Real Estate Directory - Pennsylvania

Population: 12,365,455 (all 2003 figures)
Capital city/population: Harrisburg 48,322
Largest cities/population:

Philadelphia - 1,479,339
Pittsburgh - 325,337
Allentown - 105,958
Erie - 101,373

Pennsylvania is the 33rd largest state, with a total area of 46,058 square miles. The climate varies according to region, with the northern area being the coolest due to elevation and latitude. The southeast is the warmest region, where summers are humid and winters are mild. Temperatures range from 25ºF - 76ºF. Pennsylvania achieved statehood on December 12, 1787. Philadelphia is home to the Liberty Bell, and in June, 1778, a 700-wagon caravan escorted the bell on its return to Philadelphia from Allentown along Towamencin’s Allentown Road. Nine months earlier, the bell had been rushed into hiding along the same route when British troops threatened the city.

HOUSING

Philadelphia – The housing market is strong in this city, with properties moving soon after being listed. Condominiums and townhouses are popular, selling for a median price of $500,000; their values have been holding strong for a long time. The market is leaning toward home sellers, with investors encouraged by the low interest rates. The city has over 315,000 housing units, with an average home price of $78,761, and a median rental unit rate of $389.

Pittsburgh – There is a steady 3% - 5% growth in the housing market. Many properties are available, from single-family homes to new construction homes. Average home price in this city is $115,747. Rental units are renting for an average of $342. Despite its size, Pittsburgh has many small neighborhoods, local parks, and ethnic restaurants that lend it a “small town” feel. There are also many cultural events, as well as a strong school system.

Allentown – This town is holding its own in the real estate market. Home buyers who plan on remaining in their home for a longer period of time can realize larger gains due to the strong market. Average price of a single-family home is $249,100, which is approximately 20% above the national average.

Erie – Average price for a single-family home is $109,705, with most of the homes in the city being owner-occupied. Home prices range up to $475,000. This city has a great location on Lake Erie and is home to many arts and cultural events, as well as great museums and attractions along the lakeshore. It’s a great place to live!

BUSINESS/ECONOMY

Principal industries include steel, travel/tourism, biotechnology, apparel, and agribusiness. Manufactured goods include metals, foods, fabricated metal products, non-electrical machinery, printing/publishing, and stone/clay/glass products. Crops include corn, hay, mushrooms, apples, potatoes, winter wheat, oats, vegetables, tobacco, and grapes. Total gross state product for 1999 was $383 billion, with a per capita income for 2000 of $29,539.

SCHOOLS

The Pennsylvania Department of Education has created the “No Child Left Behind – Blue Ribbon Program” to honor public and private K-12 schools that are academically superior or that demonstrate great gains in student achievement. These schools must have at least 40% of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds who dramatically improve their performance, and score in the top 10% on state assessments. In 2005, ten schools were awarded the Blue Ribbon.

In the public sector, student-teacher ratio for 1994 was 17:1, with an average teachers’ salary for 1995 of $46,916.

Institutions of higher learning include Villanova University, Lehigh University - Bethlehem, University of Scranton, Gannon University - Erie, Bucknell University - Lewisburg, Wilkes College - Wilkes-Barre, Franklin and Marshall College - Lancaster, Westminster College - New Wilmington, Grove City College, Gettysburg College, Lafayette College - Easton, and Muhlenberg College - Allentown. Pennsylvania is also the site of Geneva College - Beaver Falls, Marywood College - Scranton, Moravian College - Bethlehem, Allegheny College - Meadville, Dickinson College - Carlisle, Bryn Mawr College, and Haverford College - Haverford.

HISTORY

William Penn was granted proprietary rights to the majority of Pennsylvania in 1681. Penn, who viewed the colony as a holy experiment, directed his advisors to establish a government, and sent commissioners to plot Philadelphia. Due to the constitution Penn created, Pennsylvania became the most liberal colony. Religions freedom was granted, a humane law system was enacted, and the emancipation of slaves was encouraged.

After Penn’s death, settlement in the west was thwarted by unrest among Native American tribes, who were resentful over unlawful encroachment of their land.

For many years, during and after the American Revolution, Philadelphia was the nation’s leading city. It hosted the First and Second Continental Congresses, was the scene of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and was the seat of the new federal government.

After the Civil War, the state developed a strong industrial base in which industries were supported by high protective tariffs. Steel became the primary industry, using iron ore and coal. Fights broke out between mine owners and continued until government intervention settled the serious issues.

The state’s population has grown slowly since World War II, when it was the second largest state in the union.

In 1979, the Three Mile Island nuclear facility near Harrisburg experienced a partial meltdown. After losing thousands of manufacturing jobs in the 1980s, a move to the service sector was made. Available jobs in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry have grown tremendously since then.

RELIGION (2004)

Christian – 83%

Protestant – 55%

Methodist – 10%
Baptist – 10%
Lutheran – 9%
Presbyterian – 5%
United Church of Christ – 2%
Amish/Pietist – 1%
Other Protestant or general Protestant – 18%

Roman Catholic – 27%
Other Christian – 1%

Jewish (religious only) – 2%
Other Religions – 2%
Non-Religious – 13%

DEMOGRAPHICS (2004)

White - 84.1%
Black - 10.0%
Hispanic - 3.2%
Asian - 1.8%
Native American - 0.1%
Mixed race - 1.2%