Living a College Town Lifestyle in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

With many colleges in the are, Harrisburg is the capital and almost geographical center of the state of Pennsylvania. Once depressed and down, Harrisburg had a resurgence thanks to the money being spent by the state in development. Unfortunately in 2010 the effect of that spending caused severe financial problems (see What is Not Special About Harrisburg below). Its geographical setting is spectacular, located as it is on the banks of the Susquehanna River.

There are many delightful college and small towns in the area - Carlisle and Gettysburg chief among them. The Harrisburg area has many extensions of major universities, such as Penn State.

Where to Retire in Harrisburg and Home Prices

Median home prices are lower than the national average in Harrisburg. The National Association of Realtors reports the median sale price of a home here to be $247,800 in the 3rd quarter of 2022, in the Harrisburg-Carlisle area. There are active adult communities in the area, see link at left.

What Is Special about Harrisburg

As the capital of Pennsylvania it has many resources for a town of this size. Living in a state capital provides a high energy environment. In 2010 Forbes rated Harrisburg as the second best place to raise a family.

What Is Not Special about Harrisburg

Harrisburg has a high crime rate. In 2010 there was a drama being played out - Harrisburg was on the verge of declaring bankruptcy.  The city borrowed huge sums of money to finance a trash-to-energy plant that has had multiple delays and overruns.  The City had debts of $280 million. In 2013, Harrisburg restructured its debt to avoid bankruptcy.

Climate and Physical Environment

The average July high temperature is 86 and the average January low is 23. The wettest month is May (5").

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

The Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts is where education, science and the performing arts take place under one roof. The Forum, a 1,763-seat concert and lecture hall built in 1930-31, is a state-owned and operated facility.  The Pennsylvania Farm Show is one of the largest agricultural exhibitions in the nation.

Crime

The crime rate is about twice the national average.

Medical Facilities

There are several hospitals in Harrisburg.

Transportation

Harrisburg is serviced by Amtrak. The Harrisburg International Airport is 13 miles away.

Valuable Links

Guide to Pennsylvania retirement communities

Harrisburg, PA

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