📍 About MDT & Harrisburg
Harrisburg Tower is located at Harrisburg International Airport (MDT), situated just south of the city in Middletown, PA. The region offers a mix of small-town charm and city convenience, with beautiful scenery, riverside parks, good schools, and affordable housing. Harrisburg is a government, healthcare, and logistics hub with a growing food and arts scene.
🏡 Where to Live
Singles & Couples
- Downtown Harrisburg – Historic rowhomes, walkable to restaurants and nightlife
- Midtown Harrisburg – Artsy and growing, coffee shops and markets
- Camp Hill – Across the river, charming and close to downtown
Families
- Hummelstown – Family-oriented, top-rated schools, near MDT
- Hershey – Excellent schools, family attractions, upscale homes
- Mechanicsburg – Great schools, suburban feel, highly rated
- Linglestown – Quiet neighborhoods, scenic area, close to nature
🚗 Commute Times to MDT
- 5–15 min: Hummelstown, Middletown, Hershey
- 15–25 min: Camp Hill, Linglestown, Mechanicsburg, Downtown Harrisburg
- 25–35 min: Carlisle, Elizabethtown
🎓 Top School Districts
- Derry Township SD (Hershey) – A+ ranked, highly regarded
- Cumberland Valley SD – Large and top-rated
- Lower Dauphin SD (Hummelstown) – Safe and highly rated
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
🌲 Outdoor Activities
- City Island: Baseball, walking trails, paddle boats
- Appalachian Trail: Hiking access nearby in Duncannon
- Wildwood Park: Birding, boardwalk trails, nature center
- Kayaking & Fishing: Susquehanna River
🏛️ Indoor & Cultural
- Hersheypark & Chocolate World: Rides, entertainment, events
- Whitaker Center: Science center, IMAX, arts events
- Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center: Concerts, comedy, theater
- Pennsylvania State Capitol: Guided tours, architecture, and museum
✈️ Nearby Airports
- Harrisburg International Airport (MDT): On-site, served by American, Delta, United
- Baltimore/Washington (BWI): ~1.5 hours – more destinations
- Philadelphia Intl (PHL): ~2 hours – major hub
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Hershey, Hummelstown, Linglestown: Very safe with low crime
- Midtown/Downtown Harrisburg: More urban — varies block by block
- Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg: Very desirable with strong safety ratings
🔗 Town Websites
💰 Cost of Living
- Median home price: ~$235,000–$310,000 depending on suburb
- 1-bedroom rent: ~$950–$1,300/month
- Groceries: Around national average – Milk ~$3.30, Eggs ~$2.75
- Gas: ~$3.40/gallon
- Utilities: ~$160–$210/month
- Taxes: PA state income tax 3.07% (flat rate)
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Midtown: Urban revival, art scene, Midtown Scholar Bookstore
- Hershey: Quiet, suburban, tourism-focused, upscale feel
- Mechanicsburg: Access to shopping, top schools, and parks
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Cold with light to moderate snow
- Spring: Rainy with blooming trees and mild days
- Summer: Warm and humid, 80s–90s
- Fall: Cool, colorful foliage, great hiking season
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- CAT Bus: Local routes serving Harrisburg metro
- Amtrak: Keystone Service to Philly/NYC
- Driving: Most convenient — MDT has great highway access
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
- UPMC Harrisburg
- WellSpan Urgent Care / Patient First / MedExpress
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Young professionals: Breweries, concerts, trivia, yoga in the park
- Families: Farmers markets, Hershey attractions, community sports
- Community: Nonprofits, volunteer networks, festivals
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Harrisburg: The Millworks, Rubicon, Home 231, Note Bistro
- Hershey: Devon Seafood + Steak, Houlihan’s, Troegs Brewery
- Camp Hill/Mechanicsburg: Cornerstone Coffeehouse, Flinchy’s, Market Cafe
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Training: Straightforward ops, moderate traffic, great for learning
- Shifts: Evenly spread across morning/evening/night
- Community: Many controllers live in Hummelstown and Hershey
📦 Moving Tips
- Best moving seasons: May–June and September–October
- Winter prep: Snow tires, shovel, and ice scraper are musts
- Rental availability: Easy to find, but Hershey tends to fill quickly
❓ FAQs
- Is Harrisburg a safe place to live?
Yes, especially in areas like Camp Hill, Hershey, and Linglestown. Some city areas vary by block. - Is MDT a busy airport?
It’s a regional commercial airport with a manageable volume, ideal for tower controllers. - What’s unique about the region?
Chocolate town (Hershey), Appalachian trails, and Capitol city history all within 20 minutes.