Just how bad is Harrisburg? (Allentown, Lebanon: crimes, houses, safe area)

[judd2401]

Having lived in Perry County, and worked in Harrisburg for the past 12 years, I can tell you that although Perry County is the butt of jokes, it is the last undeveloped paradise in the 5 counties around Harrisburg. You'll have no problem finding contractors, but do it word of mouth. Harrisburg, in my opinion, and unlike other posts, is returning to the gang climate of many other cities in Central PA. There's heavy drug trafficking through Harrisburg and has been for many years because it's a central hub with many interstates and the turnpike intersecting. It has a great night life, and lots to do, but there has been an increase in crime, but living in Shermansdale, you won't have to worry about it. Harrisburg is redeveloping and has a strong mayor and part of the problem is that the lower/middle class living in the areas marked for redevelopment are being pushed into closer proximity to each other in the poorer areas, increasing the feeling of hopelessness among the young folks, there is a never ending attack on the Harrisburg school district along racial lines, despite many improvements, but there are many beautiful venues to take advantage of in the Susquehanna Valley. I think you will be very pleasantly surprised by your living experience in Perry Co. and you'll have lots to enjoy in the Harrisburg/Hershey/Lancaster area. Good luck.

[Debaroo]

Originally Posted by Checkers

As a central Jersey transplant living in Susquehanna township, I would say that the Harrisburg area is quite similar to central NJ about 10-20 years ago.

Harrisburg City reminds me a lot of Somerville with a dash of Plainfield - both good and bad. However, I think Harrisburg is a little bigger than both towns combined. It is the county seat and the state capitol, and just like any growing city, there is no shortage of construction projects and road closings.

The beltway consists of Routes 81, 83 and 581, and like 287, 22 and 78 back then, is always under construction and traffic usually sucks too - especially on Fridays, starting around lunchtime.

Your choice of real estate varies greatly and, for the most part, is a good investment. Since relocating here, real estate prices have increased about 10-15% per year while still being affordable. There is a huge selection to choose from too. The market can support the million dollar McMansion and the $20k row home and you can probably find both within a 10 minute drive of each other.

My wife and I have no children, so schools are not important to us. However, taxes are. For the most part, when compared to NJ, there are a lot more taxes out here, but all of the combined taxes don't even come close to what you're probably paying in NJ. Also, if you do relocate to the area, expect to save some on your insurance coverage(s). We just received our annual auto insurance bill and it was well under $700 for the year. We have better coverage and newer cars than we had in NJ too.

There is plenty of work available and, depending on your career path, you should be able to maintain your NJ salary and benefits. But, as others pointed out, major manufacturing companies are being forced south or overseas by their stockholders. So, trade, service related or government positions probably would be more stable and readily available.

After 7 years of living here, there are still no real shopping malls to speak of. The former "East" mall has gone under some major renovations, but it still is nothing like the Commons or Woodbridge Center. Perhaps, picture a nice Menlo Park Mall before it expanded and upgraded. Expect to travel some distance for anything better.

I think central NJ had a lot more to offer when it comes to entertainment. But, this area is catching up here rather quickly and, perhaps passing NJ. Just remember though, there's nothing like the Jersey shore or a NJ transit ride into NYC.

Checkers

Thanks for the post. Nice to hear your comparison. We live in Hillsborough, so we know about Somerville but to me Plainfield is much worse. Your right about the Jersey shore. Nothing like "Going down the shore"

[pittsburgh,pa]

who can compare harrisburg bad nieborhoods to pittsburghs. I might be moving to harrisburg in a lil so which one worst crime wise

[danwxman]

Originally Posted by pittsburgh,pa

who can compare harrisburg bad nieborhoods to pittsburghs. I might be moving to harrisburg in a lil so which one worst crime wise

Harrisburg's worst neighborhoods are the southside (the worst area is right around the Hall Manor housing project), Allison Hill (especially south Allison Hill which borders the southside), and the area of Uptown (ironically) within a few blocks of the Governors Mansion.

[HeavenKissed]

I was born and raised in the City of Harrisburg, educated in Harrisburg City Schools and Central Dauphin School District (Lower Paxton Township) and have lived in just about every area of Harrisburg including the suburban areas.

To those who are thinking of relocating to Harrisburg, please do not let these "yahoos" lead you to believe that the City of Harrisburg is an
undesirable place to live.

Yes, we have our share of crime just as other cities, but on a lesser scale. However, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is an up and coming city, and revitalization is taking place. We have a Mayor who has been in office since I was a little girl (that could be good and it could be bad) He has visions and I could see a positive change for Harrisburg in the very near future.

We have access to all major cities as we are the hub and have access to 83 and 81...pick a interstate and you on your way!!

I can assure you, that most of the negative posting you have read are our neighbors who have probably never set foot inside any of the neighborhoods of Harrisburg such as Uptown, Allison Hill, and or the Southside areas. I can bet you a dime to dollar that the furthest they walk was from the parking lot to thier jobs. Ask one of them any of them what neighborhoods they walked in. Ask them if they ever spoke to the residents. You already now the answer, right.

Yeah, Perry County maybe good, if you don't mind the commute and areas of nothingness, West Shore is good if you don't mind the quiet racism, and well Hanover Township...so insignificant it doesn't even matter..where are you again on the map?? *Squinting eyes to see the dot marking your city* But hey I said to much, I digress!!!

Harrisburg residents are for the most part very friendly, if you see an area you maybe interested in, drive through and check out the neighborhood, talk with the residents (we don't bite!) get a feel for the city and the neighborhoods. Shucks ask me, and I'll tell you the truth. I live in the Allison Hill area of the city and I LOVE MY NEIGHBORHOOD and my block. We have all races, we have young and old, and we all mind our business; but we look out for each other.

Best of Luck and I pray that whereever you decide to move, God will be with you.

[nocturnal rooster]

Originally Posted by danwxman

Harrisburg's worst neighborhoods are the southside (the worst area is right around the Hall Manor housing project), Allison Hill (especially south Allison Hill which borders the southside), and the area of Uptown (ironically) within a few blocks of the Governors Mansion.

In other words, all of Harrisburg

[ScranBarre]

Originally Posted by nocturnal rooster

In other words, all of Harrisburg

If you're so unhappy living in PA, then why don't you relocate?

[danwxman]

Originally Posted by nocturnal rooster

In other words, all of Harrisburg

You're forgetting about downtown, midtown, shipoke, north harrisburg, east harrisburg, bellevue park, italian lake....all are great neighborhoods.

I take it that you've never really seen most of Harrisburg. You should come out with my friends and I some night. We usually hit up a few spots downtown, but then we end up at a friend's house in big, bad, scary midtown...you might not like that.

[miraposa]

I KNOW HBG, born and raised in Carlisle. Lived in the Burg over 20 yrs and I say that those of you who LIKE Hbg must never have gotten out of Hbg or Pa and seen that there is an entire new world to be discovered.

It is dirty, very prejudiced and has nothing going for it. Mayor Reed does a fine job, but you can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear.

I got out and will never regret it. In fact I live in South Carolina the best state in the whole US!! People are friendly here, mannerly and don't try to butt into your business, unlike Hbg. The food is great (shrip & grits will curl your tongue), the weather fantastic!!

Oh well, I've said my piece about Hbg. It can sink in the ocean for all I care.
I am just so glad God gave me the chance to escape.

[danwxman]

Originally Posted by miraposa

I KNOW HBG, born and raised in Carlisle. Lived in the Burg over 20 yrs and I say that those of you who LIKE Hbg must never have gotten out of Hbg or Pa and seen that there is an entire new world to be discovered.

It is dirty, very prejudiced and has nothing going for it. Mayor Reed does a fine job, but you can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear.

I got out and will never regret it. In fact I live in South Carolina the best state in the whole US!! People are friendly here, mannerly and don't try to butt into your business, unlike Hbg. The food is great (shrip & grits will curl your tongue), the weather fantastic!!

Oh well, I've said my piece about Hbg. It can sink in the ocean for all I care.
I am just so glad God gave me the chance to escape.

You sound like a typical sunbelter who bashes the North. Different strokes for different folks!

But I hardly think Harrisburg has nothing going for it. It has been ranked as one of the best places to live and is one of the more affordable housing markets in the entire country, with easy access to the bigger metros like Philly, DC and New York. The area has changed drastically in just the 20 years I've been here.

And btw, God didn't give you a chance at anything, you made up your own mind to move. Plus, South Carolina has a much greater chance at sinking into the ocean.