Living in Williamsport, PA
Williamsport, PA is a gateway city – a transition from the rural central valleys of Pennsylvania to the “Northern Tier” – a mountainous and more densely wooded part of the state to the North where hunting, fishing and snowmobiling are king. The city was established when the logging industry boomed and sent logs down the Susquehanna River daily. Millionaires were made during this period, and the city flourished with colleges, hospitals, churches, a major library and mansions. Some of the incredible architecture of the time is still seen in the central historic district of town.
US Route 15 – a major north/south corridor skirts the edge of town, and Interstate 80 is about 12 miles south. This proximity to major transportation routes created the natural gathering of industries and services that make up the economy of Williamsport today. Several industrial parks edge town, the County Government is seated here, and the Susquehanna Health System main campus is located within city limits. The Pennsylvania College of Technology offers “degrees that work” including a degree in the operation of heavy equipment while Lycoming College is ranked nationally as a liberal arts college specializing in undergraduate education.
The recent energy industry interest in the Marcellus Shale deposits near Williamsport have brought speculation that a new resource may direct the future of the city as natural gas exploration expands.
The town has a rich cultural life, and weekends are often times to choose between performances. There is more than one theatre group, and the Community Arts Center is home to an annual series of well known artists as well as the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra. The Trade and Transit Center hosts more intimate performances and the Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts an artist series of their own. BB King, Bill Cosby, Mannheim Steamroller, Country Western Stars, quartets, groups and soloists have all graced the stages of Williamsport, PA. In June the annual Billtown Blues Festival brings another whole genre of musicians to our fair town, while throughout the year live music is often a part of the weekend bill.
Home to the Little League World Series and famous each August when the world gathers here for the playoffs, our town is known internationally for its hospitality and love of Little League Baseball.
For a career change or for a life change, please be sure to consider Williamsport, PA when looking for your next home.
