Moving to Harrisburgh area from Los Angeles-questions (Pittsburgh, Lancaster: houses, quality of life)

[Amy1234]

Hi.
I am originally from Pittsburgh and have lived in Southern California for the last 20 years. Been fun but I have had my fill of over priced everything, illeagal immigration, insane taxes, tons of homeless and by no means do I want my children to grow up here. My husband and I bought a home in the Dauphin County area (zip 17111) which is a mile from my dads. We are very excited but I have no idea where to go for things that I am used to out here in the area in which I live. There are a lot of funky outside cafes, unique shops whereas it seems like there are more big box stores in the area where we are moving which makes sense as the area is not pedistrian as ours is here but I would still like to know of some cool little towns/places to go that have originality in regards to restaurants and shops. Also, there are so many people in SoCal that you have no problem meeting people and folks are very open and approachable but I find the same thing in PA, I just am not sure what good venues are for a couple in the early forties with two infants to meet other folks. We are not big church goers but are open to clubs, sporting things etc....
Thanks!

[danwxman]

Originally Posted by Amy1234

Hi.
I am originally from Pittsburgh and have lived in Southern California for the last 20 years. Been fun but I have had my fill of over priced everything, illeagal immigration, insane taxes, tons of homeless and by no means do I want my children to grow up here. My husband and I bought a home in the Dauphin County area (zip 17111) which is a mile from my dads. We are very excited but I have no idea where to go for things that I am used to out here in the area in which I live. There are a lot of funky outside cafes, unique shops whereas it seems like there are more big box stores in the area where we are moving which makes sense as the area is not pedistrian as ours is here but I would still like to know of some cool little towns/places to go that have originality in regards to restaurants and shops. Also, there are so many people in SoCal that you have no problem meeting people and folks are very open and approachable but I find the same thing in PA, I just am not sure what good venues are for a couple in the early forties with two infants to meet other folks. We are not big church goers but are open to clubs, sporting things etc....
Thanks!

I googled 17111 and it puts you in a pretty good location. Just a few minutes from the Colonial Park and Union Deposit area, which have all the shopping you need including Target, Giant, Best Buy, Costco etc. There is a Wal-Mart not too far as well. Harrisburg Mall and Colonial Park Mall are close. If you want cutesy downtown shopping that is pedestrian-friendly (wow I'd love to see more of that around here) unfortunately it's almost all sprawl big-box type. Downtown Harrisburg does have some niche upscale retail, but it's mostly known for its bars and "restaurant row." Certainly a great place to go to eat (and its all locally-owned unique restaurants, not chains!) but not necessarily to shop. The Shopes at Susquehanna just opened up a couple year ago and has some upscale stores (NY&Company, Banana Republic, White House Black Market) and it is just off 81 about 10-15 minutes from you. It's a typical shopping center but it's a bit more pedestrian-friendly then most.

[Amy1234]

thanks a million.
appreciate it. i will miss all the great eclectic places to go to but i rather have green, fresh air and a better quality of life.

[mcox425]

Amy, good for you in moving to Harrisburg. I am a REALTOR here in the area and have lived all over North Carolina and Maryland. But there is something back here that really drew me back. I would suggest asking your agent for a copy of Harrisburg Magazine or you can go to the website at Harrisburg Magazine for the information that I think you may be looking for.

I wish you the best in your move!

[Amy1234]

Thank you very much for advice.
Kind regards,
Amy

[teachbeach]

Day trips to Lititz, Mount Joy, Lancaster, Shrewsbury, Hunt Valley, MD will get you funky stores and different restaurants. Check the local papers for weekend happenings in/around the area. Always seem to be craft shows, pumpkin rides, open houses, doggie events, light festivals, train rides etc. in many of these places. Welcome back to PA!

[Nativeson]

Hello AMY1234!

Down towards Philly we have Peddlers Village (eccentric!)
There's the PA Ren Faire during the summer down 72 towards Lancaster.

And don't forget about all the local craft shows that we have here. Penn State has a huge show every year.

There's also little shops scattered around that cater to your needs also!

Welcome back to the real world!

Son

[Amy1234]

Thanks all for the great ideas. Really getting excited to get to somewhere with more values and history!

[bnepler]

It's a great area, lived near there for 30 yrs. Lived in Linglestown near the mountains.

[openless]

that area is very nice and peaceful, great to jog. traffic is a pain in the butt though, jsut watch that.