Harrisburg, PA

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, became the state capital in 1812 and is also the county seat of Dauphin County. The city covers more than 11 square miles, and with its population of nearly 50,000, Harrisburg is the tenth-largest city in the state.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Harrisburg has undergone a major transformation in its economic picture. Today, the city boasts a strong economic base. However, according to the city's official Web site, Harrisburg was the most distressed city in the nation in 1981. In the years since, more than $3 million has been invested in the revitalization of the city. Property values have increased tenfold, while crime and unemployment rates have steadily dropped. Harrisburg now enjoys a reputation as the region's center for industries such as finance, transportation, government, arts, history, recreation, and commerce. Some of the largest employers in Harrisburg include the following:

• Tyco Electronics
• Harsco Corporation
• Rite Aid Corporation
• Hershey Foods Corporation
• IBM

The estimated median household income for Harrisburg is significantly less than the statewide average. The average median house value for Harrisburg is also substantially less than Pennsylvania's as a whole.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Harrisburg has devoted time and money to its neighborhoods. It was the first city in the nation to adopt a Mortgage Tax Credit Program to provide tax breaks to homeowners. The local government has also created programs to help restore vacant properties and to help those who are struggling to become homeowners. The result is a substantial growth in older home rehabilitations and new home construction.

• The Midtown, Fox Ridge, Old Uptown, Shipoke, and Mount Pleasant neighborhoods are historic districts of the older city that have seen substantial appreciation in home values over the past few years.
• Allison Hill South is a new townhome development that is largely residential, with grocery stores, retail businesses, and restaurants throughout the area.
• The Marketplace is a neighborhood that has historically been deteriorating. However, the neighborhood's new Georgian-style brick townhomes can be purchased traditionally or through a unique lease-to-own program created by the Harrisburg government.
• The Old Uptown Historic District is a historic district in the Midtown neighborhood. The district stretches from Reily to Maclay between Second and Third street, and consists of large Queen Anne and Italianate architecture built in the late 19th century and early 20th century.

EDUCATION

Harrisburg prides itself on offering a diverse workforce that is well educated and hard working. To obtain that education, residents can attend one of the several colleges and universities in Harrisburg and nearby:

• Harrisburg Area Community College-Harrisburg
• Thompson Institute
• Widener University-Harrisburg Campus
• Academy of Medical Arts and Business
• Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education-Central Office
• Messiah College
• Pennsylvania State University
• Dickinson College
• York College
• Gettysburg College
• Millersville University of Pennsylvania
• Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

SHOPPING

Harrisburg has several shopping options that include everything from locally owned specialty shops and sophisticated boutiques to national retail giants.

• The Shops at Strawberry Square is an enclosed shopping complex in downtown Harrisburg.
• Walnut Place is a block-long shopping area along Walnut Street with intimate shopping opportunities.
• Historic Midtown Market District is anchored by the Broad Street Farmers Market. This district combines retail shops and townhouses. Since its beginning in 1860, the Farmers Market has been a draw for the Pennsylvania Dutch as well as local farmers and artists.
• Kline Plaza holds the distinction of being Harrisburg's first shopping center. It is home to a supermarket in addition to the usual retail opportunities.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Because of Harrisburg's proximity to metropolitan areas such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., it has cultivated a reputation as home to many arts and cultural opportunities.

• Sunoco Performance Theatre is a performance hall that has tiered balconies, an orchestra level, and a flexible configuration that allows it to host any presentation.
• Susquehanna Art Museum and Doshi Gallery is a collaboration between two prominent art galleries that feature national and international art. These galleries occupy the first three floors of the Kunkel Building.
• Doll House Museum is a museum that displays everything to do with the history of doll houses.
• Richards Hall Art Gallery is a gallery that showcases faculty, students, alumni, and friends by displaying their artwork. Anyone involved with the state system of higher education is eligible to have their artwork displayed.
• Reservoir Park Mansion and Bandshell is the focal point of Reservoir Park and is home to two art museums, displays, art events, and summer concerts.

EVENTS

• The Kipona Festival features hundreds of arts and crafts vendors in Riverfront Park. Held over Memorial Day weekend, this event draws thousands to the park each year.
• African American Festival is a summer festival that attracts tens of thousands to enjoy entertainment that ranges from Shakespearean performances to reggae concerts.
• American Musicfest is a music festival held during the Independence Day weekend. It features more than 100 concerts in Riverfront Park and City Island.
• Italian Lake Concert Series is a series of concerts held from July to August each year. The series features a variety of musical stylings in the walkways between North Third Street and Division Street.
• The Harrison Gallery Walk is a day-long event held the Sunday after Labor Day. This event provides free admission to dozens of museums, galleries, and exhibits held all over the city.
• Pennsylvania Farm Show is the nation's largest agriculture exhibit. In addition, the show features cow parades and art exhibits.