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What BestPlaces Users Say about Harrisburg
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is the capital city of the state and is known for its rich history, vibrant arts and culture scene, and affordable cost of living. It has a diverse population and offers a range of amenities, from outdoor recreational activities to a thriving downtown area. However, like any city, it also has its share of challenges. To get a better understanding of what it's like to live in Harrisburg, let's take a look at some user reviews from BestPlaces.net.
According to user "Melissa," who has lived in Harrisburg for over 30 years, "the city has definitely improved over the years with new developments and renovations. The downtown area is a great place to explore with its restaurants, shops, and events." Another user, "Chris," echoes this sentiment, stating that "Harrisburg has a lot to offer and it's a great place to raise a family. The schools are good and there are plenty of parks and recreational activities for children." These positive reviews highlight the city's efforts to revitalize its downtown area and provide a family-friendly environment.
However, not all reviews are glowing. "Jennifer" shares that "the crime rate in certain areas of Harrisburg is a concern and can make it feel unsafe at times. I've also had some issues with the school system in terms of communication and quality of education." Similarly, "David" notes that "traffic can be a nightmare, especially during rush hour. The public transportation system is also lacking and makes it difficult for those without a car to get around." These reviews shed light on some of the challenges that come with living in a larger city.
Overall, the general consensus from these user reviews is that Harrisburg is a city with its ups and downs. While it offers a variety of amenities and a sense of community, there are also certain areas for improvement. It's important for individuals considering living in Harrisburg to do their research and weigh the pros and cons to determine if it's the right fit for them.
based on 23 ReviewsGet to know Harrisburg with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Harrisburg
Decaying city that is a shadow of its former self. - 10/27/2021
I wouldn't recommend Harrisburg. I currently live here, but I'm moving to Lancaster in a month. The problem with Harrisburg is that many long-term residents often refer to it in the past tense. "Harrisburg used to be....", because at one point it was set to be the next boom town in Pennsylvania back in the 70s. Well that didn't happen, because it got overshadowed by other areas. The city, residents and community quickly gave up or moved away and Harrisburg has been decaying ever since. The city itself seems kind of stuck in the 70s, but not in a good way. It's out of place and out of time. The city itself refuses to change.
Lackluster city services, lackluster jobs, lackluster venues. Believe me, there isn't a lot to do here that you can't find in other towns and in better condition. I see a lot of recommendations for the Midtown, but it's literally just a single block. Last time I went there with my girlfriend to the farmers market, we got harassed by a mentally ill
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It's OK - 7/6/2017
I moved to Harrisburg right after college and have been here for about 6 years now. This city is OK. Downtown has some nicer restaurants, but still has just as many clubs for college-aged kids as well. Parking downtown is a mess (Google "parking" on the PennLive site to see that saga). The craft beer scene is pretty healthy. Since I've outgrown the club scene, meeting people via HYP or Meetup isn't really useful anymore.
The Midtown area of Harrisburg is awesome. Tons of historical houses are being renovated and there are some very cool restaurants (Millworks, Little Amps, Broad Street Market).
I can't really speak to the schools since that is not something that I've needed to focus on, but from hearsay, there are some decent ones in the area. What was surprising to me is the number of companies in the area. Deloitte, KPMG, Amazon, Urban Outfitters, and IBM have a presence here.
It's been a good place to live after college (better than
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lifetime resident ready to move - 12/1/2015
Having lived here many years I've noticed that some people are very nice but most won't give you the time of day.Due to many years of "lifetime" politicians, the city is without funding and so is our state. The gangs and criminals know this and are moving in.We have new housing and business development without new infrastructure. Now taxes are being raised to fund infrastructure. Don't the taxes from the new buildings support this? We have the highest gas tax in the nation, and traffic grid lock around every city.Budgets are not balanced, taxes are increased. Property taxes in some areas are $3,000 to $4,000 per year for an "average" house.That is why housing prices are cheep. Our teachers that make $70,000 a year can't educate our students due to laws that make them teach students how to pass a test that has little to do with the course being taught. Last July 4th a young man who was from out of town was leaving a fireworks display along the river front, had his jaw broken by a
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Not so friendly area.... - 6/4/2014
I am a transplant to the area, moved here from Maryland a few years ago. I thought that this would be a great place to raise my children, especially since my family moved here from Baltimore City. One thing that this town does not have much of is crime, at least compared to Baltimore city, well murders at least.
The pros of the area (Harrisburg and surrounding towns) - lots of festivals (there is usually one every week); beautiful scenery (green mountainous terrain and river setting); many fantastic parks (something we did not have in Baltimore); many recreational activities (if you are a hunter, you will be in heaven, this I am not); fairly cheap housing prices compared to surrounding states.
Unfortunately, to me, the cons outweigh the pros - very (I mean extremely) rude, ignorant people, to the point that I have gotten into several altercations with people because many people think they can just walk in front of you, on top of you, or do whatever they
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Harrisburg, PA - 2/17/2014
I live in Harrisburg, PA. I'm not a fan of Harrisburg or the northeast. I'm looking to relocate and hoping to gain information from others on this site.
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everyones gotta die some day red. - 6/29/2011
you want a job for more then 12 bucks a hour in harrisburg pa you got a couple of choices you can be a cop feel lucky?? or you can pay off a guy to get u a job at the mills i tried the mills nothing like working next to a 1932 x ray machine while u breath in metal dust all day long. plus you have to deal with union employees. this can be just as detrimental from the blood pressure medication u will be forced to get. currently at 12 bucks a hour driving a fork lift on a dock u can see some good mullets from the truck drivers. hey with those eeoc regs not alot left for men who work hard. love harrisburg nothing else quite like
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what crime?? the news dont report it - 6/29/2011
its great being located right between baltimors new york and philadelphia i mean lots of opportunities to meet new people all the time.. i mean its not so bad that most of them are gun toting drug dealers worst part is how they come and stay and spread out used to be once you left the city the crime stopped now it streetches for miles outside of the cities. we need police stations in every school now. i mean you can move farther out but the cost of living rises so much you cant afford to eat and the fact that public transportation doesnt exist you cant get anywhere. my advice move to the woods where the cost of living is low and keep your doors locked heading through the city. oh and keep to the speed limits when going through cumblerland county the cops need more money to fight the cost of the urban
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Central Pennsylvania - 6/2/2011
Don't even think about moving here. I have lived in 5 states and three foriegn countries (including a communist country way back when)and have never encountered such a stupid, uneducated, racist, antisemitic,homophobic populace anywhere. That's not to say that everybody here is worthless. Far from it. I am saying that the good is far outweighed by the bad.
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Nice place to live if you aren't concerned with it - 2/21/2011
I lived in Harrisburg for 12 years. My family moved to Mechanicsburg a few miles away, however I lived in the city proper for 3 years before leaving. Harrisburg is an interesting place. An odd hybrid of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Lots of east coast attitude, but lots of rust belt earnestness as well.
First the positive: It's in the middle of EVERYTHING. NYC is 3 hours away, Baltimore/DC is 90 minutes, Philadelphia is 2.5 hours and Pittsburgh is 3 hours. Most beaches on the eastern shore are typically between 3-5 hours away depending on which one you're talking about. Pennsylvania is one of the oldest regions of the country and the historical significance of the area makes it an extremely attractive draw for US History buffs and casual tourists. The scenery in the entire central Pennsylvania area is green, lush and beautiful with thick forests, rolling hills, and winding back roads. The Susquehanna River which runs along the entire western border of the city is
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Harrisburg PA - 1/10/2010
We have lived in this area for 7 years. There are a lot of attractions, HersheyPark right down the road. They have an artsfest, music fest and lots of activities during the summer. City Island is a popular place to go. The winter is a little cold, we have had snow and it's cold but where I work, they haven't closed due to snow in 7
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