Riverfront Park and the Market Street Bridge in Harrisburg
Are you feeling happy?
According to a national magazine, you should be, as Harrisburg is among the 15 “happiest places to live” in the United States.
Outside Magazine ranked Harrisburg as the ninth happiest in the nation, based on criteria like walkability, biking accessibility and proximity to parkland.
“What constitutes a happy town? It comes down to things like ample outdoor access for all, affordability, a safe environment, diversity, and freedom for residents to be who they are,” writes the magazine, which focuses on outdoors activities, health, travel and culture.
The “happiest” ranking is included among the magazine’s recently published “best towns” package of stories.
Harrisburg ranked especially high for affordability, with a median home price of $176,000, the lowest, by far, among the top-15 cities. Its median rental price of $1,425 a month was fourth lowest among the group.
The magazine cites other factors that contribute to Harrisburg’s “happiness,” including City Island, the Walnut Street Bridge, the Broad Street Market, the PA Farm Show Complex and a highly diverse population. Including the metro area, it lists proximity to rivers and streams, mountains and the Appalachian Trail.
In the section called “Room for Improvement,” the magazine only lists the recent Commonwealth Court case ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding is unfair and unconstitutional and adds that lawmakers are attempting to remedy it.
In the “happiness” ranking, Reno, Nev., came in first, followed by Wilmington, Del., and New Orleans.
Why did Outside Magazine choose to focus on happiness? According to the editor, “Because the world is still rethinking how to work and live post-pandemic, and many people are searching for that perfect place to move to where they just feel better.”
Click here to read the full story,”The 15 Happiest Places to Live in the U.S.”
