Any thoughts on Berks County for building a retirement home

[GrumpyOldRetiree]

Current NJ resident here, looking to escape to America. I've been internet shopping for property in PA to build a home to retire to. I'd appreciate if any Berks County resident can share their thoughts on issues that might affect my choice of where to buy. Anything from property taxes, quality-of-life (crime), environmental risks (air, water contamination, fracking, flooding...etc) and generally, are you happy with the area you live in. I am a regular sports shooter (pistol, rifle & shotgun) so that is a consideration, but also, I need decent access to medical care, restaurants, shopping and things of that nature. Any feedback appreciated. Again...I'm looking to escape New Jersey, not bring it with me.

[loknload]

Berks County is a good area, good medical coverage, shopping and restaurants are good. Things are good as long as you stay away from the city which they are trying to clean up. I really don't think crime is worse here than anywhere else.
Property taxes and school taxes are an issue. The school taxes can be high depending on what district you move into. There is an initiative currently to abolish the school taxes but the state politicos keep ignoring it.
I was raised in Berks so I've seen all the good with the bad but I still think Berks is a pretty good place to be.
Hope this helps
Oh, and there are a lot of good gun ranges and shops in the area.
Hope this helps.....

[gghbi]

Check out these threads:

http://forum.pafoa.org/showthread.php?t=264323

http://forum.pafoa.org/showthread.php?t=300521

I am sure more will be along shortly.

Wilkommen!

[bamboomaster]

Look around Mohnton, PA. Has a good feel to it...also meets your requirements in every category.

[Daycrawler]

I'll send you a PM in just a few minutes.

[Gunowner99]

Yup, Mohnton or South Heidelberg. Stay out of the freaking toilet that is Reading.

[jakebrake]

Yup, Mohnton or South Heidelberg. Stay out of the freaking toilet that is Reading.

ayup.

wouldn't Bernville also meet said criteria?

[Mitch10mm]

Palmyra is booming

[xotech]

Cumru Township (next to Mohnton) is great too.

[jw34]

Most of Berks is excellent. Just avoid the city. Draw a circle around the city, increase the radius by 5 miles, then look outside of that and you'll be fine.
Good gun ranges all over, and most of the county police departments are level-headed.

School taxes can be a real PITA. And vary greatly by district.