How is pennsylvania

Hunting culture is so prominent in Pennsylvania that many school districts don't schedule classes for the first day of deer hunting season. The theory is students would take the day off to go hunting with their families even if it was a school day. While not an official holiday, it acts as one. It is easy to buy a gun. Pennsylvania has 2, federally licensed gun dealers within its borders and also allows private sales and purchases at gun shows. To purchase a firearm, applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Additionally, they cannot be subject to a protection from abuse order, an undocumented immigrant, convicted of a violent crime, declared mentally ill by a court, drug addict or drunkard, fugitive or convicted of three DUI charges within five years.

Gun owners are allowed to open carry in Pennsylvania. In order to carry it hidden, the gun owner must have a license to carry. It is illegal to transport a loaded firearm without that license, so gun owners without one are required to transport firearms and ammunition in separate containers.

Firehall weddings are common. Firehalls may not seem romantic, but they're one of the most popular wedding reception venues in Pennsylvania. The large venues can be rented for any type of event and are inexpensive. In Pittsburgh, expect to see massive cookie tables at wedding receptions. Be prepared for snow. Buy a snow shovel. State College averages Each municipality has its own laws regarding snow removal.

Lancaster property owners are required to clear sidewalks no longer than 5 hours after snowfall has ceased , while Pittsburghers have 24 hours to clear the snow. Renters should check their lease or ask their landlord if snow removal is the tenants' responsibility or if sidewalks will be cleared by staff. Pennsylvania winters can also experience a drastic shift in weather from one week to the next. The commonwealth experienced a streak of degree temperatures ahead of winter storm Stella.

Convenience stores actually have good food. Most of the United States has to survive off of prepackaged snacks and reheated hot dogs at gas stations on road trips. In Pennsylvania, gas stations are popular stops for dinner even if you're not in a hurry. Sheetz and Wawa both offer made-to-order sandwiches, burgers, fried appetizers and a variety of drink options.

Sheetz territory is western and central Pennsylvania, while Wawa rules the east. Dan Gleiter dgleiter pennlive. Pork and sauerkraut bring luck on New Year's Day. Holiday superstitions are common in many cultures. On New Year's Day, southerners eat black eyed peas and Italians eat lentils. Here it's pork and sauerkraut. The Pennsylvania Dutch tradition supposedly comes from the fact that pigs root forward, symbolizing a forward movement for the year ahead, and swollen cabbage representing bounty.

Here are some recipes from the PennLive archives. Joe Hermitt, PennLive file photo. Pennsylvania has the real pizza capital of the world. In northeastern Pennsylvania, you get a cut instead of a slice and a tray instead of a pie.

The borough in Lackawanna County is known for its grandma-style pizza. Order the red to get a classic taste of tomato sauce and cheese or opt for the white, which has its crust folded over similar to a calzone.

Chicken pot pie isn't a pie here. Pennsylvania Dutch-style chicken pot pie does not look like the chicken pot pie most people are used to. It is more like a soup or stew with large noodles. Expect to see Amish and Mennonite residents. You'll see plenty of buggies on the roads, as well as Amish people selling produce at farmers markets.

You may even hear people speaking Pennsylvania Dutch. The Anabaptists settled here in the mids after leaving Switzerland. More than 50, Amish people live in Lancaster County today. Pennsylvania also has Mennonites , another Anabaptist group that settled in the region.

Unlike the Amish, Mennonites use electricity and some drive cars. Mennonite men do not have beards, and Mennonite women usually have patterned clothing. A smorgasbord is more than just a buffet. Shady Maple has more than offerings at its foot buffet.

If you've always wanted a taste of Amish cooking, this is the place to go. You'll probably hear nuclear plant sirens. In the Harrisburg area, expect to hear the Three Mile Island sirens tested from time to time.

The Beaver Valley, Peach Bottom, Limerick and Susquehanna nuclear power plants also have sirens to warn residents of an incident. Other sirens you might hear are used to alert volunteer firefighters their help is needed or signal curfews for underage residents. These sirens may also be used in the event of severe weather. Active weather alerts can be found on the National Weather Service website and are also broadcast on television and radio stations in affected areas.

Pennsylvania has a wealth of historic landmarks. The commonwealth contains National Historic Landmarks recognized by the National Parks Service that range from roller coasters to battlefields. Vast wilderness provides an escape. Those looking to explore the outdoors will also find plenty to do. Pennsylvania's 18 state forests alone have nearly miles of trails. The commonwealth also contains part of the Appalachian Trail and hundreds, if not thousands, of other trails across the state. One natural spectacle worth the trip to rural Lancaster-Lebanon county is the annual snow geese migration, which brings upward of , waterfowl to the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area.

Like anywhere, there are some really great things about living in Pennsylvania and there are some not so great things about living there. Cost of living: For one, it boasts a low cost of living and a very low-income tax. They love being able to drive over to the Big Apple and enjoy spending a night or weekend exploring the city without having to constantly deal with the nastiness that comes with big cities —— high prices, crazy traffic, and congestion.

Weather: Weather in Pennsylvania can be a bit contrary. Actually, that might be an understatement. So, at times, you might find yourself needing to pack both a pair of shorts and full-blown winter jumpsuit. State College averages If you enjoy frolicking around in a winter wonderland, then Pennsylvania is the state for you.

Pennsylvania is complicated when it comes to determining the level of opportunity, financial growth, and quality of life the state offers. While smaller cities and towns in Pennsylvania might not offer as much due to size, the states larger cities like Pittsburgh and Philly are bursting at the seams with opportunity. Between being home to some of the best universities in the world, high-ranking health institutions, rich history and four beautiful seasons save for a pretty cold winter … Pennsylvania offers all the essentials for a high-quality of life.

If you remember, earlier we mentioned that Pennsylvania is known as the Keystone state for its central location. This has also gifted the state with miles and miles of stunning landscape that include mountain trails, vast lakes and stunning forests. The states of Pennsylvania used to be an economic powerhouse. And, more specifically the city of Pittsburgh. Like all good things, this golden era or steel era rather came to an end and Pittsburgh was forced to reinvent itself.

The city has experienced a few of these types of rebirths over the years and most recently is experiencing another. When it comes to infrastructure, PA needs some help. After all, it was an original colony. The good news is that help is on its way.

The plan is designed to help protect the state against floods, remove contamination, improve transportation and roads, replace bridges that are in poor condition, and expand the broadband network. But until then, it is necessary to keep in mind just one thing — potholes. PA is notoriously famous for some of the biggest potholes that exist in the country.

These potholes are targeted as one of the first things to restore in the near future! Aside from potholes, PA happens to have one of the most successful port systems which helps to easily and successfully reach markets and customers in a speedy manner. Furthermore, PA has more than , miles of state and local highways and bridges which is also convenient for reaching markets quickly.

That jump will help strengthen the economy by allowing PA residents to be able to afford to put that extra money back into the economy without a financial burden. The unemployment rate in PA is at 4. However, given that PA has one of the slowest growing population rates in the country, there is still plenty of employment opportunities with competition for positions comparatively low.

Interestingly enough, that small jump happened on its own, and was not a result of anything that PA had influenced. This is a good sign, as the new minimum wage laws are set to take off and increase job growth even more in the near future! The costs of living in PA come in below the national average in most categories, with the overall cost of living being 7. In addition to federal taxes, Pennsylvania has 2 additional taxes that most other states do not require:. These additional taxes are automatically deducted from paychecks.

Although this initially seems like quite a buzzkill, the good news is that not everything you buy in the state is actually taxed, thus balancing out these additional costs, and in some cases, saving you money as compared to other states.

Clothing, food, and alcohol purchases are major perks for many households, and represent an area where significant cost savings can be had. Sellers who put their homes on the market in the winter usually want to sell as quickly as possible, so buyers get the luxury of better deals and easier negotiations on pricing. Best time to sell: May is the best time for sellers as warmer temperatures result in homes staying on the market for less time. Weather is also a factor as PA experiences harsh cold temperatures and snow.

Ranked 5 th in the nation among the top places for retirees to live, this town of just around people is conveniently situated just a short drive outside of Philadelphia. The down as nearly 21 medical centers per every residents, as well as 5 recreation centers and plenty of local events and activities to keep retirees busy.

Philly is an incredibly friendly city with the greater community as a whole always ready to look out for each other. Philly also has a lot for retirees to do, especially as it relates to arts and entertainment.

From world-class museums and historic libraries, to a nightlife of clubs, fine dining, and exciting events, Philadelphia is never a bore! For any retiree that enjoys a world full of musical concerts, lectures, shows, and food, Philadelphia is the perfect spot to reward yourself after a lifetime of work! So much to learn, so much to do, and so much to love! This quirky city is a must for living life to your fullest! Doylestown is a quaint town that has a lot of history and culture, making it a great destination for retirees looking to explore the past.

Residents have a choice of living in a well-run, upper-class retirement establishment, or simply moving into the best part of the town — the heart of Doylestown! In the center of this cozy, close-knit community, is a broad range of independent shops, restaurants, bars, and parks to enjoy!

The neighborhood is also known for its variety of art fairs, sports events, and unique town gatherings!