The state capital on the banks of Susquehanna River with views of the Appalachians’ Blue Mountain is the economic heart of about 400 surrounding communities, including Hershey. With the government as the main employer, other key sectors include health services and technology. Home to City Island, a mile-long 63-acre oasis accessible by car or walking bridge that was used as a resting spot for soldiers during the Civil War, historic Harrisburg ranked well for Prosperity (#6), including boasting the third-most Fortune 500 companies in the nation for Small Cities. Not surprisingly, it ranks #18 in the Household Income subcategory. The city also landed at #15 for Product, a category that includes Convention Center size. The Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center boasts more than a million square feet of exhibition, meeting, and banquet space. Harrisburg University is getting a major lift: a new $130-million, 386,208-square-foot building set to open in fall 2021 will house its Health and Science Education Center, as well as a hotel and restaurant.