Harrisburg is an old city, but it’s got a new attitude. The traditional stonework is teaming up with innovative new attractions to transform it into one of the best cities to live in Pennsylvania. That’s why Harrisburg was listed as No. 35 on U.S. News & World Report: Best Places to Live.
The city is an eclectic mix of wilderness and city life, as well as the old and the new, making it a perfect destination for basically everyone. As the capital of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg brings together history and technological innovations, old-school farm shows, and an awesome mish-mash of cultures.
Here are some of the many reasons Harrisburg is a good place to live.
If you’re looking to grab some grub, there’s no shortage of options. Harrisburg, like many other cities in Pennsylvania, is starting to see an increase in its diversity. You can get Southern comfort food, Indian food and Thai food, all in the same block. Everything from casual dining to independent breweries is available here.
In part because it’s the capital of Pennsylvania, you can find a plethora of fine dining establishments, including Mangia Qui and The Millworks, which even includes a walkthrough art gallery.
There are also plenty of independent coffee shops in the city, including Little Amps Coffee Roasters and Elementary Coffee Co. — perfect spots for meeting up with friends or getting a little work done.
If you’re looking for a more well-rounded experience, the cultural attractions are sure to satisfy your thirst for knowledge. A tour of a local winery is a great way to while away the evening with friends or a date. The West Hanover Winery also hosts concerts throughout the summer, so make it a date!
On that note — if you enjoy live events, Harrisburg University’s concert series brings up-and-coming artists to the city every month. And the city’s theatre scene is thriving as well. From plays and community events at Open Stage Harrisburg to Gamut Theatre Group’s annual Shakespeare in the Park, there’s always something dramatic going on.
For movie buffs, the Midtown Cinema frequently hosts pop-up screenings of old or little-known films in addition to regularly showing the latest releases.
Love history? Harrisburg is home to the National Civil War Museum, which is home to plenty of displays and more than 21,000 individual pieces. And the State Museum of Pennsylvania, located just a few blocks from the Capitol building, provides a deeper look into the state’s rich history and natural environment.
There are also several art centers and galleries here, such as the Susquehanna Art Museum and the Nyeusi Gallery on N. 3rd St. If you’re looking to add a little bit of adventure and knowledge to your life, you won’t be disappointed.
If you need to travel often for work, friends or family, Harrisburg’s central location makes getting around easy. It’s within a day’s drive of the following cities:
If you need to travel a little farther, or even out of the country, Harrisburg’s still got you covered. With easy access to the Harrisburg International Airport and an Amtrak station located just downtown, you’ve got everything you need to get where you’re going.
Need to get away for a day? The surrounding area is full of fantastic destinations for day trips. Hershey, for example, is just half an hour from the city and provides all sorts of things to do, from shopping to amusement parks.
High-end fashion isn’t exactly the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Pennsylvania, but Harrisburg is trying to change that. And since there are options on both ends of the city, you won’t have to worry about going back and forth over the bridge to get your shopping done.
Strawberry Square, for example, is home to many unique clothing, home and grocery stores. At the heart of the city, it’s a great place to find the best of fashion and distinctive wares. Similarly, those who love classic literature and antiques will enjoy browsing rare books in Midtown Scholar, a cozy bookstore cafe at the heart of the up-and-coming Midtown area.
If you’re looking for fresh, locally grown ingredients, Harrisburg’s Broad Street Market has what you need. With almost 40 vendors onsite, you’ll be able to find everything on your shopping list while supporting local farmers.
If you like to get outside, Harrisburg is well-equipped to suit your needs. It sits on the bank of the Susquehanna River, and trail running, boating, fishing, yoga and biking are all popular activities in the area. Riverfront Park offers beautiful views of the river and surrounding area and also plays host to many of the city’s annual festivals. Most of these events take place during the summer months, when the city is steamy but the river offers a cool breeze, making it the perfect place for any outdoor activity.
In addition to the regular exercise that can be found anywhere, the river offers a few extra options, including kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding. There are also many state parks in the area, including Wildwood Park, Ricketts Glen State Park and a portion of the Appalachian Trail, which runs through the outskirts of the city.
When you combine all of these reasons, you get an amazing up-and-coming city. Considering Harrisburg’s cost of living is generally below the national average, you’re running out of reasons not to live here. So we say pack up your bags and go check it out!
If you’re considering moving to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, you can count on us to help you find the right rental community for you. In our rental communities, we strive to provide our tenants with top-tier living spaces at the best value possible.
Want to learn more about renting in Harrisburg? Browse our rental communities to see what’s available. You can also fill out our online contact form or give us a call at 1-877-TCC-HOME to get more information. We can’t wait to chat!
