Benefits of Living in the Historic District

By Susan Anderson

Published in the Williamsport Sun-Gazette November 19, 2017

Ever wonder why people live in the historic district of Williamsport? Having lived here for 17 years, there are a plethora of reasons to do so. The historic district gives us pride in our city and its history. Close proximity to services makes it easy to utilize the best of the city. Space for rental income assists with costs. And the friendly people make the area walkable, sociable and safe.

Whether you walk east to downtown, or west toward Penn College, there are churches, restaurants, music venues, art galleries, night clubs, shopping and services.

Want to go to church? Almost every denomination is represented in or near the historic district such as: City Alliance Church, Christ Community Worship Center, St. Joseph the Worker Catholic, Covenant Central Presbyterian, Trinity Episcopal, and Shiloh Baptist.

How about music and arts? The Community Arts Center, City Center Theaters and Community Theater League, along with other venues provide such an abundance of art, drama and music displays that one does not have enough time to take it all in. The recent move of The Uptown Music Collective school to the Transit Center still makes it easily accessible by foot. Furthermore, the Thomas T. Tabor Historic Museum and Peter Herdic Transportation Museum are great stops for kids who like trains, as well as history buffs. There are college and local art galleries and night Clubs downtown rounding out the entertainment.

Want to do the culinary tour (as my LA sister said upon her visit)? With many new restaurants coming into downtown and in the historic district, it is only a short walk to get great food and entertainment. Such restaurants as the Herdic House, Marrone’s, Shamrock, Bart’s Pizza, etc. in the district provide a place for everyone. Downtown restaurants and coffee houses serve a variety of ethnic foods: Italian, Mexican, Thai, Greek, Continental, pub fare and eclectic pub fare, vegetarian, coffee and tea and others, and all within walking distance. Don’t forget that some great places are west of the historic district near Penn College too.

Shopping? Whether cars, paint, uniforms, grocery, seafood, clothing, jewelry, chocolate, department store, bookstore, boutique or crafts, there is just about anything you need simply by strolling a few blocks. The Grower’s Market at Little League Blvd and Hepburn St. is a boon to get local area produce, meats and crafts, and is an easy amble from the district.

Services? The Post Office is a couple of blocks from where the Grower’s Market sets up. Additional services in or near the district are: photography, alterations, financial, visitor’s center, auto care, and other personal amenities. City benefits are also in or near the district. One can feel safe with the fire department around the corner and the police down the street.

Transportation? There are the public and long distance buses that center in downtown, and the new Transit Center provides a venue for entertainment as well. There is an historic trolley that tours the district with recorded history.

Events are numerous in the area: Growers’ Market, First Fridays and other seasonal events downtown are easily attended by a short perambulation, and these provide a great way to meet with friends and make new ones.

The Annual Victorian Christmas, the weekend prior to Thanksgiving, this year November 18, was a lovely way to see the historic district. Tours of homes (highlights of the district), churches and historic sites, teas and lunches, the Will Huffman Toy Train Exhibit (Park Place, Taber Museum and Transportation Museum) and the Deboistown Garden Club (Lycoming College Keiper Recreation Center) provide an insight into the district’s beauty.

Let’s not forget that just down Fourth Street is also Bowman Field. Not only are the games intimate and entertaining, but tickets are very inexpensive in comparison to major league games. It is a perfect family outing!

But in the end, the big reason to live in the historic district is to live and preserve history. The district is a tourist center for historic buffs. Williamsport is blessed with an historic district which out rivals bigger cities, and it has been featured in 5 issues of the national magazine Victorian Homes. People participate in the walking tour every day, and marvel at the expanse of picturesque Victorian homes. It is an honor to be a part of history, preserving homes which are older and stronger than their owners.

Moreover, an owner can rent out a carriage house, or even an apartment in the main house to supplement income. This can be a great asset in assisting to pay for the mortgage. Students from Penn College are suitable inhabitants, but many apartments have longer term occupants which bring stability. Having the landlord on the premises with the tenants provides for better monitoring and greater livability.

Friendly neighbors are a real asset. Residents of many neighborhoods don’t know the people in their area, let alone those next door. In the district, people walk often and chat with those who live along Millionaire’s Row and 3 rd Street. Way’s Garden is a great place to meet your neighbors.

Overall, it is a wonderful experience to live in Williamsport’s historic district which is particularly appealing with its proximity to downtown, the colleges, the Pennsylvania Wilds and other areas accessible by an afternoon drive. Yet, it is the history, services and particularly the people which make this a great place to live!