ghostlycheesecakefox

[ghostlycheesecakefox]

Lancaster

One of the oldest inland towns in the United States, Lancaster, located in South Central Pennsylvania, is the seat of Lancaster County. Nicknamed “The Red Rose City”, its metropolitan area is the 101st largest in the United States. This fact makes anyone relocating here aware that there is plenty of opportunity yet also ways to escape to the country.

Economy  

Lancaster has been recreating itself in the past ten years. There is plenty going on to immerse one’s self in reinvestment properties and major building operations. As a matter of fact, Lancaster General Hospital has been instrumental in planning and constructing several city blocks in the business district. In 2005, “Gallery Row” instituted and promoted projects that led to the city becoming a vital arts destination. Burle Business Park has been revitalized as the premier commercial and industrial center for many business enterprises.

Lancaster, in comparison to the rest of Pennsylvania, has seen steady population growth with a trend towards younger inhabitants moving here. This fact, coupled with a median household income that is 8% higher than the rest of the state, and 11% higher than the rest of the country, proves positively that the city’s resurgence is taking hold.

Climate

The average high temperature in January is 38 degrees, with a low of 22. The high in June is around 81, with the low around 60 degrees. This gives the area the general climate of a location in the northeast section of the United States with four defined seasons. Rainfall averages around 3 inches in January and 4 inches in June. The other months hold true to this norm, warmer months with more precipitation.

Life In Lancaster

There are plenty of historical and art museums throughout the city. People can enjoy walking through the Lancaster and Philips Museums of Art located on the campus of Franklin & Marshall College. They can also partake of the Arnold Tanger Arboretum or the North Museum of Natural History and Science.

Nightlife is vibrant with diverse areas of bars and grills serving beers and samples of foods from all corners of the world. The Fulton Opera House, the Chameleon and Village Night Clubs and Rick’s Place offer delightful entertainment for all ages.

The Eating Experience

There is something for every taste and appetite in town. Many locally owned restaurants and cafes can accommodate those that are particular about dining or need just a quick bite, because there are over 90 establishments located here! In addition to the many boutiques and vintage shops, folks can browse while munching on their favorite take along meal.

Things To Do  

Sports and recreational activities abound in Lancaster. Baseball, soccer, field hockey, golf, cycling and a batch of other pleasurable activities are readily abundant for the enthusiast. Lancaster is also home to the second largest Amish population in the world. Why not take a buggy ride and dream about a move to this city and country place?

[ghostlycheesecakefox]

Harrisburg

“Pennsylvania’s Capital City” is situated on the east bank of the Susquehanna River.  This makes Harrisburg, with a population of 49,673, the tenth largest city in the state. Those that choose to move here can expect hot summers and cold winters, with averages of 30 degrees in January and 86 degrees in July. Precipitation is pretty uniformed throughout the year, but July is the wettest month.

The Economy

Harrisburg is the centralized hub of some 400 communities. This diversity lends itself to provide a median household income of $26,920 and $29,556 for a family. Health care is the main industry within a framework of over 45,000 businesses, so there are plenty of jobs available for everyone. Biotechnology is another major enterprise here, and many large corporations are headquartered in the city, such as Hershey Foods, Tyco Electronics and IBM. Government employment offers many positions since this is the capital. Relocating to Harrisburg would be a wise choice.

Shopping, Restaurants and Nightlife

This capital city of Pennsylvania offers a multitude of fine restaurants coupled with novelty and specialty shops as well as major department stores in the downtown area. Beginning in 2001, this downtown area has seen the refurbishment of many nightclubs and bistros that add flavor to this centralized spot forming a crossroad for incoming activity and talent.

Culture, the Arts and Leisure Activities

There are three major performance centers downtown, The Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, the State Capitol Complex and The Forum. Farmers from all over Pennsylvania come to the annual Pennsylvania Farm Show. In 2004, Harrisburg hosted the Cow Parade featured in major cities all over the world displaying international public art and fiberglass sculptures of cows.

Being bisected by the Susquehanna River, the city offers state parks and places within a short drive to explore natural surroundings. Many parks and other sites are within the city and immediate metropolitan area for both pleasure and the learning experience; These include, The Pennsylvania Holocaust Memorial, Fort Hunter Mansion and Park, the State Museum of Pennsylvania, Reservoir Park, the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center and the National Civil War Museum just to name a few. With all of this to see, the prospect of moving to Harrisburg would make for a life thoroughly packed with fun and fulfillment.

Possibilities turn into probabilities for those that choose to come and thrive in “Pennsylvania’s Capital City”. There is plenty of work available here. The culture and places of interest abound. The food and shopping experiences render times full of bargains and culinary treats for the most discriminating tastes and styles. Boating and fishing opportunities are found on the river for days and weeks for both leisure and exercise activities. Why not come to see for yourself?

[ghostlycheesecakefox]

Palo Alto

The “Birthplace of the Silicon Valley” is a title not to be taken lightly. Hewlett-Packard started the trend in 1938 to cause a “Boom” for entrepreneurs relocating to this city of 66,955 residents. Situated in Santa Clara County and bordering San Mateo County, Palo Alto is part of the San Francisco Metropolitan Bay Area.

Economy

The median household income of $126,771 makes Palo Alto, located thirty five miles south of San Francisco and fourteen miles north of San Jose attractive to those desiring to make the move  for the more than 7,000 businesses employing more than 98,000 people. Real Estate may be expensive, but the money made here makes it attainable to buy. Plenty of homes, condos and apartments are available for viewing.

Climate

Average temperatures in January range from 38.5 to 57.4 degrees and in July from 78.4 to 54.9 degrees. This lends itself to a Mediterranean type climate. The fog in the summer rolls in from the west foothills to form a blanket that traps the warm daytime temperatures, making it cozy but not hot.

Life In Palo Alto

A sleepy backwater town before the 1938 business explosion from Hewlett-Packard, Palo Alto boasts a lifestyle Today that rivals those of great metropolitan areas anywhere in the world. Folks who take the plunge to relocate here will enjoy the entrepreneurial vivacity that abounds.

Shopping is a pleasure and a breeze with many vibrant and world-renowned areas to try. Why not explore the Stanford Shopping Center for example? This home of Stanford University attracts dreamers and go-getters alike to envision their hopes for the future.

The Eating Experience

Dining is a delight in this hub for Silicon Valley. Restaurants here rival those of San Francisco for their variety and taste. The downtown district is loaded with the best cuisine from around the globe. Small, intimate cafes are the norm for enjoying meals with customers being seated past 11PM.

Things To Do

Live theater attracts those who appreciate the best in performances on stage, including the much renowned Palo Alto Children’s Theatre. For some, a walk through history to admire the architecture of 19th and early 20th Century neighborhoods is preferred. Other places of interest include a tour of the Stanford University campus where the Cantor Arts Center is located.

Many sporting activities including golf, tennis, paddling and biking can be enjoyed for those who like things a little more active.  For people that prefer to take a seat and watch the games, Stanford University offers many competitive sporting events to suit every taste for excitement.

Taking the lead to promote entrepreneurial success for those that thrive in an atmosphere of fun and accomplishment brings out the best in people willing to make a start here in Palo Alto. The economy, the climate, the life, the food and the things to do all come together to form a perfect whole. Hope reigns supreme here in this Silicon Valley oasis.

[ghostlycheesecakefox]

Finding the Best Schools for Your Kids

The search for the right school which fulfills the needs of the wide range of differences between children is never an easy undertaking for parents. There are many variables to consider before a choice is made that will satisfy both parties involved. This process needs to be examined seriously and realistically in order to present the best possible decision.

The Scene Today

The No Child Left Behind enactment of 2001 increased possibilities for options of types of schools offered depending on the various parameters set down by different states’ guidelines. For instance, many states enacted tax credit and scholarship programs enabling students to attend private schools. The charter school movement has grown to provide alternative means for education to consider. Low-income students can take advantage of the expansion of privately funded scholarship programs. Finally, homeschooling has increasingly become a viable source of instruction for parents who would rather design curriculums themselves.

Selection of a school can be exercised in many different ways. Parents can decide where to live based on the reputation of the school district or neighborhood schools. Many communities offer opportunities to attend public, charter and private, whether secular or religious, schools or parents can home teach. Some prefer to transfer their children to schools outside of the district. Parents and children should make an effort to visit schools to gather information and to get an idea of whether that school fits the needs of both.

The Choices Out There

Only the parents truly know what makes their children respond and grow from the educational experience. Only the parents have the utmost consideration for their children’s welfare and treatment by educational professionals and other students. The values of the family are reflected in the choices parents make and how schools carry out fair assessments of their children’s abilities. Parents should follow information attained and gut instincts felt about schools visited. Leave no stone unturned.

Neighborhood public schools offer ease of transportation to and from the facility, work with classmates on group projects and provide the opportunity to visit friends. There are specialized public schools out there that concentrate on particular curriculums, such as math, science or art. Charter schools offer freedom from local and state regulations which promote more flexibility in the approach to teaching. Private institutions may insist on dress codes for uniformed discipline and more exacting academic standards. Home schooling enables the parents to structure a program custom made for their children’s particular needs.

Children’s Needs

Writing down five things that are important for the best possible educational outcome for children is a good way to format an approach to make a decision. List them, revise them and study them until satisfied:

1._________

2._________

3._________

4._________

5._________

Many things come into consideration. Parents should try to access whether their children need more structure, less structure, more extra help, less interference, a more creative environment, a more structured environment, etc. Do children have special needs or do they require advanced placement? How do the children learn, by listening, seeing, doing? Do the children work best in groups, or would more independent study suit their personalities? Needs of the children and requirements of the various institutions are all part of the selection processes.

Research and Develop

When the time has arrived to chart a course for action, when all of the research has been culminated into a well examined package and the parents, as well as the children, have come to a mutually acceptable agreement on what to expect, then commit to setting up a plan to execute. Do not hesitate and vacillate with the decision. Figure out how the children will get to school, what to wear, how to respond to emergency situations, etc. It is vital that parents and children do their homework to make the best possible choices for the best schools available for their kids.