Harrisburg, PA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Harrisburg is a vibrant city located in Eastern Pennsylvania. The city offers active adults a variety of entertainment options and a wide selection of shopping and dining opportunities. Harrisburg locals can enjoy everything from a relaxing walk through one of the city’s many parks, to a visit to the National Civil War Museum.

Climate & Geography

The climate in Harrisburg is categorized as humid subtropical. The city experiences all four seasons, with winter lows dropping down to the low 20s, and summer highs reaching the mid 80s.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

As Pennsylvania’s state capital, Harrisburg offers plenty of historic sites for retirees to explore. The National Civil War Museum and the State Museum of Pennsylvania feature artifacts that offer a look into the past. Other popular museums in Harrisburg include the Whitaker Center, the Pennsylvania National Fire Museum, and the Susquehanna Art Museum.

Active adults seeking opportunities for outdoor adventure will find that the area is abundant in natural scenery. Wildwood Park is a well known destination for hiking along serene trails and wildlife viewing. Fort Hunter Mansion and Park allows locals to tour the mansion and stroll through lush greenery. Retirees head to Riverfront Park to enjoy tranquil views of the Susquehanna River.

Harrisburg features several community festivals and events throughout the year, including the Maple Sugar Festival and the Artsfest of Greater Harrisburg. The city is also home to a year-round farmers market.

Cost of Living & Taxes

The overall cost of living in Harrisburg is below the state and national averages. This is mainly due to the median home cost being significantly lower than average, although grocery and transportation costs are below average as well.

While property taxes in Pennsylvania are on the higher end of average, sales tax in Harrisburg is on the lower end of average. Income tax in Pennsylvania is 3.07 percent, although Municipalities can levy additional tax. Social Security benefits are not taxed in Pennsylvania.

Health Care

The Harrisburg Area ranks in the top 88 communities to live in the country on Gallup’s Well-Being Index.

Harrisburg is home to UPMC Pinnacle, ranked the No. 5 hospital in Pennsylvania by U.S. News. The hospital is nationally ranked in one specialty, and high performing in three specialties and eight procedures and conditions.