Welcome to Pennsylvania!

I’ve been living as an au pair in beautiful Pennsylvania – also known as the “most German state” – on the East Coast of the USA since the summer of 2020. Over the past year and a half, I’ve fallen in love with this American state and want to share that with you today! Pennsylvania borders New York, New Jersey, and Maryland, offering lots of opportunities for day trips and weekend getaways.

🧑‍🌾 Amish People

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is home to the oldest and largest Amish community in the world. The Amish are a Protestant religious group that originated in southern Germany. That’s why they speak “Pennsylvania Dutch” or “Pennsylvania German,” and why Pennsylvania is often called the “most German” state in the US.

The Amish live a lifestyle that’s largely based on farming and guided by traditional values. They famously reject certain modern technologies – like electronics and cars – so you’ll sometimes see horse-drawn carriages on the roads. Family plays a big role in their community, with clearly defined gender roles and a strong focus on staying separate from the outside world.
Still, you can book tours and visit their shops, which offer delicious homemade products! It’s an experience I highly recommend to any au pair in or around Pennsylvania. 🙂

🏙️ Philadelphia – also known as Philly

The most well-known city in Pennsylvania is Philadelphia, one of the oldest cities in the US. A visit to Philly should definitely be on your bucket list. These sights are especially worth checking out:

  • Magic Gardens Walking Tour
  • Boathouse Row
  • Museum of Art
  • Mütter Museum
  • Mural Arts
  • One Liberty Observation Deck

🧳 Easy Weekend Trips

I live in southeastern Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. Philly is located right between the famous New York City and the capital, Washington, D.C. From here, it takes only about 2.5 to 3 hours to get to either city – perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Niagara Falls and even Toronto aren’t too far away either. So there’s a lot to explore!

Map with possible road trips and their duration
Ready for your PA road trip? Here are Antonia's tips! (c) AuPairCare

🎉 Fun Facts

  1. The Monongahela River in western PA is unique because it flows north!
  2. The US is known for its quirky laws, and Pennsylvania has a few of its own: for example, it’s illegal to sing in the bathtub or to sweep dirt under the carpet. So be careful not to commit any of these “crimes”!
  3. The world’s first computer was used in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1946!

Thank you, Antonia, for your insights into Pennsylvania. We’re so glad you feel at home there, and we’re sure that after reading your story, many au pairs will want to find a match in PA! Just don’t forget – the connection with your host family is always more important than the state. 😉

Ready for your au pair adventure?

Let's take the first step on your journey today. Just fill out our short, non-binding application. It's quick, easy, and only takes a few minutes!

Start your journey!