I am thinking of retiring in Pennsylvania. Would Jim Thorpe be a good place to retire?

I stumbled upon your question and ironically I live in Jim Thorpe and have been a carbon county resident my entire life. Grew up in neighboring Nesquehoning, had an apartment on Race street in JT and currently live in Penn Forest Township (part of JT). If you're looking for peace and quiet, possibly the outskirts of town or across the bridge would be best. Certainly do not want to live near the courthouse or any where on broadway for that matter. Like the previous commentor said, too many tourists for a tiny town. If you don't mind the cold and snow, you're much better off living up the mountain. It's just a few miles out of town on 903 North. The cost of living is relatively cheap, there's tons of acreage for sale and its quiet. Very quiet. So I hope you don't mind driving for everything. Need milk? Gotta drive. Need diapers? Gotta drive. At least five miles. Get my drift?

I like Jim Thorpe.

But, how do you feel about snow?

I have lived in PA and Maine.

Both have snow.

I lived in SF, 29 Palms, and now LA.

No snow.

I'm tired of snow.

When I retire, there will be no snow.

No. No. No.

Jim Thorpe used to be a lovely town. However, the tourists have taken over.

As far as taxes go, real estate taxes are lower in Pennsylvania than in New Jersey. But they are much higher in Carbon and Monroe counties than the rest of the state to build the infrastructure for all the other people who thought it would be a good idea to move to Pennsylvania. And Pennsylvania has taxes that you haven't considered because you have never even heard of them. You aren't considering Earned Income Tax (which is in addition to the state income tax) or Per Capita Tax. Also if you plan on working, plan on making much less than you do in New Jersey.

I wanted to go north to New England (am in NJ now) but they say that taxes are less in PA. I have been to Jim Thorpe, liked it, found it very pretty, and as far as affordability it seems ok. Does anyone here know about living there, or know others that do, and would this make a good choice as far as retirement goes? Thanks.