Pennsylvania

[Anthony Favoroso]

First time investor here looking to invest in affordable duplex's in Pennsylvania. Does anyone know of any good cities to start out in that's somewhat close to New York City ? I live on Long Island and are looking to get my feet wet this spring. Thanks

[Paul Weber]

As a former New Yorker who was a realtor in both NY and PA (Orange Co, NY and NEPA) I learned a lot about North Eastern PA which includes the Pocono Mtns and Scranton-Wilkes Barre area. The Pocono area including Stroudsburg is made up heavily of former and present New Yorkers. The Poconos are are full of private communities some being gated. This is along the I-80 corridor and up around Milford. Along the I-78 corridor is Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton. The best location for market size and rental prospects would be Between Allentown and the north side of I- 276 due to proximity to both Allentown and Philadelphia. For lower purchase price Scranton and Wilkes Barre have the edge. The best resale value in that area would probably be Clarks Summit. The colleges in NEPA are: Stroudsburg U, Kings Coll and Wilkes in Wilkes Barre, Keystone in Dalton (near Clarks Summit) and in Scranton there is Univ of Scranton, Marywood and a branch of Penn State.

In regard to the Poconos there is an abundance of single family opportunities in the private communities but also HOA dues and extra due dilligence to understand each community.

That is a tour of a small piece of PA. I hope it helps.