Harrisburg: Living and Working in Central Pa.

Pennsylvania's Capital Region has much to offer - from professional sports to a top-notch art and music scene to outdoor activities. After spending a little time in the Harrisburg area, you'll soon see why the region was named to the Forbes.com list of "America" Most Livable Cities.

Attractions

In addition to being the seat of Pennsylvania's state government, the Harrisburg region boasts some of the region's premier attractions.

Music & culture

If you're a music lover, you can take in a performance of the fully professional Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, a concert at the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts or attend the annual Millennium Music Conference.

A 15-minute drive takes you to Hershey, where the Giant Center, Hersheypark Stadium and Hershey Theater host some of the biggest names in music and Broadway classics.

Harrisburg also hosts annual festivals, Kipona and Artsfest, on its scenic riverfront.

Family fun

Sports fans can check out the Harrisburg Senators minor league baseball team, the Harrisburg City Islanders soccer club, or a Hershey Bears AHL hockey game.

Other attractions within minutes of Harrisburg include Pennsylvania Dutch country, historic Gettysburg battlefields, and world-famous Hersheypark and Hershey's Chocolate World.

Outdoors

The regions picturesque scenery is ideal for outdoor exploration. Whether you enjoy hiking in a state park, biking along a scenic country byway, skiing in fresh powder at Roundtop Mountain Resort or kayaking down the Susquehanna River, there is a nearby outdoor activity for you.

Travel

And if that's not enough entertainment, a 90-minute to two-hour drive opens up unlimited activities in Baltimore, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Harrisburg is a three-hour direct train ride away from the sights and sounds of New York City - perfect for a day trip to see a Broadway show. Plus, Harrisburg International Airport offers with 13 direct flights including Chicago, Boston and Orlando.

Education

Educational opportunities abound in the Capital Region, with 10 colleges, universities or postsecondary institutions within an hours drive of Harrisburg. From top-notch public schools to private institutions, the region also boasts many excellent K-12 options.

Economy

The Harrisburg area has a stable economy. Although the region's largest employer is the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, there are more than 10 Fortune 500 companies and a host of small, independently owned businesses in the region. You will also find a diverse blend of major industries, including manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, retail, hospitality/tourism and legal/financial services.

Local Schools

• Adams County School District
• Cumberland County School District
• Dauphin County School District
• Lancaster County School District
• Lebanon County School District
• Perry County School District
• York County School District

Entertainment

• Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau
• Dining In Harrisburg – The Harrisburg area offers dozens of delicious options when it comes to dining, whether you're in the mood for a gourmet meal for two or a casual, family-friendly destination.
• Hershey, PA – Best known as "the town built on chocolate," Hershey offers an array of activities—from rollercoasters and water attractions at Hersheypark to national headliner concerts, and from dozens of outlet stores to a full-service spa and various dining options at the Hotel Hershey—Hershey offers something for the entire family.
• Pennsylvania State Museum
• The Whitaker Center for Science and The Arts
• The Giant Center
• Hershey Attractions
• The Shoppes at Susquehanna Market Place
• Capital City Mall
• Central Penn Parent
• Central Penn Business Journal
• Hiking in Pa
• Visit Gettysburg – Historic Gettysburg is less than an hour's drive from Harrisburg, history buffs the world over travel to historic Gettysburg for reenactments, tours of the battlefield and to experience, up close, this monumental chapter in our nation's past.
• VisitPA.com
• Discover Lancaster – From tree-lined city streets of the downtown to the rolling farm fields of the surrounding county, Lancaster County offers a front row seat on a piece of our country's history, accompanied by access to modern amenities like nightlife and a thriving cultural scene.
• The Broad Street Market – Harrisburg is home to the Broad Street Market, one of the oldest continuously operating farmers markets in the country.
• Ski Roundtop – Whether you love skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing, Ski Roundtop will bring a smile to your face. And what's more, the warmer months offer adventure sports and outdoor activities for the whole family.
• The Susquehanna Art Museum – Enjoy the works of nationally and internationally-recognized artists, right in the heart of Midtown Harrisburg. The museum offers an impressive range of exhibits and a dynamic children's art education program.
• The Midtown Scholar – With more than one million titles available, this large, independent, used bookstore offers titles for any interest or subject. The bookstore is home to numerous monthly community events, an art gallery, folk music concerts and a cafe.
• Appalachian Trail Conservancy – Whether you're in the mood to explore the Appalachian Trail, embark on a challenging hike through a beautiful state park or forest, or take on an easy-to-navigate path along a scenic waterway, Central Pennsylvania boasts a multitude of hiking opportunities within just a short drive.