to help you with the preparation for your move to Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania is a wonderful place to call home. With exciting cities, a rich history, stunning natural areas filled with mountains, lakes, and rivers, four beautiful seasons, and charming small towns the State of Independence offers something for everyone. And you can't forget the food! With regional specialties such as cheesesteaks and soft pretzels in Philly, pirogues in Pittsburgh, whoopie pies in Dutch country, and of course chocolate in Hershey you will eat well in your new state. From Philadelphia to Lake Erie you are sure to enjoy exploring the wonders of Pennsylvania!

Areas of Pennsylvania:

• Great Lakes Region - Bordering New York, Lake Erie, and Ohio this area has no shortage of recreational activities. Golf courses, wineries, and quaint towns dot the roads that wind through the lush scenery. There are historic sites, parks, and theme parks to discover. Affordable real estate is a real draw to the region, whether you prefer to live in a rural country home or in town in Sharon, Erie, Grove City, Meadville, or one of the many other Great Lakes area towns. Be sure to plan a trip to see Presque Isle State Park and all it's scenic beauty.
• Pittsburgh Region - Home to a wide variety of industries, leading universities, and winning sports teams, Pittsburgh is an exciting place to live. Venturing outside the city limits will bring you through picturesque towns, parks, rivers, and cultural attractions such as Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater. From revitalized center city neighborhoods to downtown condos to single family suburban homes Pittsburgh real estate has something for everyone.
• Pennsylvania Wilds - This is the ultimate home for nature lovers with more than two millions acres of natural areas to explore. Hike, mountain bike, camp, backpack, canoe, fish, kayak, and much more - you might even catch site of the elk that make their home here. Homes have remained relatively affordable in this region of Pennsylvania, with historic older homes, and newly built developments available. It is easy to find houses with land in this region, whether you are looking for a small yard or several acres there is ample opportunity for gardening or just enjoying the outdoors.
• Northeast PA Mountains - The Pocono Mountains are a wonderful place to explore all year long. The summers are cooler than in the nearby cities, fall explodes into color with the changing leaves, winter offers skiing and other fun at the area's many ski resorts, and spring is bursting with beautiful scents and sights. The Poconos are also a hot spot for relaxing spas and a romantic honeymoon destination. Northeast Pennsylvania also includes cities and towns with a real sense of community, and homes in almost every shape, size, and price range. Mountain and lake cabins, single family homes, mobile homes, and larger estates are all at home in this diverse section of PA.
• Philadelphia Region - The largest city in Pennsylvania and sixth largest in the Country, Philadelphia offers all the perks of living in the big city but many of the neighborhoods and close knit communities have the feel of a much smaller town. There are museums, world renowned restaurants, and beautiful parks. The Philadelphia area is perfect for sports fans with its successful NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB franchises, and as of 2010 the city is even home to the Union - a Major League Soccer Team. The Philadelphia suburbs and surrounding country provide small town charm with easy access to all the city has to offer. Real estate within the city ranges from historic rowhomes to luxury condos to single family homes on the hills. Home prices in general will be more affordable as you head out of Philadelphia, but popular towns along the Amtrack train route into the city can have high property values as well.
• Alleghenies and Valleys & Dutch Country - The Allegheny region produces some of the country's brightest minds (at Penn State's main campus in State College), some of the country's greatest beer (at the Yuengling brewery in Pottsville), and much more. Where else but in Dutch county will you find yourself driving behind a horse drawn buggy heading to work on the farm? (It's ok to pass, carefully.) What these areas share are beautiful landscapes and residents who are proud of their communities. Real estate in these regions comes in all shapes and sizes, from rural farmland to charming town centers. This is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.

Planning For Your Move to Pennsylvania

There are many details to take care of when relocating to Pennsylvania. Here are some tips and resources you may find helpful as you think through some of the items you'll need attend to.

• Update Your Address. Everyone from family and friends to banks, creditors, insurers, charities, the IRS, magazines you subscribe to, your employer (new and former if applicable) and essentially every company you do business with will need your new information. Get a head start before your move by printing up cards with your new address so you can hand them out to people you want to stay in touch with. Email and online social networks are also a good way to communicate your new information. For businesses start a month or two before your move making a list of all the companies you get mail from on a regular basis - just keep a notepad and pen near where you sort the mail each day to keep this task easy. Don't forget your old mortgage company if you are selling a home as part of your Pennsylvania relocation. They will need it to send you your year end tax information.
• Register School Aged Children For School. To find information on the schools in your area search using the County Search on the Pennsylvania Department of Education website. Find test results, parent reviews, and more on both public and private schools (including preschools) at greatschools.org.
• Register to Vote. Visit the votesPA.com, a resource provided by the Pennsylvania Department of State, for information on how and where to register to vote in local, state, and federal elections.
• Update Drivers License and Car Registration. Learn how from the Pennsylvaia Department of Transportation's Driver and Vehicle Services.
• Find Local Businesses. To find a new doctor, dentist, babysitter, veterinarian, mechanic, cleaning person, and any other business or service you will need there are several things you can do. Ask your real estate agent, neighbors, and anyone else you have met in the area for recommendations. Check the reviews in the Google local listing for a business you are considering. Contact the local Chamber of Commerce for suggestions. Find the Chamber for your area in this directory.

   

Get Settled In Your New Community

Once you have unpacked a few boxes you are sure to want to explore your Pennsylvania home. If you are relocating to an area where you don't know many people you might be interested in getting to know others in your new town or city. Consider volunteering for a cause that is important to you (VolunteerMatch.org can help you find an organization in need of help) to help you find like minded people in your area. You might also join a moms group, book club, or recreational sports team - check your local library or coffee shop for postings about such groups.

To find fun happenings in your area such as outdoor concerts, community celebrations, sporting events, and film festivals visit the websites of your local chamber of commerce and convention and visitors bureau. They often have online event calendars and email newsletters that will keep you up to date.

Encourage yourself to try new restaurants and shops near your Pennsylvania home by purchasing a coupon book or card offering special deals on dining and shopping. These are available as fund raisers in many communities - check with your local school to find if one is offered near you.

Learn the nuts and bolts about your Pennsylvania borough, town, or city by visiting the municipal website. Find yours in this list published by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Each site will be different but you are likely to find information on topics including trash and recycling, local parks and libraries, and emergency services.

We at American Financial Resources wish you the best of luck with your relocation to Pennsylvania. For information on a Pennsylvania mortgage loan please contact us at 910-316-9508, request a quote for current Pennsylvania mortgage rates, or get started online.