First of all, the life sustaining issues:

- I sleep at night. This may not sound like a big deal, but to function at work, school, and in life, I must do so periodically. I am able to sleep because it is safe and quiet. I can even occasionally fall asleep with my house and/or my cars unlocked and know that chances are, nothing will happen. Crime is very low. Our Mayor knows all the cops and firemen personally. That is not normally the case in a city this size.

- I breathe. The air is clean. There are trees and bodies of water. The streets are free of litter and natural beauty abounds.

- I eat. Admittedly, this area is not blessed with a wealth of great eating establishments. But there are some, and many are fantastic. The outstanding element, though, is that I know I will be treated nicely, I will get a reservation with little or no trouble, and I will be able to afford the meal. This is not always the case in the “Big City”. A nice dinner for two in Harrisburg generally averages about $65.00. In Philadelphia, it easily starts at $100.00. And that’s for a fairly average meal, IF you can get a reservation. And then you are treated like just another person. Here, they get to know your name—I think I prefer the “Cheers” syndrome.

- Groceries are another issue—In the city, the supermarkets are usually quite dirty, and sparsely located. Selection is not great, and the prices rival what it would cost to eat in a great restaurant every night of the week here. I usually spend about $60.00 per week on groceries here. In Manhattan, forget it. Easily $120.00 to $150.00 for the same stuff. Let’s just say that I was skinny, but not too happy, being a high-maintenance, 5-meal per day girl…

- I have a roof over my head. Actually, a pretty nice one. When I did live in cities including New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington DC, my rent (as I would never be able to afford to own there) for a one or two bedroom apartment was easily three times the cost of my mortgage on a four bedroom house with land in a safe neighborhood. Taxes are low, there is no city wage tax (In Philadelphia, if you work in Center City, you pay 5% of your salary in wage tax. If you live in C.C., you pay an additional 5%. That’s 10% of your take-home pay.) Although the salaries may be higher in the urban areas, the cost of living is, for the most part, about twice what it is here.

The next issue of importance is the professional opportunities. As one of my friends recently stated, “Here, you can be the big fish in the small pond.” There are several great reasons to work here in the ‘Burg.

- Salary. Although the cost of living is fairly low here, the salary trends in Harrisburg indicate that they average about 70%-90% of those for similar professions in Philadelphia, per capita. That’s far above the national average, and also pretty amazing.

- There are jobs. Lots. It’s a time of unparalleled growth.

- Low overhead and a need for whatever it is you do, if you are in business.

- Less competition. See “big fish theory.”

- Regional accessibility. If you need to be in a number of cities—or anywhere else—you can get there fast.

- HUNDREDS of professional resources. Most of which are free of charge. It is an advanced city, in and of itself, in that area, but it also happens to be the State Capital. So all of those offices that provide services for professionals and entrepreneurs are right here in your backyard. (See sidebar for list).

- Strong support for economic development. Simply stated, they (we) want you here. It’s easy to get money and advice on how to achieve your professional or business dream.

- Networking is easy. Local Attorney W. Scott Foulkrod IV says “Go to Stocks or Scotts on any Friday night, and you’ve met half the people in town that you need to know…”. Seriously, though, people are accessible. Most of the business leaders in this area are more than happy to help with advice, recommendations and support. That is rare in a larger area.

-Education abounds. There are colleges, universities, and trade schools here. All offer evening classes for professionals. The educational opportunities here are affordable, and most large local companies offer tuition support, and encourage employees to use the institutions.

- Technology. We are a state-of-the-art city. Per capita, Harrisburg has more personal computers than 73% of the nation. In terms of Internet connections, 66% of the ‘Burg is online (as of December, 1997) putting us in the top 15 percentile. That’s pretty advanced! Our cable systems are digital, we have a choice of phone companies and electric companies (well, almost…), and many times ours surpass those resources found in Baltimore and Philly because of a few great legislators and persistent community leaders.

There’s more to life than work. My friends ask me what I do for fun here. And how about the social life?

- Affordability is again a key issue. You have to be able to afford to do things to go out and do them. And it’s cheap to go out around here.

- Since we are regionally accessible in every direction, going to an O’s or a Sixers game is no big deal. And our local sports are nothing to sneeze at, either.

- People are friendly and open. It’s easy to meet people, and although there are not as many, there are a number of places for different age groups to assemble and have fun. Plus, the young people here are becoming more and more involved in community service, which enhances the area on a number of levels.

- There’s no better way to put it —This is a small town, with more familiar faces.

- There are lots of places to play sports, take lessons, work out, and get involved. Once again, these elements are affordable, accessible, and people actually want you there.

- There are active religious groups, social groups and networking groups.

- Friendships (at least, as I see them) are treated with great importance. Many people I asked gave their “loyal friendships” as one of the key reasons they are here.

- The area is in a growth trend. The dawn of new business brings in lots of new people. Those who relocate here for jobs are more often than not those who are younger and not uprooting families.

Harrisburg has been in the “Renaissance” mode since Steve Reed began his tenure as Mayor. The arts and culture-related groups, resources and sights have grown exponentially in the last ten years.

- The Whitaker Center for Science and The Arts is coming. Need I say more?

- The Greater Harrisburg Arts Council and The City of Harrisburg put on nationally known arts festivals, patriotic events and concerts.

- Aesthetically, the city has never looked better. It is not one of those tired looking, run down cities. We have sculpture, flowers, new buildings, refurbished streets, and new-looking buildings.

- The architecturally significant elements continue to be painstakingly refurbished and preserved.

- We have a population who cares about these things. People are involved. That says volumes. And builds high morale.

- We have the Allied Arts, which heralds “Business and the Arts Working Together”, which they do. Metro Arts spotlights area talent and arts education. There are galleries, events and much talent!

Most importantly, in my opinion, are the people. They are the significant factor as to why I, for one, am here. I love my family and friends. And there are some “Young Professionals” that I feel quietly continue to make Harrisburg increasingly attractive for young people to stay in, relocate to, or in which to start a business.

Well, that’s why I’ve stayed a Harrisburg resident, despite my commute. Since you’re all here and you’re reading this article, you obviously had reasons to stay in Harrisburg, as well, whether you wanted to or not. But, for those of you “or nots” who would rather be anywhere else but here, take a good look at the above list. Chances are you’ll find, just like I did, that Harrisburg isn’t such a bad place after all.