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Allemaengel t1_j82b6f6 wrote

I grew up and still live not that far from there and yes, Pottsville looks better than it used to in the 1970s and 1980s. So for some people it's going to be intriguing due to it's affordability.

However, I think at least a minor concern is that if Dad has any kind of major medical emergency, he's not likely to get too-quality medical care super quick there compared to what you might be used to in NJ.

Also the housing is cheap because a lot of it's basically hundred-plus year old miner housing with rickety frame construction, several layers of crappy siding put on over the years, crumbling foundations, outdated electrical, bad plumbing/HVAC, asbestos, old roof, etc.

The Skook's gonna Skook, lol.

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Mfees t1_j82gnsg wrote

The old Pottsville hospital is now run by LVHN and it’s improved. Also a new hospital on 61 by orwigburg is Geisinger St. Luke’s partnership.

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Allemaengel t1_j82hpxq wrote

I know about those and you're right - that's all true.

What I meant was regarding high-quality geriatric emergency care for an elderly person being moved into a town by out-of-state relatives with no family or friends in the area. They're living alone and in the event of a major medical crisis, having to be transported to the LVH or St. Luke's in the Lehigh Valley, etc.

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IamSauerKraut t1_j86d0j1 wrote

>What I meant was regarding high-quality geriatric emergency care for an elderly person

Pottsville Hospital does not care where he moved from. They will provide the care he needs. Lots of old people in that part of Skook.

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travelresearch OP t1_j82d1mg wrote

Thank you. Healthcare is definitely important. But the mining info is also very interesting!

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Allemaengel t1_j82esd6 wrote

If buying a house there, do due diligence on its age, quality of original construction and any subsequent renovations. Get a good home inspector. A lot of Coal Region towns have poorly-documented abandoned 19th century coal mine tunnels under them which as the timbers collapse can cause subsidence so proper insurance is important.

If renting, make sure it's maintained to safe standards by a reputable local landlord. Plenty of instances of our-of-town or out-of-state slumlords out there.

Finally pay attention to the immediate neighbors and the condition of their properties. Often fires break out and due to poor construction practices and non-existent fire code back in the day, an entire row of houses can go up just like that.

None of this is meant to scare you out of doing this but not many people move INTO the Coal Region. Traditionally, people like my great-grandfather have always tried to get OUT, lol.

Good luck with your Dad.

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Jtk317 t1_j85rzw7 wrote

Lehigh Valley Health has a hospital nearby and so does Geisinger-St Luke's in Orwigsburg. Additionally there are multiple family practice clinics that are used to catering to geriatric patients. Healthcare availability has improved in that area outside of urgent care. I work for Geisinger and we had to close our UC and the MedExpress that was there closed awhile back too.

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Catvac-u-um_adnase t1_j849c9b wrote

Look up the property tax and county tax. My brother moved to a few places in Pennsylvania that seemed to be cheap until utilities and taxes factored in. Lookup the county website and find the tax collector.

Electricity prices has really gone up in the state.

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