Shipoke was first settled by Europeans in 1710 as a small trading post before other areas of Harrisburg. Some of the oldest houses in Harrisburg line the narrow, winding streets of this compact, close-knit community. Shipoke is really what is left of Harrisburg’s Southend 19th century residential fabric that wasn’t swallowed up by Downtown, industrial development, or highway spurs. The neighborhood was in pretty rough shape in the 1970s after the extension of I-83 and flooding caused by Tropical Storm Agnes. But after many years of rehabilitation in the 80s and 90s, Shipoke has become a picturesque and affluent Harrisburg enclave located within walking distance of Downtown with gorgeous river views of the Susquehanna River.
From an urban perspective Shipoke is a mostly residential community with convenient access to cultural and retail amenities in Downtown Harrisburg located around 0.5 miles away. It also boast a nice array of moderate for sale options, good park amenities, and high levels of safety. For Shipoke to compete with Midtown as Harrisburg’ best urban district it needs an elementary school to make the district more attractive to families and more retail & cultural amenities located within the neighborhood.
Click here to view my Shipoke Album on Flickr
URBAN STRENGTHS:
* Sidewalk infrastructure is solid but because of the desire to keep the historic brick sidewalks there are few ADA standard curb cuts.
* Hard to get a solid population number by 1,000 residents seems about right get the district population to just shy of 15K per square mile.
* Excellent access to Dwtn Harrisburg being less than 1 mile to the core of Dwtn. Also convenient access across all modes of transit including a Capital Area Greenbelt bike path along the River.
* Solid racial diversity and ok economic diversity. This is def a higher end professional neighborhood.
* Nice historic for sale housing stock at pretty moderate prices considering Shipoke’s proximity to Dwtn. 2-beds sell in the 200Ks and 3 & 4 beds btwn 150K-400K.
* Solid park amenities for such a small district including a playground park, riverfront park along the Susquehanna River and a greenspace along the highway. City Island is also only about 1 mile away.
* Overall a very safe community.
* Some of the best preserved mid-late 19th century rowhouse architecture in the City. In-fill is a mixed bag. Some nice historically sensitive in-fill and solid modern but urban infill. Also some unattractive post War buildings (e.g. parking garages, hotels, etc.
* Generally good urban form in the district but more autocentric uses in the northern edge of Shipoke and some unattractive highways and stroads sit on the eastern edge of the district.
URBAN WEAKNESSES:
- Several well rated specialty public high schools and private schools Dwtn but no schools located within Shipoke.
- Lots of young professionals and empty nesters. Few family households.
- Rentals are mostly limited to whole home renovations but a pretty reasonable prices.
- As this a primarily small residential neighborhood other uses are very limited. Within Shipoke there is a nice bar & restaurant, a couple historic museums, UPMC Hospital, cafe & bakery, a eye doctor. However as Dwtn is 0.5-1 mile away many retail & cultural are still walkable within Dwtn.
Evaluating our Urban Communities [with a focus on America] 