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As a town that loves the arts, the outdoors, and scenic river views, Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, is a city that blends its rich historical background with modern living. Located along the beautiful Susquehanna River, the city offers a unique mix of urban activity and natural beauty for its residents. With plenty of parks, museums, festivals, and professional opportunities in the area, Harrisburg fits every kind of lifestyle. D.R. Horton offers a range of new houses in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and our spacious floorplans and modern designs make it easy to move in and take advantage of all this close-knit community has to offer.

Why live in Harrisburg, PA

Harrisburg, PA, is the perfect location for those seeking to live in a city with plenty to do, while also maintaining a strong sense of community and connection. With its proximity to the beautiful Susquehanna River, residents can enjoy many scenic parks, bustling walking trails, and other outdoor activities within walking distance. The annual, fun-filled arts festivals, along with numerous museums and theaters, offer each resident the opportunity to connect with the arts while engaging with other community members. Local markets add to the area’s connected atmosphere and offer additional entertainment options. With its combination of small-town charm and capital city convenience, Harrisburg offers residents an active community and plenty of entertainment options.

The city serves as a central location to major metropolitan areas, including Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and New York City. With its convenient location along major routes, such as Interstate 81, Harrisburg is an ideal destination for local commuters traveling to neighboring towns, like the 20-minute drive to Hershey, PA, making it easy for professionals to travel to other business hubs in the area. For air travel, residents have Harrisburg International Airport in Middletown to meet their long-distance travel needs.

Celebrations and entertainment in Harrisburg, PA

Although it’s the capital city, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, offers all the charm of a small town while providing plenty of community activities and opportunities for you to get involved and form lasting connections with your neighbors. With fun available all year long, you can appreciate the arts through the various theatres and museums, or enjoy the markets and festivals hosted in the iconic Riverside Park.

Throughout the year, the festivals highlight the community pride in Harrisburg, merging culture, art, and entertainment to provide fun for all ages and backgrounds. ArtsFest, hosted every Memorial Day weekend, features over 170 local artists and craftsmen gathering to share their art along the Susquehanna River. Hosted in Riverfront Park, the festival displays a variety of handcrafted works in ceramics, jewelry, painting, photography, and much more. After browsing the art, you can enjoy live entertainment, such as JazzFest and various live music acts, which are hosted alongside the vendors. A free ADA-accessible shuttle is available for resident transportation, making the festival accessible to everyone.

Other festivals include the historic Kipona Festival, held on the riverfront, which celebrates the Native American tribal communities around Harrisburg. Alongside dog jumping competitions, fireworks, and food trucks, the event features live music from 15 local bands, accompanied by a full display of Native American dance, music, and tradition on the beautiful City Island, an island in the middle of the Susquehanna River that is home to a variety fun events and celebrations in the area. When the weather gets cold, you can take your family down to the Ice and Fire Festival hosted in downtown Harrisburg, which includes 60 illuminated ice sculptures located throughout the area. Participating businesses offer activities such as live ice carving, fire pits for s’mores making, and fire dancers. Families can enjoy activities like a 100-foot-long iceless ice skating rink, an ice slide, horse-drawn carriage rides, and many more winter activities. Both festivals feature an artist market where local artists showcase a variety of handcrafted items for sale.

Festivals are not the only place to enjoy the arts in Harrisburg. Located in Midtown, the Susquehanna Art Museum showcases artists from all backgrounds. You can connect with the community through a variety of works from local and regional artists, or expand your artistic knowledge by viewing international pieces. If the dramatic arts suit you more, the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center showcases local music acts, poetry sessions, and comedy routines in its beautiful historic complex. For film enthusiasts, the Midtown Cinema hosts screenings of a range of vintage and modern films, offering a unique movie-going experience.

As one of the oldest farmers' markets in the country, the Broad Street Market offers a variety of fresh produce. It serves as a neighborhood hub, serving up goods and produce from local vendors. It's not just a grocery stop; it's a community spot to connect and shop local.

You can also enjoy the scenic views and fun activities around City Island. The island serves as the home to the baseball stadium of the Harrisburg Senators, the city’s minor league team. You and your family can watch a game while enjoying the beautiful views of the city skyline and the river. For extra entertainment, you can take your kids to the Kids Zone in the stadium to play with bouncy castles and participate in various games. To see more of the river during the warmer months, residents can board the iconic Susquehanna Riverboat. Each sightseeing trip showcases the beauty of the river while providing passengers with a unique riding experience on one of the last paddlewheel boats in the country.

For those looking to get out of Harrisburg for a day of fun, Hershey, PA, is a short drive from the city and is home to Hershey Park, the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania. Started by the Hershey Company, you can find plenty of fun activities for the family, including candy-themed roller coasters, games, dining, and attractions. The park also features a zoo and aquarium for those who want to view American wildlife from all across the country. When the weather heats up, you can explore the water park, where you can splash down the waterslides, swim in the pools, or lounge in the lazy river.

Outdoor recreation is in Harrisburg, PA

Harrisburg is full of places for outdoor enthusiasts to explore. There is no shortage of parks in the area, and each one offers something different. From nature preserves to expansive trails, you are sure to find something that suits your desire for the great outdoors.

With its numerous parks, the city of Harrisburg offers a break from the busyness of the capital city. Wildwood Park, located north of downtown in between Route 23 and Interstate 81, consists of 229 acres of nature preserve to explore. With a 90-acre lake on-site, visitors can fish for a variety of species like largemouth bass, bluegill, and black crappie. You can traverse the freshwater wetlands with over three miles of trails and a 1.5-mile-long boardwalk available for walking, running, and biking. Once you’ve seen the park, you can head to the Benjamin Olewine III Nature Center to learn about the wildlife and ecosystem around the area.

The Riverfront Park is a convenient place to enjoy stunning riverfront views. Aside from the multiple festivals hosted in the park, there are over 47 acres of land to explore at your own pace. Running parallel along the shoreline of the Susquehanna River, there are plenty of well-maintained, paved walking paths and biking lanes available for public use. Alongside the expansive green spaces, you can see beautiful gardens and public art installations that are located around the park. Riverfront Park is a perfect place to enjoy the community of Harrisburg while soaking up the scenic views.

To explore the underground world, Harrisburg residents can visit the Indian Echo Caves to experience geological wonders. Located only 11 miles outside of the city in Hummelstown, the caves offer family-friendly fun for all ages. You can learn about the 440 million-year-old caves carved out of limestone, as well as the treasures that reside within them, and discover the fascinating natural history of the area. Through guided tours, you and your family can learn about Native American history, fossils, and dazzling crystals and geodes. Above ground, young explorers can learn how to pan for real gold and enjoy a petting zoo and playground. These adventures offer more than just a regular tour but an immersive walk through millions of years of history.

If you would like to explore Harrisburg by trail, you can visit the Capital Area Greenbelt, which provides an adventure that showcases the city’s outdoor beauty. Whether you prefer to walk, run, or bike, the expansive 20 miles of trails wrap around the area as it passes through parks like Reservoir Park, Veterans’ Park, and Wildwood Parks. Throughout each stop, you can experience stunning views of the Susquehanna River and Blue Ridge Mountains, all while staying in the Harrisburg area. When temperatures drop and snow begins to fall, the trail works great for cross-country skiing as well, offering outdoor fun all year round.

To get more marvelous views of the Susquehanna River, you and your family can set out to Water Golf on City Island. Located on the North end of City Island, the 18-hole miniature golf course spans across two bluffs and shows off the stunning river views with a 60-foot walking bridge. If you prefer to kick up your feet to enjoy the views, the 13th hole features swings that look out on the river, especially favored during the beautiful Harrisburg sunsets. After your round of golf, you can stop by the snack shack to pick up some food to fuel up.

From plenty of parks to the underground wonders, Harrisburg is the ideal location for those who love an outdoor lifestyle. Whether you are an adventurous family, an experienced runner, or just looking to relax and enjoy the views, the city is full of opportunities to explore the outdoors.

Careers and industries in Harrisburg, PA

Harrisburg’s professional environment is centered around industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and public service. Major employers include the state government, the Hershey Company, and the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. The city is home to several major headquarters, including D&H Distributors, a leading technology distributor; insurance companies such

as Highmark Health; and electronic manufacturers like Tyco Electronics. Many residents in the area opt for the short commute to Hershey, PA, and work at the Hershey Company's manufacturing plants. The region also relies on the significant military presence in the area for employment opportunities. Bases like the Harrisburg Military Post, New Cumberland Defense Depot, and the Olmsted Air Force Base offer both civilian and military support to the community, providing opportunities to residents of the area.

What makes Harrisburg, PA a great place to live?

As the state’s capital, Harrisburg offers a unique blend of convenience, opportunity, and connectedness. With the wide variety of events hosted throughout the city, you can enjoy the arts while becoming an active member of this close-knit community. The accessible parks, trails, and outdoor activities make it easy to enjoy the stunning nature that is present throughout the region and stay active while appreciating nature. With the large presence of career opportunities, you can enjoy all that Harrisburg has to offer without sacrificing your professional goals. Regardless of who you are, Harrisburg offers a great blend of opportunity and entertainment, making it a great place to call home.

New construction homes in Harrisburg, PA

D.R. Horton’s new build homes in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, make it easy to find your place and settle down within the tight-knit community. With easy access to urban opportunities and the outdoors, the capital city is a great place to call home. To find your new house, check out our Harrisburg, Pennsylvania home listings and contact us today.