Shamokin Dangers (Scranton, Harrisburg, Bloomsburg: real estate, rent, crime)

[ivanhoe1966]

I have been doing a bit of research on the area prior to my relocation. It seems there is quite a lot of organized crime as a result of the mining industry. I am seeing record of rampant theft and murder surrounding the transaction of coal and materials for steel manufacture. One article mentioned the county is the most dangerous in the States. This has come as quite a shock to me as I have been told that the people are very religious. Is safety a concern in Shamokin?

Cheers.

[jtab4994]

You must be talking about the Molly Maguires. Most people think they disbanded after the mass public executions in the 19th century, however there is a small but very tenacious group that adheres to the old ways. I'm surprised you were able to find out about them. Locals don't like to talk about them -- for obvious reasons.

Personal safety would only be a concern if you tried to open a bootleg coal mine or somehow encroach on the steel barons' turf. But you aren't... are you?

[PAhippo]

When are you planning to move? If you've said I don't remember.

[ivanhoe1966]

Originally Posted by PAhippo

When are you planning to move? If you've said I don't remember.

I had planned to relocate early the week after next. There are some lingering issues such as confirming transport from Harrisburg, as well as securing a hairdresser and assuring the protection of my merchandise as it is unknown as to whether it shall arrive before I do. Seeing that crime is all but uncommon in Shamokin, this is of great concern. Perhaps I shall need to notify my daughter that I will be relocating as to obtain her assistance in the matter.

[Chefkey]

What made you choose Shamokin? It's a bit out of the way and a bit backwoods. You'd be better off looking for a place in slightly bigger city such as Scranton or Wilkes Barre. Then rent for a while and check out places like Shamokin before you settle there. You might find it downright boring more than dangerous.

[Chefkey]

Other towns you could try that are a bit closer to Shamokin but more built up are Bloomsburg and Berwick. Bloomsburg would actually be a really nice choice for you now that I think about it. You'd get more business for hairdressers there that's for sure.

[jtab4994]

Originally Posted by Chefkey

Other towns you could try that are a bit closer to Shamokin but more built up are Bloomsburg and Berwick. Bloomsburg would actually be a really nice choice for you now that I think about it. You'd get more business for hairdressers there that's for sure.

I don't want to speak for the OP, but Bloomsburg seems like it doesn't have the level of post-industrial decrepitude he's looking for. Besides, he stated that he's already purchased a house in Shamokin for "under $25,000" and thinks it was a great deal. His daughter lives in Shamokin and is presumably acting as Shamokin sherpa, and evidently underscores that there are great real estate bargains to be had. [pops popcorn and awaits return of the OP]

[GraniteStater]

The only dangerous part is spending too much time at the Dunkin Donuts there.

[2nd trick op]

Originally Posted by Chefkey

Other towns you could try that are a bit closer to Shamokin but more built up are Bloomsburg and Berwick. Bloomsburg would actually be a really nice choice for you now that I think about it. You'd get more business for hairdressers there that's for sure.

I'd also add Danville, Lewisburg and Selinsgrove to that list; all three of them have institutions (colleges and a regional hospital) which tend to attract the upwardly-mobile, and make for a more-stimulating culture.

I'd "downplay" Sunbury for pretty much the same reasons as Shamokin -- it's an "older" community with fewer and lesser prospects for growth and personal enrichment.

But I wouldn't turn my back on any of these communities.

[Chester Burnett]

Yeah, my top priority when relocating is securing a good hairdresser.