Welcome to PA, now empty out your pockets
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9/5/2012
We are still suffering from sticker shock after living here for 7 years. This state charges you for EVERYTHING and the ROI is near to nothing. You have to pay a toll just to enter PA from OH and NJ state lines. There are toll roads across the state that essentially doubles the cost of gas. Gas is cheaper by as much as $.50 in MD and VA. PA adds extra taxes to the gas. You have to pay toll charges for all local calls – usually about $.15 per minute. The taxes are very high. Residents must pay Federal, state, local, and ‘right to work’ taxes. They are all calculated on your gross income. We never see a return. There are so many township and bureaus, but the system is broken. Sidewalks, streets, and infrastructure are falling apart. Sadly this is true across the U.S. Home prices are unbelievably high and the homes are old or run down. Wages are not comparable for the cost of living. The perfect example of the way PA manages its finances is the capital Harrisburg. It is on the verge of bankruptcy and crime is out of control. I hear about more shootings here then I did living in Phoenix. So what contributes to the high cost of living? Well many residents say it cheaper than living in DC or Philadelphia or New York. Sure it is, but Harrisburg, PA is a couple hours away and not those areas. That is just an excuse to keep costs high. The economics is only ONE of the reasons why you shouldn’t live in PA.
Good Life | Carlisle, PA