Harrisburg, Pennsylvania has blossomed from a modest ferry outpost to a picturesque capital city along the shores of the Susquehanna River. A burgeoning center for the region's arts and culture, the community offers all the pleasures of an urban metropolis while maintaining the warmth and caring associated with south central Pennsylvania. Harrisburg attracts millions of tourists yearly and the presence of the state capitol helps insulate it from the wilder economic swings that test other areas of the state and nation.

This dynamic city with a population of 48,950 has won top community awards in both the state and nation for its dramatic and comprehensive gains. Twice selected as an All American City by the National Civic League, Harrisburg has also been recognized within the state as Pennsylvania's Outstanding Community bestowed to them by Chamber of Business and Industry. The city has also won and maintained the nation's top governmental accounting and budgeting awards, national police accreditation, and many top environmental, social and historical preservation awards.

In recent years, Harrisburg has experienced remarkable rehabilitation of older homes and a significant amount of new town house construction. Large, new residential projects are continuing to be developed, proof that the value of city real estate has increased substantially. Today the median value for a home is quite affordable at $132,000.

For fun and entertainment in Harrisburg, Riverfront Park and City Island offer a host of family activities along the beautiful banks of the Susquehanna River. Take a leisurely family stroll or bike ride and enjoy the view. Cruise the river on the Pride of the Susquehanna Paddlewheeler. Or get a wild and wet look from a canoe, paddleboat or jet ski. City Island also is home to savory eats and sweets, quaint shops, miniature golf, a restored carousel, train and carriage rides. And at summer's end, the riverfront Kipona Celebration boasts one of the oldest continuously operating inland festivals, including arts and crafts, a puppet theater and the renowned Pennsylvania Chili Cookoff.

Also on City Island, you can cheer on the Harrisburg Senators AA Minor League baseball team. Back on the "mainland," sports fans will thrill to the hot action of the Harrisburg Heat, a professional indoor soccer team playing its home games in the state Farm Show Complex. This sprawling facility also hosts a variety of enjoyable year-round events, including the Pennsylvania Farm Show agricultural exposition; the Eastern Sports, Boat, Camping, Travel and Outdoor Show; the Keystone State Games and the Penn National Horse Show.

From the Revolutionary War, through the Civil War, and beyond, the history parallels the history of America. For a taste of this enchanting past, visit John Harris Mansion to discover three centuries of history plus exhibits on folk art and honored past residents. Or tour the Pennsylvania State Museum, housing three floors of archaeology, history and art, topped off by a heavenly planetarium. Upriver and overlooking Blue Mountain, the grand Fort Hunter Mansion brings the 1800s alive throughout its 35-acre park during the mid-September Fort Hunter Day festival. And for a bit of history in the making, don't forget a trip to the Capitol itself where free guided tours of this striking facility showcase architecture inspired by St. Peter's Basilica and the Paris Opera House as well as an up-close look at state government.

Harrisburg School District has a commitment with parents, students, teachers and community partners to provide an enriching environment and high quality education. They developed a new model of technical education that provides programs to prepare students for high tech, high wage careers, state-of-the-art equipment, partnerships with local employers (including the district's own information and technology department) for work experience and mentor opportunities. Penn State Harrisburg, Widener University-Harrisburg Campus, Harrisburg Area Community College all offers residents easy access to post-secondary education.


If you're thinking of moving to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, our relocation packet is yours for the asking!