Hi all,

I'm a retiree hoping to escape New Jersey in the next few years (waiting for wife to retire). I've been researching moving to PA and have been taking day trips to the eastern counties (Bucks, Chester, Berks, etc.) but the property taxes don't look all that much better then where I am now. I don't want to be chased out of my own home because I can't afford the taxes. So my search has shifted a little further west. I was hoping the members here can give me some background info on Northumberland, such as: desirable/undesirable places to live. I am more leaning toward buying between 7 to 10 acres and building a house on it. I'm interested in the property tax situation, water/air quality (don't want to build over a reclaimed strip mine or the like), proximity to emergency services (e.g. decent hospitals) and exposure to weather disasters (e.g. flooding). Also looking for an area that tolerates the shooting sports. Any insight would be appreciated. Don't worry...I'm looking to escape Jersey socialism, not spread it!