Picket Fences and Public Transportation

Thanks to this homage to being local by Mrs. S., I found a little bit of fodder for a post, on this uninspiring end-of-winter duldrum day. :-)

I've mentioned before how many times I've moved (see #11), and in some ways I knew that our current location probably wouldn't last. Consequently I've never felt entirely settled. We moved out of downtown State College and into Bellefonte for a number of reasons, namely oil prices coupled with crappy old windows, and traffic, since we lived on the busiest street in town.

I think I've come to the realization that despite the country girl upbringing, I'm also a little bit rock n' roll. I mean, city. Or at least bigger town. More than a cul de sac, anyway.

Of course, anyone who knows where I'm talking about knows that State College isn't considered a city. It's a Borough. In a "Commonwealth", not a State. The permanent population of State College local residents (a 2003 estimate) is around 39,000. But when you consider that the population doubles nine months out of the year due to the 40,000 students that take up residence, you understand that it often feels like a city. At least in the traffic/restaurant selections/number of bars vs. churches sort of way.

Enough with the demographics lesson.

Point is, Bellefonte, though only 15 minutes away, is so disconnected from State College that it really is it's own world. It has a few bars, but only one that requires that you have all your teeth. It has a few restaurants, but only one "chain" (Dairy Queen) and no McDonald's. It has it's own culture, which is equally half wealthy old Victorian homeowners and business people, and half rednecks with screaming children or barking dogs who throw footballs in the street and fight drunk at 3:00 in the morning. There is literally a street that divides these two cultures. A taxi to State College costs around $20 one way, and the bus only runs till early evening and takes about 1 1/2 hours to make it there. So you can see, perhaps, why I want to move back.

Sorry, I'm just trying to give you background here.

Bellefonte would be fine if I was retired. But not now, for me anyway. I guess the things I like about State College are the things that every town or city has, but the difference is that despite it's population and resources, it is surrounded by mountains and beautiful valleys, and you are never more than a 5-10 minute drive from secluded hiking and camping grounds and fresh air.

So what I'm saying is, if the plan works out (and the new job, as well), it looks as though we'll be moving again soon. I just want to live on the bus route (the one that will only take 10 or 15 minutes, that is), and the bike routes as well (you never have to drive in the State College area if you don't want to). I want to have enough of a patch of grass to set up the grill and tie the dog out, while having the ability to go out in town and make it home quickly and safely.

And, Mrs. S., the great thing about State College is that, despite the hustle and bustle, it still feels "local". Because the longer you live here, the more recognizable many local faces get, and you see that sometimes, it doesn't have to be a tiny town to feel comfortable.

Though I could definitly go for some homemade pizza. It's better that way, no matter where you are. :-)