11 Things to Know When Moving to Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a state in the mid-Atlantic, Appalachian, and Northeastern regions of the United States. This state is also known as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. From its major cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg to its chocolate factories and forests, there are a lot of things Pennsylvania is popular for. Moving to Pennsylvania will offer you a high quality of life, job opportunities and affordable living. In addition to this, Pennsylvania has some of the best colleges and universities in the country. So, if you are considering moving to Pennsylvania, there are several things you need to know and prepare. Here are 11 things you need to know before moving to Pennsylvania.
What to Know Before your Move to Pennsylvania
1. Before you Arrive in Pennsylvania
Find a reliable moving company, truck rental or moving container
For your move to Pennsylvania, you will need to hire a reliable moving company or take on the move yourself. To find the best moving company in Pennsylvania, look for good reviews, a professional-looking website, and years of experience.
Planning a move to Pennsylvania? Have a look at our selection of:
Forward your mail
If you are moving to Pennsylvania permanently and you receive a lot of mail (excluding packages), you may want to sign up with USPS’s mail forwarding service. Mail forwarding will allow your mail to be redirected to the right address for a given period of time. The fee for regular mail forwarding is only a little over a dollar for 6 months. If you want to extend the service, you will have to pay around $20 for 6 months more. You can begin your mail forwarding process by signing up on USPS’s website or directly at your local Post Office.
Sell or donate the items you won’t need in Pennsylvania
The weather of Pennsylvania can be very unpredictable. You might want to pack your summer shorts as well as your jackets with you. If you’re moving to Pennsylvania, selling the items you won’t need will go a long way in making your move easier. Pick out the items that will not be useful for you in Pennsylvania, then decide if you want to sell them on websites like Craigslist or Facebook MarketPlace or donate them to a non-profit organization.
2. What are the First Steps to Take When Arriving in Pennsylvania?
Change your address
Along with mail forwarding, you will also have to update your new address with the concerned authorities in Pennsylvania like the DMV. To exercise your right to vote in Pennsylvania, you can register to vote online, by phone, by mail or in person. To register by mail, you need to fill out the Change of Address (Form MV-63). To register in person, you can fill out the same form and submit it to the DMV Office. You can also register to vote in Pennsylvania. Registration can be done online, by mail or in person. Make sure that you are registered to vote in Pennsylvania at least 15 days before the elections. You should also change your address with your employer, bank, doctor, insurer, and service providers so that you can avoid any complications further down the road.
Exchange your driver’s license
Once you move to Pennsylvania and establish residency, you must transfer your out-of-state driver’s license within 60 days. In order to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license, you’ll need to visit a PennDOT driver’s license center in person and submit a completed Application for Pennsylvania Non-Commercial Driver’s License by Out-of-State Non-CDL Driver (Form DL-180R). To get the complete list of documents required, you can see PennDOT’s Identification and Residency Requirements for U.S. Citizens. Your Pennsylvania driver’s license will be valid for 4 years.
Register your vehicle
If you have just moved to Pennsylvania, you’ll have to register your out-of-state vehicle within 20 days. Failure to do so might result in penalties and additional charges. Register your vehicle in person at a PennDOT office. You will have to submit a proof of insurance, vehicle title and VIN Verification. You will need to complete an Application for Certificate of Title (Form MV-1) at the PennDOT office. You can visit the Car Registration Page to check out all the documentation requirements and details.
Consider getting health insurance
Getting health insurance is an excellent way to get peace of mind when it comes to your health. With health insurance, you will not have to worry about spending a ton of money in case of a health-related emergency. Healthcare is regulated by the state in the US and so the state of Pennsylvania proposes a website to help you with your health insurance search. Simply choose Pennsylvania as your state and create an account.
Consider getting home insurance
Getting home insurance is essential, whichever state you’re living in. It is a kind of financial protection that will cover for your expenses in case of an unexpected event or a natural disaster. Some common natural disasters in Pennsylvania include floods, severe storms, tropical storms, tornadoes, winter storms, wildfires, landslides, and earthquakes. Therefore, getting home insurance is a must.
3. Best Places to Live in Pennsylvania
If you are a couple, you might want to consider living in Chesterbrook. Chesterbrook offers residents a suburban feel. It offers good housing, thriving nightlife, some high rated public schools, coffee shops, bars, parks, and many restaurants.
If you are a family, you might want to consider Penn Wynne. It has some highly rated schools, and it is considered to be a good place for raising a family.
If you are single, you should consider moving to Philadelphia. Philly is home to the University of Pennsylvania and offers some of the best outdoor activities. It provides affordable housing, good job opportunities and some of the best restaurants, coffee shops and bars.
4. Housing and Renting in Pennsylvania
How to find an apartment in Pennsylvania?
If you are looking for an apartment for rent in Pennsylvania, these websites will help you out.
How to find a house in Pennsylvania?
5. How to Set Up Utilities in Pennsylvania?
Electricity, water, and gas in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission works to ensure that consumers are provided with accessible, safe and reliable electric, pipelines, natural gas, motor carrier, telecommunication, rail, water and wastewater service at reasonable rates.
You can visit their website and compare rates, search for electricity, water and gas providers, and even reach out to them if you have any inquiry. The website includes all the forms, FAQs, rules and regulations and price comparisons, the purpose of which is to keep the customers well informed regarding the services they are getting from the utility providers.
Internet and cell phone in Pennsylvania
Getting a reliable internet service provider is what everyone desires. The state of Pennsylvania has 63 internet providers and is the 16th most connected state in the USA. 99% of Pennsylvania residents have access to 25 MBPS internet service. Internet providers in Pennsylvania offer a wide range of prices, speed and connection types. When it comes to a high-speed internet connection, there is a wide variety of options to choose from in Pennsylvania, including cable, DSL, Fiber and Satellite. The best internet providers in Pennsylvania will have bundling options, various speeds, and multiple package options at reasonable prices.