The Lancaster, PA area is a quilter's mecca. There are quilt and fabric shops on every corner -- well, maybe that's a slight exaggeratiion, but there are a lot of quilt shops. There are also lots of people here from Long Island. It seems this is a good retirement alternative for many New Yorkers because our taxes are lower. Many great Catholic churches. Never seen a snake. Occasional tornado warnings when bad thunder storms are in the offing, but I don't think there are too many places that are without some sort of bad weather. Far enough inland to dismiss the hurricane problem. No snakes. Please email me privately for a list of just some of the fabric stores and more specific info about Churches. I am a Maryland native and have lived in Lancaster County for 8 years and I have been extremely happy with our choice of location. Very large Amish and Mennonite communities here and EVERYONE is so kind and helpful. If you are pulling onto a main road from a side street, people actually stop and let you merger into traffic. I'm not making that up.....TRUE. We came from the Washington, D.C. area and that is a WONDERFUL place to be away from. Highly recommend this lifestyle. Really worth consideration!