For context: I live in central PA.

Yes, I see a lot of dilapidated buildings everywhere. It's near the coal region. Dilapidated buildings due to the collapse of coal-mining-based-local-economies is definitely a thing. In most of the small towns the main street is just a dead zone with empty storefronts. Some of them are trying to make a comeback though, and clean up. I'd say it's a work in progress in most areas, though. Update your tetanus shot depending on where you end up.

Safety depends on where you're at. Rural areas generally are more safe than large cities. I wouldn't say the crime rate is necessarily any worse than any other major cities in the US though. Most crime I've seen in the local news has been drug related (usually people selling or making meth) or people getting caught with kiddie porn or soliciting sex, although more recently I've seen some gun violence which sucks. Domestic violence/domestic disputes are pretty common to see in the news also.

Attitudes to minorities also vary. Some places are pretty welcoming, and some places are stuck in the 1960s. I live in an area that's sort of in between. I'm white as hell so honestly I can't give you an accurate description of what it's like living in PA as a minority. In terms of religion, however, PA is a pretty solidly Christian state. Some places may have other religious representation that I just haven't seen but here in the middle of the state it's pretty unusual to see anyone who isn't some flavor of Christian. I'm pagan and keep it to myself.

I'm relatively close to Knoebels Amusement Resort, and that's a popular destination for a lot of people during the summer. A lot of people also like to go to the state parks (rickett's glen is pretty popular around me). Camping and hiking are pretty popular, and so is fishing. If you're into it, a lot of people hunt as well. Bar crawling is pretty popular. A lot of fire halls offer bingo and sometimes line dancing (not my jam, but I have coworkers who swear it's fun). In terms of places to go, PA also has a fair number of zoos and museums, and Gettysburg battle field. The eastern part of the state also isn't too far from NYC if you're wanting to see something on Broadway. There's also a couple of casinos.