Southeastern Pennsylvania Town Ranked a Top Place to Live
Do you like where you live? Are you thinking about making a move? The people over at money.com have put out their annual list of top 50 places to live…
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Getty Royalty FreeDo you like where you live? Are you thinking about making a move? The people over at money.com have put out their annual list of top 50 places to live and a local town cracked the top 25. I believe this town has been voted a top place to live multiple times. So if a ranking like this is in your search criteria for a new home take a look at Abington Township, PA.
Abington, Pennsylvania gets ranked # 24 out of the top 50 places to live in the United States. Abington has a population of around 56,000 people, and median home prices at $367,000. There are plenty of things for kids to do, as well as a whole bunch of small businesses for people to frequent. It's an easy ride into the city for nights out, or venture down for a sporting event.
The 4 spots to get to the top 20 in front of Abington are:
23. Hillsboro, Oregon
22. San Diego, California (who doesn't love 75 and sunny 365 days a year)
21. Franklin, Tennessee
20. Rockville, Maryland.
If you like heat and/or humidity, then the top 2 spots on the top ranked places to live are for you
2. Tempe, Arizona - Summers will be hot, but comfortable winters in the mid 60's. If you're a college student who is telling your parents you are definitely looking for academics and in no way want to party your face off, then Tempe is a place for you. Located in Tempe is Arizona State University, a school that is a perennial top party school.
1. Atlanta, Georgia - Atlanta is considered a great city to live and work in. It has a few downfalls, like the humidity in the summer and the fact that the Braves are the city's baseball team. Positives are you're only an hour and 20 minutes away from great SEC football in Athens at the University of Georgia. Another being that you're only 2 1/2 hours from Augusta, so if you can score Master's tickets it's a ridiculously easy trip.
Pennsylvania Laws Going Into Effect on January 1, 2024
It's almost a New Year, and that means it's time to make those New Year's Resolutions and start looking to the future. It's also time to look at what new laws will be going into effect in Pennsylvania. Now, it's worth noting that not all new laws always go into effect on Jan. 1. Throughout the year, plenty of new laws have snuck their way into our lives. But, most major new laws do seem to roll out on Jan. 1, and this year is no exception.
There's one law that isn't changing this year, which I'm going to address, because people often ask about it. The minimum wage will remain at its rate of $7.25 in Pennsylvania, as no change from 2023 has been announced. According to Paycor.com, "While some states are on a schedule for annual increases to eventually reach $15 an hour, others still adhere to the federal minimum. Although the current federal minimum wage of $7.25 has not budged since 2009, more than 20 states have provided additional increases in 2024." Meanwhile, more than 20 states have announced minimum wage increases for 2024. In the majority of these states, the minimum wage is scheduled to increase on Jan. 1, 2024.
Two nearby states have actually passed legislation to reach a $15 minimum wage between 2025 and 2026. Those states are Delaware (2025) and New Jersey (2024). Other states that have passed legislation for a $15 minimum wage include Florida (2026), Illinois (2025), Maryland (2025), New York state (2025) and Rhode Island (2025). Also, according to Paycor.com, "The state with the highest minimum wage in 2024 is Washington, at $16.28. If Washington, D.C. were a state, it would have the highest minimum wage at $17.00."
Enough about the minimum wage. Let's get to the laws that are changing in Pennsylvania in 2024. We have five of them. Depending on your lifestyle, these could directly impact you, so read on to ensure you're staying legal.
Pennsylvania Laws Going Into Effect on January 1, 2024:
Preferred Organic Program Trademark
I love a good local farm, especially when it comes to their fresh food. This bill helps farmers identify which items are from them grocery stores. Items that have the PA Preferred Organic brand "will give consumers confidence they are getting a quality product that meets the high standards they expect."
Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force
Ever been in a flood? This bill is for you. Well, if you have a future flood, at least. This bill will help homeowners obtain flood insurance, which is mandatory by the state.
Enforcement of Failure to Stop for School Bus With Flashing Red Lights, Imposing a Penalty and Editorial Change
Keep those kiddies safe. This bill will "extend and revamp the school bus stop arm automated enforcement program." It's all in an effort for increased safety.
Military Personnel - Residency Status for Students
This one helps our beloved military. This bill gives limited residency to people stationed at a military outpost in Pennsylvania.
Dog Law - Omnibus Amendments
Dog lovers, unite. This bill changes to the state dog law. For those who want a dog, this new bill alters how licenses are issued, kennel rules and penalties against violators. Keep those dogs safe.
