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What BestPlaces Users Say about St. Marys
St. Marys, Pennsylvania is a small, rural town located in the northwestern part of the state. With a population of just over 12,000, it offers a tight-knit community and a slower pace of life compared to larger cities. The town's economy is primarily driven by manufacturing and tourism, with nearby Elk State Park attracting visitors for outdoor activities. Now, let's take a look at what people have to say about living in St. Marys according to user reviews on BestPlaces.net.
According to user "Sue B.", who has lived in St. Marys for over 20 years, the town has a "wonderful sense of community" and a "friendly atmosphere." She also mentions the low cost of living and the variety of outdoor recreation options in the area. Similarly, "John D." praises the town's "great schools" and "small town charm." He also notes that St. Marys is a "safe and quiet place to raise a family."
In contrast, "Samantha T." shares her disappointment with the lack of job opportunities and cultural diversity in St. Marys. She says, "It can feel isolating and limited in terms of job prospects." Another user, "Mark R.", echoes this sentiment and adds that the town can feel "a bit stagnant at times."
Overall, it seems that St. Marys is a great place to live for those seeking a close-knit community and a slower pace of life. However, it may not be the best fit for those looking for a more diverse and bustling environment. Despite its drawbacks, many reviewers highlight the town's friendly atmosphere and affordable cost of living as major positives.
based on 4 ReviewsGet to know St. Marys with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited St. Marys
Population Decline - 8/20/2013
The population continues to decline in St. Marys. The Census Bureau came out with their latest numbers and the population continues to decline. In 2011 it was at 13,011 and in 2012 the number stands at 12,913. There are now fewer people living in all of Elk County than at any time since the year 1900. (source: census.gov).
The funny thing about this is that they didn't want PennDOT to narrow the "million dollar highway" back down to 2 lanes and cried enough to get their way. PennDot was looking at future trends and knew that 2 lanes would be sufficient for such a declining area in the future. The stupid 'necks in town have no concept of planning and cried so much that now people in Eastern PA, who pay the majority of the state taxes, have to pay for a newly reconstructed four lane highway to get into this dying area when the money could be better used in other parts of the state that actually contribute something back and need more highway improvements because of
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Dying Town - Literally - 3/18/2013
This place is full of nothing but old people and rednecks. They have no idea what the rest of the world is like because they are very isolated geographically and extremely close minded and parochial. There is actually a fairly strong base of manufacturing businesses in the area, but the old people treat the young people like crap, so anyone that is even somewhat talented or intelligent just goes to college and never comes back. All that is left in town is bitter old people and younger unskilled poor people that make a new generation of welfare babies after they get home from the bars.
There was recently an article in the local paper about the school district starting a preschool for lower income children. In that article they stated that 81% of children under the age of 5 would qualify as "low income." That gives you a pretty good idea of what the future of the town is shaping up to be. It will get even older and even poorer. This is proof that when I say most
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Textbook example of "brain drain" - 3/14/2013
St. Marys, and the whole Elk County area are a textbook example of the term "Brain Drain." Ever since the mid to late 90's, most of the youth that went away to college never came back. This is a problem that is occurring in many rural areas, but it is especially pronounced here. The Elk and Cameron county areas have experienced the largest population declines in PA over the past 10 years.
I was born and raised here, went to school here from preschool to 12th grade, went to college, moved back, tried to live here, but ultimately became part of the "mass exodus," and moved away.
I liked growing up here in the 80's and 90's, but after living here as a young adult with my own children, I did not want them to grow up in an area that was in such economic decline, and has such a resentment towards the younger generation.
Over the past 15-20 years, the demographics of this area has basically transformed to poor white trash, or old people (60 +).
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Actual Crime Rate not as stated - 7/16/2012
I live outside of St. Marys, Pa, and reading the crime rate they have posted on the sites, I can say they are not correct. There is a high drug abuse rate in this area, in the past month, at least three arsons, many burglaries.
To live here, if you are wealthy, have a high profile career, you will love it, if you are an average joe, you would be better off to stay out, as you will not make it anywhere and you will be considered very low
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