Nestled near the northern Appalachian Mountains, Mechanicsburg is one of the of the fastest growing communities in southern Pennsylvania. The city's tagline is "a good place to live," and that is just one of the reasons why so many people are seeking Mechanicsburg apartments for rent. With an industrial past and a keen eye for the future, this charming Midwestern city is a great place to call home. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 9,000 people live in this quiet town.
Obvious from its name, the city saw its beginnings when a settlement of mechanics who repaired and made wagons made their home in the area in the early 1800s. Over time the city produced its own water line and eventually reached out to the business and industrial world when the railroad came in town. Grain and feed companies, lumber yards and numerous factories were purposefully built near the railroad station so that the goods being produced here would reach the largest cities in the Northeast that were expanding and need these products. Over time, a small community was formed and Mechanicsburg was incorporated in 1828.
Today, Mechanicsburg has a downtown full of history, diversity and pedestrian friendly amenities. With many shops, restaurants and local businesses that cater to a lively mixture of residents, the downtown area remains the heart of the city. The revitalization of the community here gives a nod to its historical past but bright future with no signs of slowing down.
According to data from simplyhired.com, the most common occupations in the borough are in sales and office work as well as transportation and material moving. The leading industries include educational, health and social services, retail trade and public administration. Although the city may have an industrial past, the landscape of the workforce is changing with the times.
Many students in the area frequent Messiah College, a Christian-based school that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a private setting. There is a variety of fields of study from the liberal arts and applied sciences for students to choose from. Part of the community since 1909, the college has grown into a student body of nearly 3,000 students. If you are looking for rentals in Mechanicsburg before classes start, begin your search early in the summer to secure a perfect pad before the fall semester.
Residents in Mechanicsburg enjoy a cost of living that is slightly less that the U.S. average, making it a very affordable place to live. According to information from city-data.com, the 2009 median gross rent was $696 per month. Since the average Mechanicsburg residents earn more than the typical Pennsylvanian, there should be a wide range of rentals for you to choose from.
By far the biggest attraction and festival that is held in Mechanicsburg every year is Jubilee Day. According to the local chamber of commerce, this festival is held on the 3rd Thursday in June annually and attracts more than 60,000 people to the area. Originally created by agricultural merchants in the early 1900s as a way to thank the community, the festival is now one of the city's biggest attractions. Complete with live music, food vendors, arts and crafts and plenty of outdoor recreation, this is a must-do when moving into the Mechanicsburg area.
If you are looking for an apartment for rent or a house rental in Mechanicsburg, search for rental properties at Rent.com®.