Firstly why Harrisburg, Pennsylvania?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Harrisburg
• State: Pennsylvania
• Population: 49,296 people
• Harrisburg’s quick summary would be The state capital, celebrated for the Pennsylvania State Capitol building and the scenic Susquehanna River waterfront.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 12,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 6,000 annually
• Net Migration: 6000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 400
• Number of Homeless people: 400

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it as the state capital provides governmental job opportunities attracting professionals

Perk #1: Harrisburg Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 33%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 63%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $47,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Harrisburg is $60,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $13000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Harrisburg’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 90 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $3,257
• Property Tax %: 2.73%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,150
• Rent for an average house: $1,700
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Midtown
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Harrisburg, Cumberland-County, Lower-Allen, Swatara, and probably could include Hampden
• Avg. Age of Homes in Harrisburg: 89 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.6%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Harrisburg’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Harrisburg are  Government, Healthcare, and Education
• Harrisburg Job Scene: steady job market focusing on government and services
• The General Tech Scene: modest tech presence focused on government services and local businesses , ,
• Harrisburg Resident’s pay $1,000 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Harrisburg: 6%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 130 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 18

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Harrisburg

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $100 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-81 and I-83 run through Harrisburg providing major routes
• Commute Time: 26 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic jams on I-83
• Transportation Score: 53 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Harrisburg: 55,000
• Cars registered per Person: 1.1
• No. of Car Washes: 5 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Harrisburg: dot.state.pa.us
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 65 of 100
• Local Airport: Harrisburg International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Harrisburg’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Winter storms
• General Weather in Harrisburg is best described as experiences cold winters and warm summers with a consistent rainfall pattern
• Winter Weather in Harrisburg i’d describe as cold with occasional snow
• Spring Weather in Harrisburg can be described as cool with rain expected
• Summer’s in Harrisburg are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Harrisburg is usually cool and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 4 days in summer
• Days in a row in Harrisburg below Freezing: 20
• Average Annual Rainfall: 40 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality affected by local industrial activities
• Harrisburg Winter Air mixed air quality impacted by industrial activity

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Harrisburg Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Harrisburg 11
• While the number of trade schools inside Harrisburgs’s city limits are 6
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Harrisburg City Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Harrisburg Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Harrisburg only Doctors is about 150
• Local Hospitals here is  6
• Full-time Harrisburg only Police Officers is about 100
• Crime Rate Index: 60/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Harrisburg’s Monthly utility bill average is $100
• Harrisburg’s Monthly Gym Membership: $38
• Harrisburg’s Water Quality Score: 63

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Harrisburg

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 6 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: state capital with a focus on history and local community
• You might enjoy shows at the Wharton Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Harrisburg  features a friendly nightlife scene with local bars and restaurants fostering community connections

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Harrisburg

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features local eateries and a mix of casual dining
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around Harrisburg
• The Popular Sports Team is Harrisburg Senators
• Top Level Political Climate in Harrisburg can be described as state capital with a mix of conservative and progressive influences
• Harrisburg’s Longer standing religious establishment is Word of Life Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Harrisburg Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Harrisburg has 40 Parks?
• City Island Park is Harrisburg’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Harrisburg Farmers Market normally open Saturday 7am-12pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and outdoor festivals

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Harrisburg Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Harrisburg can be described as steady urban pace influenced by government and local culture
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Harrisburg community events visiting parks hiking trails
• The Cities people commute to from Harrisburg are Hilman 20 miles away Portage 17 miles away Conemaugh 5 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Harrisburg or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic jams on I-83. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Harrisburg’s Winter storms risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Midtown is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Harrisburg are Hilman 20 miles away Portage 17 miles away Conemaugh 5 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 60 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Harrisburg has 20 days in a row below freezing and 4 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Harrisburg people have an average (positive or negative) $13000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   400 homeless people living in Harrisburg. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general state capital with a mix of conservative and progressive influences could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Harrisburg.

Retiree & Senior Life in Harrisburg

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can benefit from tax credits reducing their overall financial obligations
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale
• Harrisburg Senior Center provides recreational activities health workshops and community resources

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania?

If Harrisburg, Pennsylvania ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!