Relocating after retiring from the military may bring you back to that day when you are trying to decide whether you will be submitting an application form to enter the army or not. Relocating involves the consideration of several factors such as the cost of living, climate, taxes, the attractions and affordable housing. How about retiring to the Harrisburg-Carlisle Metropolitan area in southeastern Pennsylvania?
Here are some of the reasons why.
Taxes: The state doesn’t tax pension earnings and Social Security.
Healthcare: There are several reputable hospitals in the area. Whenever you are in need of medications, you can approach the medical centers with high competence. The nearest VA hospital is a short 30 mile drive away if you require veterans benefits.
Affordable Housing Options: You may choose a one-story ranch house, a cottage, an apartment or any kind of home you and your family will want. The choices are plenty and it’s up to you to pick the right kind of house. Also, there are certain facts you should know about the housing. The median home value in Harrisburg is $102,420. There are about 20,561 households and a household size of 2.32.
Shopping: The number of shopping districts in Harrisburg allows you to have unlimited shopping sprees if that is what you desire. The shops are easy to find and carry most of the things you need. If you go to Strawberry Square, you’ll find shops and recreational attractions. There are also quality clothing articles, shoes, bags and all sorts of goods you have ever wanted. Center City sells clothing, antiques, imported goods, crafts and a lot more.
Recreation and Environment: You can visit all sorts of parks: river parks, island parks, urban parks, lake parks and hilltop parks. These parks are perfect for your afternoons and family get-togethers. You’ll also love the Sunken Gardens that has a classic designed structure. You can also view historical works in the “Unified Force” or “Egyptian Gate” sculptures. Other places worth seeing are Holocaust Memorial, Kunkel Plaza and Peace Garden. Do we even need to mention the Steelers for football, the Penguins for hockey, the Pirates for baseball and the 76ers for basketball for all you sports lovers?
Transportation: Harrisburg has an interstate highway network that can allow 100,000 vehicles a day to move around and hold passengers and freight cargos. It even has a unique airport system and a freight rail service. This means that people are carried to their destinations conveniently and businesses can have their inventories quickly and smoothly delivered to their shops.
Culture: The Harrisburg Carlisle area is rich with amazing culture. You will be introduced in arts the Harrisburg style. Mixed with modern features, you can watch theaters and performance arts centers. There are also exhibits that will tell you everything about Harrisburg. Notable cultural arts centers are Rose Lehrman Arts Center, State Museum of Pennsylvania Auditorium and Jewish Community Center.
Investing and Financing: Being a military retiree shouldn’t stop you from putting your money in banks and watch them grow with interest. The city has become the financial center for the Center Pennsylvania area due to its renowned banks. Banks in the Harrisburg City are the M&T, Waypoint Bank, PNC Bank, First Union and Mellon Bank-Commonwealth Region.
The Harrisburg Carlisle area is just one of the choices you can choose as your best military retirement place. Try comparing other cities with Harrisburg and see if there are better options.
Check out the resources below to help you through your military retirement: