Harrisburg ranks first in nation for first-time homebuyers, says report

January 13, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda

A residential street in Harrisburg

A national real estate organization has named Harrisburg the best market in the nation for first-time homebuyers.

In its annual report, Realtor.com, the official website of the National Association of Realtors, ranked Harrisburg the top market for 2025, citing affordable sales listings, short commute times, a strong local economy and abundant amenities.

Together, these factors should appeal to first-time homebuyers, who are often young and beginning to form families.

“Harrisburg’s designation as the top market for first-time homebuyers in 2025 highlights its unique blend of affordability, job opportunities and community appeal,” said Jimmy Koury, president of the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors.

The study scored 3,579 Census-Designated Places that are located within the 100 largest metropolitan areas in the country and chose the highest-ranking 10 that had a population of at least 5,000 and at least 500 active for-sale listings in the past 12 months.

After Harrisburg, Rochester, N.Y., ranked second nationwide, followed by Villas, Fla., Lauderdale Lakes, Fla., and Altamonte Springs, Fla. Rounding out the top 10 were Lansing, Mich., North Little Rock, Ark., Baltimore, Tonawanda, N.Y., and Wilmington, Del.

For 2024, Harrisburg had a median listing price of $140,000 for previously owned homes compared to the national median of $416,880, according to Realtor.com. The market also had a relatively low price-to-income ratio of 2.6, meaning home prices were 2.6 times the median household income, compared to the national figure of 5.5.

The study cited one significant weakness for the Harrisburg market—a lack of inventory, as the market ranked in the bottom half of places in terms of listings per capita.

“The places highlighted offer opportunities for first timers in terms of the cost of housing, availability of homes for sale, and quality of the location,” said Danielle Hale, chief economist for Realtor.com.

Notably, Harrisburg also ranked first last year for the best place to retire in the nation, according to an analysis from U.S. News & World Report.

Click here to read the full Realtor.com article.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

January 10, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Elementary Coffee Co. announced that it will reopen at the Broad Street Market.

This week’s news roundup includes lots of great community features on nonprofits, businesses and culture. So, if you’re looking to get to know your community better, look no further.

Bridge of Hope Harrisburg Area helps single mothers facing homelessness, our magazine story reported. The program helps participants secure housing and matches them with neighborhood volunteers for support.

Elementary Coffee Co. announced that it will reopen in the Broad Street Market, after being displaced by the brick building fire in 2023, our online story reported. The Harrisburg-based business will open a stand in the stone building in the spring.

Families can take a day trip to Lancaster County to visit a wolf sanctuary, hunt for treasures at a farmers market and admire nature at a wildlife center. Check out our Adventure Together column for our family fun recommendations.

Harrisburg offered free parking for city residents in the Locust Street Garage due to the snowstorm this week, our online story reported.

Marquis de Lafayette made a visit to Harrisburg in 1825, and to commemorate that trip his spirit returns with special programming from Jan. 30 to Feb. 3. The Lafayette 200 tour will include re-enactments, presentations and exhibits, our magazine story reported.

Midtown Cinema will show “All We Imagine as Light” this month, which tells the story of two women in Mumbai. To read our columnist’s review of the movie, click here.

Migrants to the United States often face many challenges during their journey and once they arrive as they seek asylum status. In our magazine article, we share the story of one family that settled in Harrisburg after a harrowing trip from Ecuador.

Oola Bowls recently opened a new location in Camp Hill, offering acai bowls, smoothies and salads. In our magazine story, find out more about the local business’ origin.

Sara Bozich has a list of musical, entertainment and culinary happenings coming to Harrisburg this weekend, here.

Winter can still be the perfect time for hiking despite the cold temperatures. In our magazine story, find out why some local hikers especially enjoy winter walks and read their tips for locations and attire.

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Home sales, prices gained in greater Harrisburg in December, says report

January 10, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda

This Harrisburg building is under contract.

Harrisburg-area home sales and prices both climbed higher in December, according to the latest report on previously owned houses.

For the three-county area, 560 houses sold compared to 492 in December 2023, while the median sales price rose to $280,000 from $259,275, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, 257 homes sold in December versus 245 in the year-ago period, as the median price increased to $254,900 from $243,500, GHAR said.

Cumberland County tallied 263 sales, a jump from 210 the previous December, while the median sales price rose to $310,000 from $284,950, GHAR stated.

In Perry County, 43 houses sold compared to 30 in December 2023, as the median price rose to $255,000 from $220,000, according to GHAR.

Despite the increases, the pace of sales slowed in December, as the “average days on market” increased to 29 days versus 23 days a year ago, according to the report.

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Harrisburg’s Elementary Coffee Co. to return to Broad Street Market

January 9, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Photo courtesy of Elementary Coffee Co.

A former Broad Street Market vendor is returning, bringing coffee back to the market.

The market announced on Thursday that Harrisburg-based Elementary Coffee Co. will open in the stone building in the spring, returning after being displaced in July 2023 due to the brick building fire.

Elementary originally opened in the market in 2014, since expanding to a brick-and-mortar coffee shop at 256 North St. The market stand was previously located in the brick building, which was closed following significant fire damage.

The new stone building stand will be located next to Piper Belle’s Wood-Fired Flatbreads.

“The Broad Street Market has been Elementary’s home since its creation and the heart and soul of who we are as a business and as individual community members, said Andrea Grove, owner of Elementary, in a statement. “We feel lucky to have been a staple of the market for our first nine years of business and feel privileged to be returning to serve coffee alongside our fellow diverse small business owners, vendors, and friends once more. We are looking forward to supporting the growth, energy, and positive future of our beloved market!”

Grove told TheBurg that she missed the market community and was excited about the market’s new leadership and positive trajectory.

“I’m really grateful for this opportunity,” she said. “I really believe in where the market is headed.”

Elementary’s market stand manager Ryan Klemick and owner Andrea Grove

The market’s board of directors approved Elementary’s vendor application at its Wednesday night meeting.

“With coffee once again available in the stone building soon, the community will have even more great options to choose from when visiting the Broad Street Market,” said board Chair Eric Hagarty.

Grove said that Elementary’s new stand will incorporate salvaged elements from the previous stand, such as the original “Elementary Coffee Co.” sign, with modern upgrades to match the design of the North Street shop.

In addition to Elementary, the market has announced several other new vendors recently. In December, Honey Bear Ice Cream opened in the stone building, offering its vegan ice cream and treats. The market has also said that Harrisburg-based Ve’Lightfully Vegan is slated to open this year, as well as Honeybush Raw Smoothie Bar, which will return after being displaced by the fire.

For more information on Elementary Coffee Co., visit their website. To find out more about the Broad Street Market, visit their website.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

January 9, 2025 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find ⤵️

For something new: MUNCH Film Screening at Susquehanna Art Museum Worth noting: Final days of the 109th Pennsylvania Farm Show. I highly recommend everything, especially the potato donuts. Things on my agenda this weekend: DND I’m still trying to catch-up/refresh/relax/reboot my life

For your weekend planning

Staying in? How ’bout some cozy winter cocktails to keep you warm.
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

ALL NEW Strawberry Square Music Series launch next week with Aortic Valve – FREE!
Check the events page and mark down those SoMa Block Parties now
Are you on my email list?
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

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Members 1st Federal Credit Union Celebrates 75 Years and Serving 600,000 Members

January 8, 2025 | by Admin

Members 1st Federal Credit Union celebrates two significant milestones in 2025: reaching 600,000 members and celebrating their 75th anniversary! These achievements reflect their members’ trust and the dedication of the credit union’s associates, who work tirelessly to deliver exceptional service and personalized financial solutions.

President & CEO Michael Wilson reflected on these milestones, stating, “It’s an incredible honor to have 600,000 members call us their financial home as we celebrate our 75th anniversary. These milestones reflect the loyalty of our members and the unwavering commitment of our associates, who have empowered countless individuals to reach their financial goals and create meaningful change in our communities. As we look to the future, we remain committed to delivering exceptional service and support, and we’re excited to welcome even more members into our family.”

Throughout their history as a member-owned credit union, Members 1st has been guided by the trust and support of those they serve. What began as a small financial cooperative has grown into a robust institution that continues to honor those core military values of duty, integrity, ethics, honor, courage and loyalty. They look forward to continuing to grow alongside members, associates and communities and making a positive difference for years to come.

About Members 1st Federal Credit Union:
Members 1st Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution with over 600,000 members and $7 billion in assets. While its administrative headquarters is based in Enola, PA, Members 1st serves its members and communities through its network of nearly 60 branch locations throughout Adams, Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Lycoming, Northampton, Perry and York counties, as well as its robust digital banking and call center channels. To learn more about Members 1st, visit members1st.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

Members 1st Federal Credit Union is a Community Publisher of TheBurg.

Free garage parking for Harrisburg residents due to snowstorm

January 5, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda

The Locust Street Garage (file photo)

Harrisburg residents have access to free garage parking as the season’s first significant winter storm bears down on the area.

From now through 8 a.m. on Tuesday, residents can park for free in the Locust Street Garage, 214 Locust St., in an arrangement with Park Harrisburg, according to the city.

“We encourage Harrisburg City residents to take advantage of this opportunity to get their vehicles off of city streets before the impending storm so that the city can treat and clear the roads,” said Nancy Keim of Park Harrisburg, in a statement.

Dave West, the city’s public works director, said that his staff will get an early start on trash collection and treating roads, beginning at 3 a.m. on Monday.

“It is not so much the snow accumulation that I am concerned with as it is the below freezing temperatures for the next several days,” West said.

Late on Sunday, Harrisburg also announced that it would institute liberal leave for city staff for Monday. This means that city offices will not close, but employees may use leave if they believe roads are unsafe for driving, according to the city.

As of Sunday at 6 p.m., the National Weather Service had issued a winter weather advisory for the Harrisburg area, with two to four inches of snow expected, starting early on Monday.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

January 3, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

(From left) Mayor Wanda Williams, Interim Director of Building and Housing Development Gloria Martin-Roberts, Communications Director Mischelle Moyer and Director of Facilities and Special Projects Dave Baker at a press conference on Thursday.

Happy New Year! As we head into 2025, we are continuing to cover Harrisburg area news. To stay informed, make sure you subscribe to our daily and weekly newsletters, delivered right to your inbox. While you’re here, catch up on this week’s reporting, below.

Community Corner brings you this month’s special events happening in and around the Harrisburg area. And for an even more expansive list of January goings-on, check out our Happenings column.

Harrisburg shared on Thursday its proposal to build a connector building between the Broad Street Market’s two existing buildings, our online story reported. Mayor Wanda Williams said that she believed the new building, which would be built after the fire-damaged brick building is restored, would financially help the market by housing additional vendors.

Our January issue of the magazine kicks off with a note from our publisher on another year ahead at TheBurg.

January is when our publisher takes time to reflect on the biggest news stories of the past year. Find out what made his list for 2024, here.

Mayor Wanda Williams announced that she had vetoed many of City Council’s 2025 budget amendments, our online story reported. Williams said that council’s changes, many of which eliminated or reduced staff raises, were “targeting the administration” and reversed them.

Musical Notes highlights our music reviewer’s top concert picks for January so you can start the new year off with live music in Harrisburg.

The Olewine Nature Center in Wildwood Park celebrated its 25^th anniversary this past year, our magazine story reported. The center has welcomed visitors since 1999 with educational exhibits and programs.

Penn State Harrisburg School of the Humanities and Harrisburg-based Sankofa African American Theatre Company will present an original play on Jan. 25, in celebration of MLK Day, our online story reported. The play, “Call of the Crusades,” features many of MLK’s lesser-known works, as well as modern-day stories from student actors.

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Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

Harrisburg proposes new connector building in Broad Street Market courtyard

January 2, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Rendering of the proposed Broad Street Market connector building.

The Broad Street Market may be expanding.

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams shared with local media on Thursday a proposal to build a new structure in between the market’s stone and brick buildings to house vendors.

Currently, the city is in the early stages of restoring the market’s brick building, which suffered significant damage during a fire in July 2023. However, city officials are now saying that, in addition to rehabbing that building, they are considering constructing a new building where the current market courtyard is located that would connect the two historic buildings.

“The city was trying to optimize the square footage that we have for the market and give the Broad Street Market the best chance, as far as moving forward, for growth,” said Dave Baker, the city’s director of facilities and special projects. “We would like to serve as much of the public as possible, and we are hoping that this middle connector building is something that will allow us to do both of those things.”

According to the city, the plan is still in the infancy stage as they have just recently received renderings from Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects. However, Williams said that she “definitely” wants to go in this direction, believing that it would help the market financially, as it would have more space for vendors.

The proposed 8,000-square-foot structure would have two floors with space for pop-up vendors and community meeting space. The building would provide a covered walkway between the two existing market buildings and would feature garage-door-type windows on the sides to roll up or down depending on the weather.

To complete the proposal, the city would need to raise significant grant funding since the addition would not be covered by insurance money, as much of the brick building reconstruction will be.

Baker said that the cost of the new structure would likely be around $2.7 million. That construction, combined with the brick building rebuild and upgrades in the stone building, would total somewhere around $20 million, Baker estimated.

Although the city is considering the new structure, Baker stated that the brick building is still the city’s top priority and noted that they currently have enough money to cover its rebuild.

“We won’t let one project slow down another project,” Baker said. “Our full focus right now is on the brick building renovation and getting it back in business.”

Baker emphasized that the construction of the middle building is dependent on securing funding. The city will complete the brick building in a first phase of work then make upgrades to modernize the stone building and possibly build the additional building in subsequent phases. Baker estimated that the brick building would be complete in May 2026.

Baker said that the city would work with the Harrisburg Architectural Review Board (HARB) on the project.

Williams also said that the city would, at some point, have public meetings on the proposal.

According to Williams, the city has not yet talked to the Broad Street Market Alliance board about the proposal.

When reached by phone on Thursday, market board Chair Eric Hagarty said that he had not received any formal notice or communication from the city on this proposal.

And while Williams claims that the new construction would help the market financially, Hagarty said that it was “hard to say” whether that would be true or not, not knowing the specifics of the plan. He said that he would have concerns about the maintenance and utility costs that the market would incur.

Hagarty said that he has asked the city several times to meet with market representatives and vendors to discuss the plan, but has not received a response. He also noted that he hopes the city allows community members and vendors to weigh in on the initiative.

“I’m interested in learning more,” he said. “We are hopeful that the city remains focused on the brick building before anything else.”

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Harrisburg mayor vetoes council’s budget changes, reversing changes to salaries, raises

December 30, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg’s MLK City Government Center

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams has reversed many of City Council’s changes to the city’s 2025 budget, amendments that she says were “targeting the administration.”

At a press conference on Monday, Williams announced that she had vetoed most of council’s budget amendments, most of which would have eliminated or lowered raises for employees.

“These vetoes are not decisions I made lightly,” Williams said. “They are rooted in the principles of operational efficiency, sound policy and fairness to the hardworking individuals who serve our city every day. Unfortunately, the amendments made by City Council fail to uphold these principles and I cannot in good judgment allow them to stand that way.”

According to city Communications Director Mischelle Moyer, Williams signed off on the majority of the about $142 million budget, but line-item vetoed most of the amendments council had approved on Dec. 17, following extensive budget hearings.

Williams said that the amendments council made “undermine the values and the functionality of our city government.”

The amendments council had made included denying raises to several positions in the office of the mayor, saying that role responsibilities didn’t justify raises. They also eliminated a raise for the deputy director of treasury, expressing frustration that the office hours were limited.

Williams vetoed both of those changes, restoring previously proposed raises.

Additionally, council had made changes that lowered numerous other proposed raises for city employees. They also eliminated about 10% of the salary for the interim director of building and housing development, the portion that is funded by the city, the rest of which is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Council also cut all funding for the director of community relations and engagement position in the police bureau, saying the position had been vacant and was not needed.

Williams also vetoed those changes.

“Denying them fair and measured raises, especially during a time of inflation, sends a demoralizing message to the public servants who dedicate their careers to this city,” Williams said.

Lastly, Williams vetoed a budget amendment made by council to allocate $10,000 to fund the hiring of two part-time advisors for council’s youth commission. Williams said that she believed that was a misallocation of city funds that could be used elsewhere.

“Instead of targeting the administration that keeps our city running, I charge City Council with exercising the fiduciary management that they promised the people of Harrisburg that they would execute when they took office,” Williams said.

Council President Danielle Bowers issued a statement shortly after that opposed Williams’ vetoes and re-enforced council rationale for amendments.

“You have no interest in working together with Harrisburg City Council,” Bowers said in the statement, addressing Williams. “If you were interested, you would understand our rationale behind the thoughtful amendments that were voted on to amend Bill 7-2024, the ‘2025 Annual Budget for the City of Harrisburg.’”

When reached by phone, Bowers told TheBurg that while council does have the power to override a mayoral veto, that would need to take place before the end of the year. Because council doesn’t have time to advertise an emergency meeting, which is required by law, they could not hold an emergency meeting, she said.

Bowers also said that the budget could be reopened in January, but that would have to be done by the mayor.

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Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find ⤵️

For your weekend planning

A Look Ahead

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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