Harrisburg or State College for a young professional?

[BTA88]

Originally Posted by 1timbo1

Read DowntownHarrisburg's overview of, well, Downtown Harrisburg. It's the best nightlife scene in the state between Philly and Pittsburgh, bar none, there's something for everybody. State College is probably second place, however it's mostly college kids. The crime in the city is bad, but it's mostly certain neighborhoods. Crime in the downtown area is mostly related to the drunken activity that goes on there at night, during the day it's probably the safest neighborhood within city limits.

Where would you be working? Definitely make a decision based on your commute, it's winter now and the 90 mile stretch between Harrisburg and State College can be a snow covered trek over and around large mountains. Not too fun.

Two comments, real quick. 1. While I'd give Harrisburg's nightlife the edge, I wouldn't say it beats Lancaster hands down. The principal difference being that Lancaster's bars are more spread out, whereas Harrisburg's are all within several blocks on one street.

2. I used to hang out at Hardware a lot, and though I don't go often anymore, I can say for sure, since they've shutdown Dragonfly the number of drunken fights in the street and general nonsense has gone down dramatically on 2nd Street. Of course it still goes on, but not nearly as much. I remember going to Hardware right after Snowmageddon and waiting outside after last call and this group of people comes out of Dragonfly making all kinds of noise, next thing I know a guy gets shoved or punched over a 5ft tall snow pile, basically landing in the street.

[1timbo1]

Originally Posted by BTA88

I wouldn't say it beats Lancaster hands down. The principal difference being that Lancaster's bars are more spread out, whereas Harrisburg's are all within several blocks on one street.

Good point. It's been a while since I visited Lancaster, need to get back there. Also, I think Lancaster has more of an artsy/indie feel to it, perhaps due to F&M College.

[BTA88]

Originally Posted by 1timbo1

Good point. It's been a while since I visited Lancaster, need to get back there. Also, I think Lancaster has more of an artsy/indie feel to it, perhaps due to F&M College.

I agree, Lancaster is definitely artsy for a city of its size. Lots of live music venues in both cities as well. I always loved Marion Court Room, it seems so uniquely Lancastrian.