Data Centers in Central Pa

Central Pennsylvania – Strategic Northeast Colocation

Central Pennsylvania provides a compelling alternative to the high-cost, high-density data center markets of the Northeast. This region is ideal for organizations requiring low-latency connections to major metro areas like New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C., while benefiting from lower operational costs and a favorable tax climate. It serves as a prime location for disaster recovery, production IT, and geographically diverse infrastructure.

Central Pennsylvania: At A Glance

Network & Connectivity Ecosystem

Central Pennsylvania's connectivity is defined by its strategic location along key fiber routes connecting larger markets. While not a top-tier interconnection hub itself, it offers reliable and diverse access to the broader North American network.

Carrier Density & Carrier Neutrality: The market includes over 5 carriers as of September 2025, providing access to multiple regional and national backbone networks. Carrier-neutral facilities are the standard, ensuring competitive network pricing and service options.

Direct Cloud On-Ramps: There are no direct, in-market public cloud on-ramps. Secure, private connections to all major cloud providers, including AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure, are established via dedicated circuits to primary interconnection hubs like Ashburn, VA.

Internet Exchange Points (IXPs): Public peering is limited within the immediate market. Most network peering is conducted privately between carriers or routed through major regional exchanges in Philadelphia and New York City.

Bare Metal: Bare metal server options are available from providers in the region. These services are well-suited for workloads requiring dedicated physical hardware, with providers like ColoCrossing offering solutions in this market.

Power Analysis

Pennsylvania's energy profile is a significant advantage for data center operators, offering both competitive pricing and a reliable supply.

Average Cost Of Power: Industrial electricity rates typically range from $0.08 to $0.10 per kWh as of September 2025. This competitive pricing structure can substantially lower total operational costs for power-intensive deployments.

Power Grid Reliability: The state's power grid is exceptionally stable, supported by a generation mix high in natural gas (~55%) and nuclear (~30%). This provides a consistent and dependable power supply, crucial for maintaining data center uptime.

Market Access, Business & Tax Climate

The region combines strategic location with a business-friendly environment, making it an attractive site for data center investment.

Proximity To Key Business Districts: Data centers in Central Pennsylvania offer proximity to the state capital, Harrisburg, and are within easy reach of the Philadelphia metropolitan area. The market sits strategically between the major economic hubs of New York City and Washington D.C.

Regional Market Reach: From Central Pennsylvania, organizations can deliver services with low latency to a massive population base across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast United States. This makes it an excellent edge location or disaster recovery site for operations based in more expensive coastal cities.

Tax Advantage For Data Centers: Pennsylvania offers a specific sales and use tax exemption on computer data center equipment. This program directly reduces the capital expenditure required for building out or refreshing infrastructure, providing a significant financial benefit.

Natural Disaster Risk

Central Pennsylvania has a High natural disaster risk profile, with a FEMA National Risk Index score of 84.00 as of September 2025. The risks are almost entirely weather-related, with the region being well-insulated from major seismic or coastal events.

Key risks include:

• Winter Weather & Ice Storms
• Riverine Flooding
• Strong Wind & Tornadoes
• Hurricane (remnants)
• Heat & Cold Waves
• Wildfire