The Lure of Urban Living-Is it Calling You?

The Lure of Urban Living-Is it Calling You?

Here in the south central Pennsylvania area there is a trend happening. Empty nesters, young professionals, new families are making the move to the cities. Harrisburg, Lancaster, and York specifically. While the majority of those moving into all three cities are empty nesters and young professionals, new are also beginning to make the move into the urban area's. Clearly the chic urban lofts and condos that are being built through out the south central Pa area are attracting those that are looking for that upscale restaurant night club style of living. Young families are also being drawn in with the lure of art galleries, museums and the culture that living the urban life style brings with it, for parents and their children.

     
The choice is more difficult for the new family than empty nesters or young professionals. The families with school age children have the added decision of where the kids are going to attend school. It is a decision that can make or break the move to the city. While young professionals are drawn by the shorter commute, larger social network, and access to those museums and trendy eateries and night spots, the empty nesters are looking for the same things as well as the chance to down size. If you are willing to trade smaller lots for city parks, sparse city parking for walking to city destinations, as well as increased noise for easy access to cultural events, then urban living is for you.

      

The new trend is being touted by the "Green" generation as well, pointing out that cars are replaced by bikes, big super markets are replaced by neighborhood farm markets, smaller living spaces equate to smaller energy bills, urban living is better for the enviroment which is an important factor for many these days.

Urban living isn't for everybody, but the trend is clearly happening and cities are beginning to respond more incentives for developers to renovate many of the empty buildings in our urban areas. Cities are looking for ways to intice young families in joining the young professionals and empty nesters in the migration to the city.