What’s It Like To Live In Harrisburg, PA?

What’s the cost of living in Harrisburg, PA?

While Harrisburg isn’t necessarily regarded as an affluent area, its housing market is exceedingly affordable. That, coupled with a cost of living that’s well below the national average, may result in a greater expendable income for Harrisburg residents than those in other parts of the country – especially given that the average annual salary in the area isn’t all that much lower than the national average.

What’s the best way to get around Harrisburg, PA?

Many people drive to work, and there is more traffic than you’d expect in a region this size. Much of the congestion is caused by high volume or accidents on the two main highways (Interstate 81 and Interstate 83).

A smaller number of people commute by bike. The downtown area is extremely pedestrian-friendly. Many points of interest in the area – including the restaurants, retail stores and riverfront attractions – are within easy walking distance of one another.

Public transportation is limited to the Capital Area Transit, which provides a bus service in Cumberland and Dauphin counties and throughout Harrisburg proper. Service to some areas is limited, and buses do not run on Sundays.

At the Harrisburg Transportation Center, passengers can catch Amtrak trains or buses to other metro areas. Harrisburg also has a small airport, and the Baltimore-Washington International Airport is less than two hours away by car.

Who lives in Harrisburg, PA?

The Harrisburg population is fairly young, with nearly a quarter of the population under 20 years old. The metro area is also home to a number of colleges and universities, which lend a youthful feel to the area.

While singles and younger residents might be more inclined to live downtown or in Midtown near restaurants and nightlife (especially if they work downtown), older couples and families might be more attracted to the greater space and better schools that suburban areas like Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg and Hershey have to offer.

Nearly half of the people in Harrisburg identify themselves as religious; a large portion of those who do practice the Catholic or the Methodist faiths.

What is there to do in Harrisburg, PA?

When it comes to entertainment, the metro area’s small size means it does have limited options for eating out and nightlife in general. But those who live here aren’t bored.

Outdoor enthusiasts take advantage of the trails along the Susquehanna River and the region’s proximity to several state forests, where recreational activities, such as hiking, watersports, climbing and camping, exist.

Music lovers can attend concerts at local arenas and experience live music at area coffeehouses and bookstores. Harrisburg also features many galleries and museums, such as the Susquehanna Art Museum, and local artist exhibits at the Art Association of Harrisburg. Theatre Harrisburg, Open Stage of Harrisburg and the Harrisburg Area Community College’s Rose Lehrman Arts Center offer regular performances.

To enjoy the area’s history, locals head to the National Civil War Museum and The State Museum of Pennsylvania.