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Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania image 1

What It Is Like to Retire in Harrisburg

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. Photo of Harrisburg, with the state capitol dome, as viewed from across the Susquehanna River in Wormleysburg, courtesy of Wikipedia and Kev72, Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/ Watch this short Youtube video presented by Tyler Wenger:

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 $250,700 during the 2nd quarter of 2023, in the Harrisburg-Carlisle area. There are active adult communities in the area.

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.

Who Will Like Retirement in Harrisburg

People who like living in Pennsylvania and in the state capital will like it in Harrisburg.

Local Economy Is Driven by

The economy is diverse with health care, technology, public Administration, and tourism all important drivers. As the state capital, the largest employer is the Pennsylvania State Government.

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.

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