What’s the capital of Pennsylvania? It’s Philadelphia, right? It has to be, with all that American history the city is steeped in. Maybe it’s Pittsburgh, the classic steel town? No. The capital of Pennsylvania is Harrisburg, and it doesn’t get the credit it should. A lot of people aren’t even aware that Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania, and even if they do, they don’t know what the big deal is. However, there’s a lot about Harrisburg to love. Here are 10 reasons why Harrisburg is one of the best capital cities in America.
1. Harrisburg Is Relaxed
A lot of capital cities are always busy with the hustle and bustle of people caught on the treadmill of city life, working, living and traveling at a breakneck pace. Harrisburg is a lot more laid-back than that. This is the land of Hershey’s chocolate and the Amish. People like to take their time and enjoy things here.
2. Harrisburg Is Friendly
In some capital cities, people walking by will ask, “how’re you doing?” and keep walking before you can even answer. In Harrisburg, not only do they really care to listen, they’ll ask how your mother is doing. Courtesy is the watchword in Harrisburg.
3. Lady Gaga Lives Here
You probably won’t see her at the local WaWa’s, but Lady Gaga has explained her desire to live in Central PA due to its friendly, welcoming community and genuine people. If it’s good enough for Gaga …
4. Job Opportunities/Security
In 2010, the Daily Beast put out a list of 20 recession-proof metropolitan areas throughout the United States, and the Harrisburg area was one of them. This is largely due to the high number of state and federal government agencies that operate in the Harrisburg area. If you’re looking for a good job and one that is likely to last, Harrisburg is a good place to set up your search.
5. Hershey Is Here!
The Harrisburg area is where you’ll find Hershey, the sweetest place on Earth, where chocolatier Milton Hershey built his empire. If you live in Harrisburg, you can make plenty of pilgrimages to Hersheypark, Hershey’s Chocolate World and the many other sweet delights Hershey has to offer.
6. You Can Get Just About Anywhere From Here
If Harrisburg still feels a little too city for you, it’s a short trip to the Appalachian Trail or Boyd Big Tree Preserve, where you’ll find yourself in the heart of the country. On the other hand, if you’re feeling a tinge of desire for that more fast-paced urban life, you’re a short hop to just about every major city in the East. Harrisburg is two hours from Philadelphia and four hours from Pittsburgh, three hours from New York, two hours from Washington, D.C. and an hour and a half from Baltimore. You could conceivably visit two or three of these big cities in one day! You can’t say that about many other capital cities.
7. Harrisburg Is Affordable
There are a lot of big cities where most people wouldn’t even consider buying a home. Harrisburg isn’t like that. You can probably get twice as much house or more here as in New York or Philadelphia. Since you can easily visit either of those cities, why not make your home base here?
8. Harrisburg Is Diverse
Of course, you’ll probably see your share of Amish if you live in Harrisburg, but you’re also likely to see people from Cameroon, China, Mexico or even Burma and get to experience their cultures through their food, language and way of life.
9. Harrisburg Is Artistic
Harrisburg has independent bookstores, live music, art shows and young artists. The vibrant and exciting arts and music scene in the city includes painting, photography, singing, dancing and more.
10. Harrisburg Is Eco-friendly
Projects like the Green Urban Initiative and others are popping up all over Harrisburg to help and encourage Harrisburg residents live a more sustainable lifestyle for the good of all in the community and beyond.
If this is the first time you’re hearing about all the great things Harrisburg has to offer, it’s no big surprise. Harrisburg has been woefully underrated and underappreciated when compared to other capital cities like Boston, Austin or Sacramento. Now that you know about Harrisburg, come down and check it out for yourself. Pretty soon you’ll be spreading the word about how Harrisburg is one of the best capital cities around!