Harrisburg (Whitaker: for rent, hotel, employment)

[wolfbane19]

Hello! A friend and I are thinking about relocating to Harrisburg, PA from Johnson City, TN. We were recently there on vacation and really liked the area. We are both 22 years old and recently out of college. I'm looking into putting my degree to use doing government work and he is looking for work in the hotel/restaurant/convenience store area while saving up money for culinary school. Neither of us have any kids nor are we into the bar scene. So my questions are: How is the employment rate in the area? What kind of prices are we looking at for a 2 bedroom place and what area is the best place to begin looking? What kind of fun can two rather geeky young men have in the area?

[Marodi]

Fairly low unemployment rate, compared to national rate. Price for renting comes out to be roughly one dollar per square foot.

[danwxman]

Originally Posted by wolfbane19

Hello! A friend and I are thinking about relocating to Harrisburg, PA from Johnson City, TN. We were recently there on vacation and really liked the area. We are both 22 years old and recently out of college. I'm looking into putting my degree to use doing government work and he is looking for work in the hotel/restaurant/convenience store area while saving up money for culinary school. Neither of us have any kids nor are we into the bar scene. So my questions are: How is the employment rate in the area? What kind of prices are we looking at for a 2 bedroom place and what area is the best place to begin looking? What kind of fun can two rather geeky young men have in the area?

I just turned 23 and live in the Midtown section of the city. I think living Downtown or Midtown would provide the most excitement for you, even if you are not interested in the bar scene. There's a ton of cool restaurants, the Midtown Cinema, Whitaker center, and City Island and Riverfront Park for bikerides. The employment here is strong and growing. HACC (Harrisburg Area Community College) has a great culinary school with their own restaurant, cheese shop and bakery downtown.

In terms of prices, check out craigslist or pennlive.com. Two bedrooms in midtown and downtown can range from $600-900 generally.