Amish country vs. Lake country: A pictorial comparison (1 of 3)

I've been observing and pondering the similarities and differences of where we've lived the majority of our lives, southeastern Pennsylvania, and where we are now, Central New York.  One very clear difference is population density.  In Lancaster County, our home from 1999 to 2012, there are about 550 people per square mile.  In Cortland County, our current residence, there are only about 98 people per square mile - Wow!  That's quite a  difference!

I'm not going to bore you with a bunch of statistics, however, I just want to share a few of my personal thoughts and a pictorial comparison over my next few posts, just for the fun of it!  You'll get a feel for our background, and hopefully, enjoy this little walk down memory lane with me...

The first thing that most folks think of when you say "Lancaster County, PA" is the large, thriving Amish community.

 Career choices led us to move from Chester County to neighboring Lancaster County in 1999, where we spent the next 13+ years living on four different farms.  And, each time we had the pleasure of having Amish neighbors.  Unique folks!  We always enjoyed talking with them, trading eggs for fresh garden veggies, and occasionally providing transportation to the farm store or the grocery store. We purchased products from-, and sold products to- our Amish neighbors.  As part of the agricultural community, Don "did business" with Amish and Mennonite folks very regularly!

This is a very common sight where we are from. One learns to drive accordingly.  One also learns to watch out for "road apples"......aka. horse poop!

Lancaster County residents always know when a driver is NOT from the area - they slow way down...even though the buggy is still 20 yards away.  Then, they hesitantly creep up behind the buggy. Next, ever so carefully and slowly, they inch over into the opposite lane in order to "sneak" around it in an effort not to scare the horse... thereby making the horse even more nervous. As the Amish driver hauls back on the reins to keep his horse from spooking, the tourist tries to snap a picture!  All of my Pennsylvania friends are chuckling right now, I bet.....

Given the population density of Lancaster County, there isn't much open wilderness.  That is part of the charm and lore of Central NY.

This is what you are more likely to see while driving around our current home.  The forests up here are gorgeous!

 We live approximately 1400 feet above sea level.  At our previous home we were about 590 feet above sea level.  A considerable difference for us!

That's Don and Mac behind the waterfall!

We do enjoy the long, clear views that are easy to find, the variety of trees, native plants and wildlife...

                                                                                                                                                                  And, the beautiful state parks that offer so much natural beauty.  For a family that enjoys hiking and trail riding, this area is a dream location!  We've been blessed with great friends who also enjoy hiking and have lived up here for quite a few years.  They've been giving us personal tours of the prettiest places in Central NY this past year!

While Lancaster County is very dear to my heart, and I miss it and the folks that live there, Central NY is growing on me more and more.  I love the serenity of the woods, the magnificent lakes, the quaint towns, and I am developing a heart for my new community.


I have so many beautiful photos to share from both locations, so stay tuned for more comparisons!