Small towns. Tiny villages. Big cities. Farmland. Pennsylvania pretty much promises just about everything anyone could want in a state. It comes as little surprise when someone decides to move to our beloved PA. But, those of us who have lived here for some time know that the adjustment to PA and our way of life could take time. Here are the 10 things longtime Pennsylvanians wish they could tell people before they move to Pennsylvania.
- You can never really get bored.
Yelp/Larissa J. You really can’t complain there’s nothing to do in Pennsylvania. And, if you do, you’re definitely not looking hard enough. Pennsylvania boasts a rich landscape of entertainment, sports, dining, and outdoor activities. Check local bulletin boards and online for the many things you can do in PA.
- You don’t have to pay taxes on everything you buy but…
Flickr/401(K) 2012 Pennsylvania’s like just about any other state when it comes to taxes. It seems like we pay taxes on everything. But, in Pennsylvania, some items don’t get taxed, including clothing, prescription medication, some food, and residential utilities.
- You will pay the highest gasoline tax in the United States.
Flickr/Miranda You’ll pay the highest gas tax in the nation - even above California - when you live and drive in PA. As of the beginning of 2017, gasoline tax totals 76.7 cents per gallon.
- Learn the back roads and alternate routes.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli Driving on the Pennsylvania Turnpike might be the most convenient route sometimes but it certainly isn’t the only way to get where you’re going. The annual hike of turnpike toll fees plus inevitable construction, especially during the summer, makes it essential to learn alternative routes using back roads to get to your destination.
- Buy an E-Z Pass if you will frequently drive the PA Turnpike.
Flickr/Mark Danielson With the dawning of each new year also comes a fee increase to drive on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. An annual six percent increase, in fact, is expected through 2044. If you can’t avoid the turnpike, invest in an E-Z Pass to save some money.
- Welcome to the great commonwealth of PA.
Flickr/Thomas Sure, everyone calls PA a state. But, in reality, you’re moving to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
- Expect the unexpected.
Flickr/Jack Life in Pennsylvania is never boring, especially when it comes to the weather. Bundle up on a frigid morning only to peal the layers off during the mid-afternoon heat wave.
- Take a side.
Flickr/Walt Majeta, Jr. Pennsylvania is known for its rivalries. You’ll have to pick a side. Will you choose the Steelers or the Eagles? But, it goes beyond sports. Are you Team Wawa or Team Sheetz?
- One word: potholes.
Flickr/Doug Kerr Although PA is technically the Keystone State, that could easily be changed to the Pothole State. We’ve got potholes everywhere, including the world’s largest pothole. Archbald Pothole is 38 feet deep and 42 feet by 24 feet at is widest point.
- Engage in conversation with a Pennsylvanian.
Flickr/Christian Scholz Making friends is easy in PA. All you have to do is strike up a conversation and you may just initiate the beginning of a lifelong friendship.
What are some of the things you think everyone should know before they move to Pennsylvania? If you’re planning to move to Pennsylvania, click here to discover the 11 foolproof ways to make a Pennsylvanian cringe.
Yelp/Larissa J.
You really can’t complain there’s nothing to do in Pennsylvania. And, if you do, you’re definitely not looking hard enough. Pennsylvania boasts a rich landscape of entertainment, sports, dining, and outdoor activities. Check local bulletin boards and online for the many things you can do in PA.
Flickr/401(K) 2012
Pennsylvania’s like just about any other state when it comes to taxes. It seems like we pay taxes on everything. But, in Pennsylvania, some items don’t get taxed, including clothing, prescription medication, some food, and residential utilities.
Flickr/Miranda
You’ll pay the highest gas tax in the nation - even above California - when you live and drive in PA. As of the beginning of 2017, gasoline tax totals 76.7 cents per gallon.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
Driving on the Pennsylvania Turnpike might be the most convenient route sometimes but it certainly isn’t the only way to get where you’re going. The annual hike of turnpike toll fees plus inevitable construction, especially during the summer, makes it essential to learn alternative routes using back roads to get to your destination.
Flickr/Mark Danielson
With the dawning of each new year also comes a fee increase to drive on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. An annual six percent increase, in fact, is expected through 2044. If you can’t avoid the turnpike, invest in an E-Z Pass to save some money.
Flickr/Thomas
Sure, everyone calls PA a state. But, in reality, you’re moving to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Flickr/Jack
Life in Pennsylvania is never boring, especially when it comes to the weather. Bundle up on a frigid morning only to peal the layers off during the mid-afternoon heat wave.
Flickr/Walt Majeta, Jr.
Pennsylvania is known for its rivalries. You’ll have to pick a side. Will you choose the Steelers or the Eagles? But, it goes beyond sports. Are you Team Wawa or Team Sheetz?
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Although PA is technically the Keystone State, that could easily be changed to the Pothole State. We’ve got potholes everywhere, including the world’s largest pothole. Archbald Pothole is 38 feet deep and 42 feet by 24 feet at is widest point.
Flickr/Christian Scholz
Making friends is easy in PA. All you have to do is strike up a conversation and you may just initiate the beginning of a lifelong friendship.
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