Harrisburg Apartments and Rentals

Centrally located in the state and situated along the Susquehanna River, Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania and its more than 49,000 residents do their best to embody this administrative spirit. Named to the 2010 Forbes list (No. 2) of the best places to raise a family, the metropolis is home to a diverse population and a rich history.

People looking for Harrisburg apartments for rent will be pleased with the many choices they have available to them, and the city's extensive public transportation network allows for easy access to all areas of the capital. Since the metropolis was able to withstand the worst of the 2008 recession - ranked number 7 on the Daily Beast's recession-proof cities list - people interested in moving there will see a number of open opportunities.

The first Europeans, led by John Harris Sr., settled in the area in 1719, and his trading post expanded quickly due to the location along the east bank of the Susquehanna River. His son helped to officially found the town in 1785, and Harrisburg was finally designated the capital in 1812, the same year that the British returned to stake their claim on the former colonies.

The city became an important "station" for the Underground Railroad leading up to the Civil War, and it served as a major military center for the Union during this conflict. Several attempts by the Confederates were made on Harrisburg, but these were halted due to an heroic stand by the Pennsylvanians occupying the area.

Because of the city's place in American history and its role as the capital of Pennsylvania, the area is full of proud and able residents who look to do the founders proud. Young couples, families and future administrators looking for Harrisburg rentals can choose from a number of places within the downtown area or surrounding suburbs, as each region comes with its own distinctive feel.

Being the administrative center for Pennsylvania requires a number of dedicated state workers, and because of this the Commonwealth is the top employer in the region. While a number of schools located within the city and the surrounding area employ some of the residents, the Hershey Company, known for its delicious chocolate, employs a significant portion of its worldwide staff of more than 13,000 workers just outside of the metropolis.

Since Harrisburg serves as the regional administrative offices of the federal government, jobs are available in the buildings that are located in the downtown area next to the state government facilities.

The city has several major academic institutions, but the majority of the schools located within the capital are satellite campuses for places like Pennsylvania State University or Temple University. Student housing is available in the downtown area, and people looking for Harrisburg rentals will likely be pleased with the selection of residences.

The cost of living within the city is highly dependent on where the desired lodgings are located, as the space near the downtown area and in the surrounding suburbs tends to be more expensive than other areas of the capital.

According to the 2010 Census, the median gross rent for Harrisburg apartments is $724 a month, but this number can vary.

The city's location along the Susquehanna River has had a significant influence on its culture and the activities that its residents partake in on a day-to-day basis. Riverfront Park and City Island are places where a family can enjoy sunny afternoons, and the annual Kipona Celebration helps to bring people together to enjoy the best of what Harrisburg has to offer.

For those with a historical interest looking to find Harrisburg rentals, the city has a number of places that draw crowds with more academic intentions. The downtown area and capital buildings all hold tours, the Pennsylvania State Museum houses more than three floors of detailed exhibitions and the John Harris Mansion holds a key to the area's past.

In order to find the best deals in the city when looking for Harrisburg apartments, one may want to look to Rent.com® for some help.