Building a Home: Budgeting in Rural PA

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers on budgeting for living in a rural area in Pennsylvania, specifically regarding television and internet service options. Participants share their experiences and challenges with different service providers in rural settings.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, discusses the need to budget for a mortgage and is seeking affordable TV and internet options in rural PA.
  • Another participant mentions that in their area, Comcast is the primary cable provider, and they opted for a bundle deal due to limited choices.
  • One user expresses uncertainty about what constitutes a good deal for Comcast services.
  • A participant from Washington State shares their experience with satellite internet and TV through HughesNet and DirecTV, noting the lack of high-speed options.
  • Another participant in PA describes their Comcast basic service and suggests checking rates for phone services from various providers, including Verizon and D&E.
  • One user mentions having AT&T high-speed internet, which works well for their needs in a rural area.
  • A participant from Northern California shares their experience with Comcast and the costs associated with satellite service, highlighting the promotional deals offered by Comcast.
  • Another participant discusses their use of satellite service due to the high cost of running cable to their home, mentioning the challenges of satellite service during inclement weather.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the best service options available in rural areas, with no clear consensus on a single provider or solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants are sharing personal experiences related to living in rural areas and the specific challenges they face with service providers.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants and individuals considering moving to or living in rural areas may find the shared experiences relevant to their own budgeting and service provider decisions.

C
ChefMoore
Messages
181
We are building a house in a really rural area in PA. I'm trying to come up with a budget for when we move into our own house and have a mortgage and everything, so we can start living that way now to get used to it. (right now we live with my parents to save $). I've been looking into tv and internet and was wondering if anyone else lives in a small area and has a company they are happy with that they are not paying too much for. Any suggestions?
 
ChefMoore said:
We are building a house in a really rural area in PA. I'm trying to come up with a budget for when we move into our own house and have a mortgage and everything, so we can start living that way now to get used to it. (right now we live with my parents to save $). I've been looking into tv and internet and was wondering if anyone else lives in a small area and has a company they are happy with that they are not paying too much for. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

well, since cable around here is so regulated, we don't really have any choice - we get Comcast, or nothing at all......there are other internet providers - but Comcast offers a bundle deal that is hard to pass up.....and the internet provider we had before only offered dial-up for our area - and not even high-speed dial-up (:eek: ) so I had to go with Comcast......
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
I was looking at Comcast, but I don't know what to consider a good deal.
 
We live in a rural area of Washington State and we have Internet through satelite. The company is HughesNet. We also have satelite TV through DirecTV.

We were just able to get voicemail and caller ID call waiting where we live. There isn't an option of high speed dial up for the internet, so this seemed the best for us.
 
I live in PA... TV service is either Comcast or DirecTV... We have Comcast basic service (non-digital) and broadband. Total bill is $62/month. They're also running a promotion of phone/broadband/TV for like $99 or some such. Other than that... you'll want to find out who provides phone out there.. could be Verizon or D&E (used to be Conestoga)... Verizon of course provides phone and internet (DSL) and D&E provides both too (DeJazzd is the online service). Make calls now or check rates online to get an idea of what your budget should be for them. Another option for phone is to have broadband and have a VOIP phone (voice over IP - it's an internet based phone) like Vonage... those rates are very competitive price wise when compared to a phone company like D&E but won't work if the internet is down or the power is out. We have a Vonage line for our computer business... it's great, free long-distance to anywhere in the US any time but if internet/power is out, we have no business phone. You're wise to do your research now!
 
We have high-speed (faster than dial-up, but not DSL superfast) through At&t. We live in a rural area as well & this was our only option. It works really well for us, plus I can switch between the laptop & desktop without any trouble & when we're on vacation or on a trip somewhere, I can take the laptop & have internet on the road. Really great for when you're going somewhere & think you know where you're going, only to find out that you don't.
 
I live in a small area in Northern Cali. and we have Comcast. We have the option of Satalite or Cable. what I found w/ Satalite is that it would cost us almost $400 to get everything going, way too much for my blood. Comcast will give you a deal for a year usually when you sign up. I have been happy with them so far.Oh we pay $109 a month for a bronze package/internet. That includes a lot of sports channels & the speed channel(the only reason we have that package) and then our cable internet.
 
Well we have satellite because our driveway is about 1500 feet long and it will cost about $2000 to get cable run up to our house, so we have Dish network. And maybe i shouldn't say this but my husband works for Comcast- I know married to "the cable guy" and we have satellite. :eek:
But comcast system ends about 2 houses down from us so that puts us in Charters area. Well my husband came home yesterday and just got enough "feeder" to run to the house. Now he just needs to get a trench dug and the cable layed.
Satellite is okay but really sucks when the wind blows a little or a storm comes through then it goes out.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key factors to consider when budgeting for building a home in rural PA?

When budgeting for building a home in rural Pennsylvania, key factors include land costs, construction materials, labor expenses, permits and fees, utility connections, and potential site preparation costs. Additionally, consider the cost of landscaping and any necessary infrastructure improvements, such as roads or drainage systems.

How can I find affordable land for building a home in rural PA?

To find affordable land in rural PA, explore online real estate listings, local classifieds, and auction sites. Networking with local real estate agents who specialize in rural properties can also provide valuable insights. Additionally, consider attending land auctions or checking with county tax offices for properties that may be available at lower prices.

What are some common hidden costs when building a home in rural areas?

Common hidden costs include site preparation expenses, such as clearing land and grading, unexpected utility connection fees, and costs for permits and inspections. Additionally, you may encounter costs related to transportation of materials, delays due to weather, and the need for additional features like septic systems or wells if municipal services are not available.

How can I effectively manage my budget during the home-building process?

To effectively manage your budget, create a detailed budget plan that includes all anticipated costs and a contingency fund for unexpected expenses. Regularly track your spending against the budget and adjust as necessary. Communicating openly with your contractor and suppliers about your budget constraints can also help in making cost-effective decisions throughout the building process.

Are there financing options available specifically for building a home in rural PA?

Yes, there are several financing options available for building a home in rural PA, including USDA Rural Development loans, which offer low-interest rates and no down payment for eligible borrowers. Additionally, conventional construction loans and local credit unions may provide financing tailored for rural home construction. It's advisable to shop around and compare rates and terms from different lenders.

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