If you leave Harrisburg and turn right (East) in 165 miles or so you find yourself in Manhattan. As most of you know that's where I've primarily resided since November, 2004.
On the other hand if you turn left (West) in 140 miles you're in Altoona. Talk about contrast! I started today as an interim VP at a client in Altoona. (Altoona is no relation to Charlie Tuna)
While in Manhattan I was in an apartment lacking air-conditioning, and where I had to launder my own sheets, towels, etc. Also, I had basic housekeeping duties. All night long sirens would whine which could not be ignored since the windows had to be kept open. I had to fight the subway mobs to and from the office.
In Altoona I'm staying in a Holiday Inn with an exercise room, full cable, a least 2 dozen chain restaurants within walking distance, maid service, free breakfast, free coffee and cookies 24/7, etc. The client is providing indoor parking on the same level as my office.
The Holiday Inn would actually be cheaper if I stayed all month than the rent for the apartment in Manhattan - $1000 cheaper. The fact that I'll only stay 12-15 nights a month makes it even less. Hmmm? I guess location really does affect real estate.
The interesting part for me though is that Altoona is 12 miles south of Tyrone, PA. Tyrone was the first city in which my father lived after emigrating as a young teenager from Croatia. I have never visited Tyrone, though I have driven by on the highway. At some point during this engagement I intend to drive to Tyrone just to see the landscape and walk its streets. To me this is very special real estate.
On the other hand if you turn left (West) in 140 miles you're in Altoona. Talk about contrast! I started today as an interim VP at a client in Altoona. (Altoona is no relation to Charlie Tuna)
While in Manhattan I was in an apartment lacking air-conditioning, and where I had to launder my own sheets, towels, etc. Also, I had basic housekeeping duties. All night long sirens would whine which could not be ignored since the windows had to be kept open. I had to fight the subway mobs to and from the office.
In Altoona I'm staying in a Holiday Inn with an exercise room, full cable, a least 2 dozen chain restaurants within walking distance, maid service, free breakfast, free coffee and cookies 24/7, etc. The client is providing indoor parking on the same level as my office.
The Holiday Inn would actually be cheaper if I stayed all month than the rent for the apartment in Manhattan - $1000 cheaper. The fact that I'll only stay 12-15 nights a month makes it even less. Hmmm? I guess location really does affect real estate.
The interesting part for me though is that Altoona is 12 miles south of Tyrone, PA. Tyrone was the first city in which my father lived after emigrating as a young teenager from Croatia. I have never visited Tyrone, though I have driven by on the highway. At some point during this engagement I intend to drive to Tyrone just to see the landscape and walk its streets. To me this is very special real estate.
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