How is Southcentral PA faring in this economic downturn? (Lancaster: real estate, home)

[xyzpdq]

How is Southcentral PA -- Harrisburg, Carlisle, Lancaster, York -- faring in this current economic downturn? Is it worthwhile for me to move there to try to find a job in that region?

[sharris]

What type of work do you do. There is plenty of opportunity but like everywhere else there are going to be bumps. Like me being a Realtor.. Not so good for me right now. Living in the Southwestern PA area you are only an hours drive to Baltimore/ Washington. And or Hershey. Jobs are to be had and cost of living is good here. Coming into our cold weather so that will have an effect if you are an outside worker.

[xyzpdq]

I guess the most general way to describe me would be white collar office worker.

I know that the governor has implemented a hiring freeze for state workers; I'm wondering how that's affecting life in Central Pa.

[Marodi]

atm, its only manufacturing that's taking that much of a hit, but it's a matter of time till office workers feel it too.

[danwxman]

Harrisburg (and in fact all of south central PA) has been weathering the economic downturn very well. The only places that seem to be getting hit are York and Adams county in terms of falling real estate prices.

[Icy Tea]

Berks is just a little east of there and home prices are down just 1 or 2%, unemployment was 5.9% for September. Lancaster/Lebanon/ Harrisburg and Carlisle have the lowest unemployment in the state along with State College. I think about 5% or even a little less.