People are nice, but making $10 per hour doesn't b
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7/18/2006
Well, I've lived here for 25+ years and have given the city and surrounding area a fighting chance, but quite frankly the economy in Pa and in particular, Harrisburg PA sucks! The state civil service pays around $12 an hour and that is considered a 'good' job in the area, wouldn't be so bad but parking in the city is $150 per month and gets raised by $20 per month every year. So, this is July 2006, next year parking would be $170 per month to park if you work in the city.
The apartments about 15 minutes outside of the city are $650 per month and rising for a ONE bedroom. You can't live in the city because of the crime being so bad. It's not so bad in some sections, unfortunately, you must drive by those bad sections to get a cheaper apartment. House prices average $200,000 about 15 minutes away from the city. In the nice sections of the city you are looking at $250,000 with $4,000 per year in taxes just for the privelege on owning a home.
The people are very nice here and like everyone from all walks of life. I have noticed it doesn't matter where you've come from people really embrace others. I think it is like if you are in a horrible place they want someone else with them since it is so horrible. Some nightlife in the city but jeesh, the crime in that nightlife is bad. Someone got shot the other night, someone jumped off a building a few months ago, etc.etc.
Diversity is here, taxes are horrible. Jobs there are none, paying more than $12 per hour and they want a bachelors degree. The health care in particular is very bad. The doctors are hurried, irritated that the malpractice insurance is so high, the nurses are hurried, but paid very well, in comparison with everyone else in the area. If you are a nurse, this place is a good place to work if you don't mind forced overtime. They pay a portion of your schooling if you stay in PA, they are that desparate.
Technology jobs are none, they've moved to North Carolina or overseas. Unemployment rate is 4.4% but I know that's grossly lower than what it really is since a relative of mine works at Labor & Industry...Jobs are hard to come by that pay $40,000 per year. The cost of living here in comparision with the pay and jobs are not good. If you really want to be employed at a good job making more than $12 per hour, don't come here. I am getting my master's and getting out. Good luck to all.
Claire | Millersburg, PA