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About the Area: Living and Working in North Central Pa.

Getting to Know Our Region

An area known for fine food, outdoor activities, and the arts, we are located in the heart of north central Pennsylvania’s Appalachian Mountains. Urban amenities meets small-town family values in a place we can only describe as "home-sweet-home."

Lycoming County combines urban living and an active lifestyle with community values of family, safety, and quality education. We're deeply rooted in our history, as you can see in our charming downtown Victorian homes and eclectic shops. At the heart of Lycoming County is Williamsport, the lumber capitol of the world in the 1800s, birthplace of little league baseball, and recently revitalized by the energy industry.

To the north, Tioga and Potter counties offer friendly, small-town charm. Enjoy life's simple pleasures and a reasonable cost of living amid its beautiful mountains and picturesque landscapes. The area boasts a rich arts scene, lakes, stargazing,  local farmers' markets, main street shopping, dynamic outdoor opportunities, scholastic and athletic programming, the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon's breath-taking views and famous festivals like Wellsboro's Laurel Fest and Dickens of a Christmas.

To the west, Clinton County offers amazing views of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River from the top of Hyner View State Park to water level at J. Doyle Corman Amphitheater. Lock Haven is the gathering place for pilots and boaters alike, featuring the Piper Aviation Museum and regular boating regattas. A quaint downtown area draws visitors for its unique restaurants, shops and inns.

Take a moment to learn more about where to live and what to do in our region.

In addition to our great medical facilities, this area is home to:

  • Diverse arts and culture
  • Educational institutions
  • Historical to contemporary housing options
  • Recreation, sports, and fitness facilities
  • Superb shopping

Arts and Culture

Lycoming County combines city living with the small town values of family, safety, education and an active lifestyle. We're deeply rooted in our history, as you can see in our charming downtown shops and homes. Our community is constantly hosting events to celebrate our diversity and role in the arts scene. Our amenities are sure to entertain, from our very own symphony orchestra to our 1928 vintage theatre.

The Community Arts Center, a 2,100 seat theater that opened in 1993, is a cultural gem that many would not expect to find in a community our size. The theatre has seen over 700 performances and well over 1,910 movies screenings. Lock Haven’s 1920s Roxy Movie Theater is an Art-Deco delight and the Millbrook Playhouse in Mill Hall is a rare, barn-style theater with a professional summertime cast.

On the "First Friday" of each month, galleries, businesses, restaurants, and personal shops in Williamsport come together for a downtown-wide display and celebration of works by local and regional artists and performers. People also enjoy touring restored Victorian mansions and museums on "Millionaire's Row."

Once the largest manufacturer of pajamas in the world, the historic Pajama Factory complex is now a bustling community of creatives in Williamsport. The building is home to over 100 artists and small businesses, including a coffee shop, an art gallery, and a performance venue, among other things. Talk with the artists during one of their seasonal events, or take up a new hobby such as woodworking, pottery, or film photography at one of the communal studios there.

Your avocational interests can also be met by participating in local performing groups such as the Civic Ballet, Community Theater League, the Williamsport Civic Chorus or the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra and its ensembles.

Having two colleges in the area has provided a continued population growth, as well as an array of new restaurants and nightlife options. Stay up-to-date on what is going on in Williamsport and Lycoming County through the Connect Williamsport website; a service of Williamsport's James V. Brown Library.

Educational Institutions

North central Pennsylsvania is a wholesome place in which children can grow and learn. Local public, private and religiously-affiliated schools are well-regarded. There are numerous high-quality preschools and affordable child-care facilities available in the area. The following are local colleges:

Lycoming College: a privately endowed liberal arts and sciences college that is within walking distance of UPMC Williamsport.

Pennsylvania College of Technology: an affiliate of Penn State University, is a premier technical institution now granting bachelor's and associate's degrees in fields as diverse as aircraft mechanics, robotics, hospitality management and culinary arts, nursing, and physician assistant certification.

Penn State University, Bucknell University, Susquehanna University, Mansfield University, Bloomsburg University and Lock Haven University are all within a 60-mile radius of Williamsport.

Housing

Williamsport, Muncy, Lock Haven, Coudersport, and Wellsboro and surrounding areas have been nationally recognized for affordable, quality housing. You’ll find monthly housing payments will be significantly less here than in metropolitan areas. There are housing options to suit all styles and budgets. You may wish to choose a pleasant, safe neighborhood near the hospital, a more rural setting within a reasonable drive from work, or one of the suburban townships.

Recreation, Sports & Fitness Facilities

Public parks and swimming pools, public and private fitness clubs, racquetball and tennis clubs, as well as a 45-hole golf course, are just some of the recreational opportunities that Williamsport has to offer. Williamsport is home to the international Little League World Series. The YMCA is located directly across the street from the hospital, offering childcare and employee discounts on membership. In addition, this area has long been famous as a hunting, fishing, hiking and winter sports destination.

Excellent skiing facilities are available in the immediate vicinity and in the readily accessible Pocono Mountains. Nationally known canoe and kayak races are held locally and the Susquehanna River hosts recreational boating and the popular Hiawatha Riverboat excursions.

Here, active lifestyles enjoy everything from soccer and baseball leagues to dance classes, skiing, kayaking, boating and fishing in addition to public parks and swimming pools. Winter weather doesn't require hibernating, the outdoors call you with cross country skiing and snowmobiling, as well as indoor activities like KAOS Fun Zone and the Liberty Arena.

Shopping

Area big box stores include Lowes, TJ Maxx, Kohl's, Target, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Wegmans, Petco, and PetSmart, and the Woolrich outlet. Local people and tourists alike enjoy the renewal of downtown areas of Williamsport, Milton, Lock Haven, Lewisburg, and Wellsboro, with their restored and modern-day charm. By day, browse a variety of unique specialty stores or relax in a local coffee shop. In the evening, select fine dining in a restored Victorian mansion or take in a concert at the amphitheater or Community Arts Center. Top off the evening at a live jazz club or microbrewery. During mild weather months, there are a number of popular outdoor growers' markets available throughout the region.