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Harrisburg : Pennsylvania

What it's 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.

Where to Retire in Harrisburg and Home Prices

Median home prices are lower than national in Harrisburg. According to City-Data the median selling price was a little under $140,000 at the end of 2014. 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. The City had debts of $280 million. In 2013, Harrisburg restructured its debt to avoid bankruptcy.

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

Public Administration, Tourism

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, which was completed in 1999, is a center 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; Harrisburg International Airport is 13 miles away.

Valuable Links

Guide to Pennsylvania retirement communities

Harrisburg, PA

What people are saying about Harrisburg
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Facts about HARRISBURG

State: PA
Environment: College Town,Small-mid Sized City,
City Population: 25,001-50,000
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 21-40
Avg July Temperature: 60-80
Median HH Income: 20,001-40,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $100,000-$200,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: 2000-4000
Total Crime Index: 121+ (very high)
Cost of Living Index: 81-90 (low)
Culture Index: 111-120 (high)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: Yes
Name of the Guide: boomer1

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