Harrisburg's cultural scene centers around the historic Pennsylvania State Capitol Building, where visitors can take free tours of its architectural masterpiece dome. The 20-mile Susquehanna Riverfront Greenbelt trail system connects residents to City Island, home of the Harrisburg Senators baseball team and the Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat. The Broad Street Market, one of America's oldest continuously operating markets, serves as a cornerstone of local food culture alongside upscale dining at 1700° Steakhouse and Char's Tracy Mansion. Cultural attractions include the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, the State Museum of Pennsylvania, and the National Civil War Museum in Reservoir Park.
The housing market features diverse options across distinct neighborhoods. The median sale price in Harrisburg is $225,000. Single family homes in Midtown Harrisburg have a median price of $214,000, while Downtown Harrisburg's median is $208,000. Colonial Park North commands higher prices with a median of $370,000. Condominiums range from $134,800 for one bedroom units to $232,500 for two bedrooms.
Living costs in Harrisburg run 4% above the national average. A family with school-age children needs $109,000 annually to live comfortably, while renters require $58,000. The property tax rate is 1.43%, slightly higher than nearby Carlisle at 1.21% but lower than York at 1.68%. Pennsylvania's state income tax rate is 3.07%. Education options include highly rated private schools like St. Stephen's Episcopal School and Harrisburg Academy, both rated A plus by Niche. The Central Dauphin Senior High School, rated A minus, serves several neighborhoods including Colonial Park North and Susquehanna Township.
