20 Signs You Grew Up In Harrisburg NC

Harrisburg, North Carolina is one of the best places to live as you grow into a young adult. From the sense of community throughout the town to the variety of fast food restaurants, Harrisburg knows how to do it best. Here are a few things you’ll recognize if you grew up in the ‘Burg.

1. You’ve known your classmates your whole life

From kindergarten to graduation, you’ll have known these kids for most of your life. You can remember running around on the playground with people who you barely talk to now.

2. Neighborhood parties were your childhood

If you’re reading this then you probably grew up in Harrisburg when playing in the streets until the street lights came on was still common. Knowing all of your neighbors — and being pretty much a big family — meant gatherings were common and everyone was invited.

3. Every grocery store you go to, you’ll recognize someone

Maybe you’ll see school staff members, your classmates parents, your friends, your best friend…. no matter who it is, you’re sure to see a familiar face

4. You see your teachers more than you want to

Refer to above. You’ll see them walking into Zaxby’s after a half day of school, or in line for a car wash, or buying groceries. They live in this town just as you do, so yeah you’ll see each other outside of the classroom more than once.

5. You see people you know every time you’re stuck in traffic

More often than not, while you’re sitting at a traffic light, just glance around and you might see someone that you know. This doesn’t really happen in the city, but in harrisburg it seems that everywhere you turn is a familiar face.

6. You’re still in contact with your preschool/pre-k teachers

This is not for everyone, but most preschools are run by members of your church or parents of your classmates, so it’s possible you still talk to your preschool teacher every once in awhile.”

7. Your first job was probably within 10 minutes

Need I say more? There’s places all over Harrisburg where teens get their first job, from Lowes Foods to Zaxby’s. What’s great about Harrisburg is that you don’t have to go very far to find a grocery store or fast food restaurant, so there’s work for everyone here.

8. A nice date was a visit to Charlotte

NODA, Amelie’s, uptown, wherever it was, this was a splurge. In Harrisburg we are close to Olive Garden or Tsunami, but a REALLY nice date is in Charlotte. Most proms are hosted in uptown, too.

9. You took Concord Mills for granted

The great Concord Mills is just some mall nearby where locals walk around casually, not realizing that this is a tourist attraction. It’s like people casually passing by the Big Ben on their way to work — but on a much smaller scale. Concord Mills is actually one of the largest outlet malls on the East Coast, appreciate that.

10. Charlotte Motor Speedway was practically walking distance

For some of us it is literally walking distance. Same thing here as with the mall, we take it for granted because it is so close. People will come from across the US just to watch big races like the Coca Cola 600 or the Bank of America 500 even, but to some locals these races are just causes of traffic.

11. Each school in your county embodied a different southern stereotype

You know what I mean. There’s the rednecks, the preps, etc. nothing wrong with this, it’s just how it is with the demographics of each school.

12. You probably know your teachers kids

Whether its because you were on the same team as your teachers’ kids in local sports, or because you live right next to your teacher, there’s a good chance that you know a few of your teachers’ kids.

13. You were in a Harrisburg Parks and Recreation sport

If you grew up as a sports player, then you were probably playing on a Harrisburg team when it was still called the Harrisburg Youth Association. From softball, to soccer, to basketball, there was a sport for everyone. Those were some good times.

14. Nonstop construction from the day you arrived

Everywhere. New living communities, new grocery stores, new bridges, repairs to old bridges, road closures, road openings and improvements, lots of upgrades and lots of rerouting. Harrisburg has blossomed from an average-sized town to a growing city in just a few decades, so this means more businesses, schools, and housing.

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15. Churches everywhere

Part of the Southern pride that Harrisburg residents are accustomed to is the undying faith of the local Christians. Churches are in every nook and cranny of Harrisburg offering a safe place to pray and practice Christianity.

16. Dunkin and Faith Sweets were the go-to for breakfast

Before early morning classes or work, D&D and Faith Sweets were the place to be with your friends to grab a quick yet tasty bite.

17. Sonic was always the place to hangout

After football games or band practice, Sonic was a popular place for high schoolers and middle schoolers to grab a quick bite and spend time with friends.

18. Pelicans was your favorite spot to get a snow cone

Pelicans popped up recently in Harrisburg but has been a popular place in the summer to grab a tasty snow cone. With over 100 flavors, there is sure to be one you’ll like.

19. You undervalued UNCC because of how close it is

Along with Concord Mills and the Charlotte Motor Speedway, UNCC is sometimes overlooked because of close proximity. UNC Charlotte is one of the best universities in NC but can be wrongfully undervalued solely because of how close and accessible it is to Harrisburg.

20. Housing developments pop up everywhere around you

As Harrisburg grows to be even more prosperous and popular, there is a demand for more housing. Within a few months there may be a new community that was just trees when you were last in the area. Believe it or not, the construction crews actually build pretty quickly considering all the obstacles they face. Nobody likes projects that stretch out longer than they should.

Do you have any others to add to the list of signs you grew up in Harrisburg NC!? Share in the comments below!

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