Allison Hill, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Allison Hill, or The Hill, as it is known to residents, is one of Harrisburg's oldest neighborhoods. It encompasses the Mount Pleasant Historic District and is known for its tree-lined streets and old, stately buildings. The neighborhood consists of single family homes, apartments, small businesses, and townhomes. Most of the architecture is brick, with Italianate, Victorian, or Federalist stylings. Many of the homes on The Hill offer breathtaking views of the Capitol rotunda from their upper stories. The neighborhood is also home to many magnificant stone churches--in some areas there is a church on every corner. Drive down Market Street in the springtime and you will notice beautiful gardens tended by St Francis Church and the Silence of Mary Home. In times past, the homes in the neighborhood were known for having beautiful gardens, and so many people grew grapes that in the fall when the grapes were harvested, residents would shut down the streets and make wine. Many homes still have the same ancient grapevines in their backyards. The neighborhood is also dotted with murals, some hidden and others placed in full view of the main roads. Sylvan Heights Mansion, which is now occupied by the YWCA and serves as housing for homeless women and children who are victims of domestic violence, sits on the hill and looks out over the city like a stone sentinel.

Allison Hill is also arguably the most diverse neighborhood, with many cultures represented including West African, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Puerto Rican, African-American, and European-American populations. The residents themselves are also diverse in interest: The Hill is home to many businesspeople, as well as individuals active in the arts and social justice. Because of the wide variety of cultures that coexist, there are many small ethnic stores and restaurants that sell or serve traditional Carribbean, Latino, African, and Asian foods. By and large, the residents are helpful and friendly and it is usual to see neighbors and even strangers smiling and greeting one another on the street.

The Hill is home to Reservoir Park, where summer festivals to commemorate music, culture, and the arts draw hundreds each year. Residents and visitors sit and relax on the grassy hill overlooking the Levitt Pavilion, an open air amphitheatre, which hosts talent contests, "Jazz Under the Stars," movies, and "Shakespeare in the Park"-- all free events. Reservoir Park also has a huge playground, tennis and basketball courts, and the Civil War Museum.

Allison Hill is also, less fortunately, reputed to be one of the roughest neighborhoods in Harrisburg. Many of its once immaculate homes and buildings have fallen into disrepair and have become condemned and a large portion of the neighborhood's population is low-income. The neighborhood is now faced with problems such as delinquent land-owners, drug-dealing, littering, and prostitution. However there remain a large population of loyal residents, businesses, and organizations who are committed to seeing the neighborhood flourish again. The City is working on many new constructions and renovations in the area and other organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and The Tri-County Housing Development Corporation are also doing their part to create opportunities for home ownership within the neighborhood. Other organizations such as The Community Action Commission, Acorn, and Danzante (all with local offices based on the Hill) are dedicated to improving the neighborhood's atmosphere and cultural richness.

So while some love it and some hate it, all should agree that The Hill is a historically rich and fascinating part of Pennsylvania's capital city.

External links

• City-Wide Sights: Allison Hill & Eastern Harrisburg