I'm in NW Philly and it's a goal of mine to make it to the Wissahickon when it's snowing sometime this year! I'll have to time it right so that the roads are safe to drive on and the snow is coming down heavy enough so that it's sticking but not so heavy that I'll have a hard time getting around. But I always experience that god-I'm-so-small sense of awe when I'm there and I'm sure the snow would only dial it up. I wouldn't be happy living in a rural environment year round, but the hushed quality of snow makes me appreciate the unique quality of stillness that you only get when it feels like there's no one else around.

As a small digression, I'm convinced that so many people hate winter only because our culture deemphasizes and devalues anything to do with slowing down. Winter should be a time of rest, recovery, taking stock, looking ahead. Of course people hate it when we're being forced to go go go at any costs when it feels so counterintuitive to this time of the year. (I mean, capitalism is still a problem in the summer; I just think that messaging makes winter in particular a difficult time to deal with.)

I'm with you! The world feels hushed and suspended in time for a brief moment. Everything looks magical. Winter is my favorite season and snow my favorite weather.

It's worth looking into! Maybe the area is swinging more blue these days. Otherwise, if you want a left area that (I think) is close to the Poconos/wooded areas, check out Jim Thorpe (the name of a town) and thereabouts!

I can imagine! It's obviously like comparing apples to oranges, PA to Hawaii, but the Poconos are a stunning area. A member of my extended family had a cabin there when I was a kid that we'd get to go to from time to time and those are my favorite childhood memories, running around in the forest. I haven't gone back yet as an adult so I don't know what the schools/local resources/culture is like there (though I do think it tends to lean more Republican there, if that's a pro or con for you) but it's a beautiful neck of the Pennsylvania woods.

I've lived in Lancaster and Philly (which is where I am currently). I adore both. Lancaster is an amazing small city (feels more like a big town) with beautiful buildings, artsy feel, unparalleled food market, and proximity to parks. I'd still be living there if there were enough job prospects for me (I do something relatively niche so don't let that deter you). That being said, I'm incredibly happy in Philly as well, and my partner and I bought a home here so we're settling in for the long haul. The greater Philly area has a lot to offer as far as variability depending on what you're looking for- you can obviously have a very urban feel if that's what you're after by living closer to center city, but there are some amazing suburbs with easy access downtown too if you want the best of both worlds. We absolutely love our neighborhood. We don't have kids yet though, so I can't give you too much advice there. Some of the public schools in Philly are top notch, and there's many charter and private options, if you prefer that and can afford it.

I'm also someone who moved to PA in adulthood and am never looking back. Pennsylvania is such a beautiful state with unparalleled scenery and cities/towns and I fall more in love with it here every year. Plus we have the longest fall foliage season of any other state!