Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is the state capital of Pennsylvania. It is located in the central part of the state, on the banks of the Susquehanna River. So, what’re the pros and cons of living in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania?
The advantages of living in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, include great riverfront views, affordable housing, great festivals, close to several major metropolitan areas, and a lower cost of living. On the other hand, living in Harrisburg has its downsides: Construction, road condition, risk of flooding, and a high crime rate.
Let’s go into a little more detail about the pros and cons of living in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and see if moving to Harrisburg is worth it.
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Living in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania PROS
1. Great riverfront views
Visitors to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, will find plenty of things to do, including taking in the great riverfront views.
The city is located on the Susquehanna River, and there are several parks and public spaces that offer stunning views of the water.
In addition, Harrisburg is home to a number of historical landmarks, including the state capitol building and the National Civil War Museum.
2. Affordable housing
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is a great place to live for those who want affordable housing options.
The city has various housing options available, from apartments and condos to single-family homes.
In addition, the city has several different programs that can help residents with their housing needs.
For example, the city’s Housing First program provides financial assistance to families struggling to pay their rent.
3. The festivals
While Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is best known as the state capital, it is also home to several annual festivals that draw visitors from all over the region.
The Harrisburg Wine and Food Festival, for example, features over 200 wines from Pennsylvania wineries, as well as food from local restaurants.
The Harrisburg Irish Festival celebrates Irish culture with music, dance, and food, while the Keystone State Games bring together athletes from all over Pennsylvania for a weekend of competition.
4. Close to several major metropolitan areas
The city is located in the south-central part of the state, about 100 miles west of Philadelphia and 50 miles north of Baltimore.
Harrisburg is also within a few hour’s drive of New York City, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C.
This proximity to these large cities makes Harrisburg a convenient location for businesses and residents alike.
In addition, Harrisburg offers a variety of amenities and attractions, including a thriving arts community, a minor league baseball team, and several museums and historical sites.
5. Lower cost of living
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is a great place to live for those looking for a lower cost of living.
In addition, the cost of groceries and other essentials is also lower in Harrisburg than in many other parts of the country.
This is due in part to the fact that Harrisburg is home to many large grocery stores and other retailers that offer competitive prices.
As a result, residents of Harrisburg can enjoy a high quality of life at a fraction of the cost of living in other parts of the country.
Living in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania CONS
1. Construction
It seems like there’s always construction going on in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
The capital city is constantly growing and evolving, with new buildings and roads popping up all the time.
This constant progress can be frustrating for residents and visitors alike, as it can create traffic jams and make it difficult to get around.
However, the construction is also a sign of Harrisburg’s vitality.
2. Cold winters
The capital city of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, has cold winters. In January, the average temperature is 29 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 degrees Celsius).
December and February are also typically cold months in Harrisburg.
While the winters in Harrisburg can be cold, they are also a great time to enjoy some of the city’s winter activities, such as ice skating at City Island or visiting the National Christmas Center.
3. Flooding
Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, is located along the Susquehanna River.
Because of this, the city is at risk of flooding.
In fact, Harrisburg has experienced several major floods in recent years.
The Susquehanna River is prone to heavy rain and snowmelt, which can quickly lead to rising water levels.
Additionally, Harrisburg is situated in a low-lying area, which makes the city even more vulnerable to flooding.
To protect against potential damage, the city has implemented a number of flood mitigation strategies, including levees and pumps.
However, Harrisburg residents should still be aware of the risks and be prepared for possible flooding.
4. Crime
In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the crime rate is relatively high.
The most common types of crime in Harrisburg are property crimes, such as burglary and larceny-theft.
While the crime rate in Harrisburg is higher than average, it should be noted that the city has been working hard to improve public safety.
In recent years, the Harrisburg Police Department has implemented a number of initiatives aimed at reducing crime.
These include an increase in patrols and a focus on hot spots for crime.
5. Traffic
Harrisburg is known for its traffic. The average commute time for Harrisburg residents is 28 minutes.
Traffic congestion in Harrisburg occurs on Interstate 81, Interstate 83, and U.S. 15.
These roads are congested during rush hour and on weekends.
Traffic in Harrisburg is a result of the city’s location.
Harrisburg is situated between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
As a result, many people commute to Harrisburg from these cities for work.
In addition, Harrisburg is home to several colleges and universities, contributing to the city’s traffic problems.
The bottom line
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is a great place to live for those looking for a lower cost of living.
The capital city is constantly growing and evolving, with new buildings and roads popping up.
Additionally, Harrisburg residents should be aware of the risks of flooding and crime.
Traffic is also a significant issue in Harrisburg.
However, the city has many positive attributes, such as its vibrant culture and convenient location.
Overall, Harrisburg is a great place to live for those willing to trade some traffic and construction for a lower cost of living.
