LUZERNE COUNTY
County Offices
200 North River
Wilkes-Barre 570-825-1500
www.luzernecounty.org
Chamber of Commerce
Two Public Square
Wilkes-Barre 570-823-2101
www.wilkes-barre.org
Strategically situated at the crossroads of two of the most important highways in North America—Interstates 80 and 81—Luzerne County has its initial boom with anthracite mining. With the coal heyday as a page of history, the county is home to a growing number of diverse businesses and industries. Modern Luzerne County is emerging with a new identity for the 21st century and an evident spirit of revitalization.
Nestled in the heart of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Luzerne County and the Greater Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton and Pittston areas attract visitors to the natural beauty of abundant mountains, streams, lakes, and valleys that ensure four-season recreation and outdoor activity. The county is located approximately 125 miles from the Big Apple of New York City and 120 miles from the historic charm of Philadelphia.
Services
From transportation to education and healthcare, Luzerne County brings together an impressive list of amenities and advantages. Few regions can rival Luzerne County for accessibility with Interstates 80, 81, 380 and 84 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike all traversing the area. Residents and visitors also enjoy efficient air travel services close to home at the Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport. Residents of this area have been supporting quality educational opportunities for more than two centuries and take great pride in the exceptional institutions from preschool through graduate school and professional studies. Complementing the network of public school districts and private schools, six colleges and universities are at home in the county. Among them are two campuses for Pennsylvania State University and one of the largest community colleges in the entire Commonwealth. Students from around the globe arrive in Luzerne County to attend these highly respected institutions of higher education.
Luzerne County Community College maintains its main campus in Nanticoke but manages more than a dozen satellite campuses throughout Northeast Pennsylvania. The state-supported institutions of Penn State Hazleton and Penn State Wilkes-Barre offer the ideal of a small campus in a region with a rural flavor, focusing on the first two years of more than 160 four-year degree programs. The independent Wilkes University is known for its hands-on approach with professors working interactively with students in the laboratories, classrooms, and in the field. In addition to pre-professional programs, the university offers a doctor of pharmacy in the Nesbitt College of Pharmacy and Nursing. Nestled in Dallas, College Misericordia offers a highly rated liberal-arts Catholic college. Another Catholic college hailed by US News & World Report, King’s College is located in downtown Wilkes-Barre.
State-of-the-art healthcare is ensured by major health systems that operate major hospitals and medical centers throughout the region. Wilkes-Barre General Hospital anchors the Wyoming Valley Health Care System, which also encompasses the Nesbitt Women’s and Children’s Center, the Heart and Vascular Institute, a Gamma Knife Center, and Nesbitt Memorial Medical Center. This community hospital is the largest of its type in Northeast Pennsylvania, with a staff of more than 400 physicians that represent nearly all medical and surgical specialties.
The Greater Hazleton Health Alliance divides its exceptional services between two campuses: Hazleton General with its family birthing center and Hazleton-Saint Joseph. Together, they are licensed for 230 beds and provide a wide range of specialized services. Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and the recently developed Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre Hospital anchors a nationally recognized, physician-led healthcare system that includes such centers of excellence as the Heart Hospital at Geisinger Wyoming Valley, the Janet Weis Children’s Hospital Pediatrics Unit, Geisinger’s Children’s Hospital, and the Henry Cancer Center. Other regional centers include the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center and Mercy Special Care Hospital in Nanticoke.
Lifestyle
Four distinct and beautiful seasons, short commute times, small-town charm, and attractive yet affordable housing are just a few of the magnets that attract new residents to Luzerne County. The impressive and diverse list of amenities includes scores of public and private golf courses, more than 150 local and state parks, Pocono Mountain ski areas, and 16 area colleges and universities. Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre, the largest of the urban centers in Luzerne County, share a refreshing new vitality and excitement about future growth. The housing selection is abundant and caters to every imaginable lifestyle choice. In fact, home buyers should first decide upon the setting of their dreams and then review the home possibilities.
Home sites nestle in lush valleys, along sparkling streams and rivers, in the heart of a bustling city, surrounded by a pristine countryside, or along the fairways of a championship golf course. New construction has accelerated within the past decade, introducing handsome planned communities, small clusters of homes on multi-acre lots, and estate properties as large as 20 acres. Even in long-established boroughs, lovely townhomes and upscale condominiums have replaced aging properties in prime locations.
Cultural attractions are abundant, from major venues like the Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza or the F.M. Kirby Performing Arts Center to fine museums and historic sites tucked away in quaint boroughs or dotting the picturesque countryside. Shopping is available in contemporary malls with scores of shops or in a number of downtown districts filled with unique boutiques, antique dealers, and galleries. Luzerne County welcomes visitors from across the Mid-Atlantic who enjoy exploring the eclectic displays of locally crafted pottery, crafts, and works of art. The county’s strategic location near the intersection of two major interstate highways has driven the growth of national chain stores and outlets along bustling commercial corridors. From its premier recreational opportunities to urban jewels, Luzerne County welcomes newcomers to a cherished environment that grows richer with each passing year.
Dallas Borough, Dallas Township, Franklin Township, Harvey’s Lake, Lehman Township
Dallas Boro Offices
570-675-1389
Dallas Twp Offices
570-674-2007
www.dallastownship.com
Franklin Offices
570-333-513
www.ftwp.com
Lehman Offices
570-675-1493
www.lehmanpa.com
Chamber of Commerce
570-823-2101
www.wilkes-barre.org
Nestled in a census-designated place known as Back Mountain that encompasses several boroughs and townships, this area also includes the Harvey’s Lake community. The name Back Mountain refers to a location behind the Endless Mountains in a region that also encompasses Kingston Borough and Kingston Township. The latter are ideally situated just across the river from Wilkes-Barre. Harvey’s Lake is Pennsylvania’s largest natural lake by volume and is surrounded by cottages, elaborate boathouses, and magnificent properties with private lake access. The small borough of Dallas is best-known for its highly respected private institution, College Misericordia. Residents of this picturesque region enjoy easy access to water sports and outdoor recreation but also to urban amenities and attractions including the visual and performing arts, great shopping, and entertainment.
Hazle Township, Sugarloaf Township
Hazle Offices
570-455-2039
www.hazletownship.com
Sugarloaf Offices
570-788-3575
Chamber of Commerce
570-455-1508
www.hazletonchamber.org
Located in southern Luzerne County, Hazle Township was actually carved from Sugarloaf Township in the 1800s. The southern border of Hazle Township serves as the Luzerne County line where it abuts both Schuylkill and Carbon counties. Today, only a small remnant of yesterday’s rich forests remain. The mining activity that peaked in the ’30s has been replaced by an influx of new businesses in the Valmont and Humbolt Industrial Parks in the Greater Hazleton area. This boost to the regional economy has positioned the area to attract even more quality development in the future. New residential communities have sprung up in this area, several of which are located in close proximity to major industrial parks for a convenient lifestyle. Among them are Eagle Rock, Park Crest, and Community Park. The leading city of Hazelton offers well-developed urban amenities.
Hazleton, West Hazleton Borough, Butler Township, Conyngham Township
Hazleton Offices
570-459-4960
www.hazletoncity.org
West Hazleton Offices
570-455-7851
Butler Township Offices
570-788-3547
www.butler-township.com
Conyngham Offices
570-542-2411
Chamber of Commerce
570-455-1508
www.hazletonchamber.org
With the vibrant revitalization of its downtown district, Hazleton epitomizes the spirit of renewal that is evident in Luzerne County. Renovation of historic structures combines with new construction and new businesses along the Broad Street main street corridor. Activities and attractions for every age group and every interest are close to home, including major-league sports, golf, tennis, swimming, football, basketball, soccer, and skiing. At the same time, aficionados of the arts can enjoy first-rate theatre, symphony, musical concerts, fine museums, and wonderful galleries. Acres of land for development, a warm and friendly community, premier recreational opportunities, and affordable housing are a few of the advantages that are available in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains. Transportation improvements such as Interstate 309 have catalyzed growth and a new economic direction for Hazleton and Butler Township, transforming the area into commuter suburbs that also draw tourists. Interstates 80 and 81 are only minutes from home.
Kingston Borough, Kingston Township
Borough Offices
570-288-4576
www.kingstonpa.org
Township Offices
570-696-3809
www.kingstontownship.com
Chamber of Commerce
570-675-9380
www.bmbaonline.com
With its government offices in the village of Shavertown, panoramic Kingston Township is nestled in the natural beauty of the Back Mountain area. Trucksville is the other village within the township, home to the trailhead for the Back Mountain Trail to Luzerne Borough. Kingston Borough offers a lovely tree-lined, bedroom community that offers an impressive recreation center. Amenities include basketball and racquetball courts, state-of-the-art fitness equipment, computer amusements, pool tables, and other game areas. Outdoor recreation is available in parks with playgrounds, tot lots, sports courts and fields, tennis courts, and an Olympic-size pool. The Kingston area nestles along the banks of the scenic Susquehanna River, just across the renowned Market Street Bridge from the bustling city of Wilkes-Barre. Moon Lake County Park and Frances Slocum State Park are nearby.
Mountaintop, Wright Township
Mountaintop Offices
570-474-9067
Wright Offices
570-474-9067
Mountaintop Info
www.mountaintoponthemove.com
Chamber of Commerce
570-823-2101
www.wilkes-barre.org
Conveniently located on Route 309, the Mountaintop area is just minutes from Interstates 80 and 81 and 10 miles from an extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Surrounded by rural townships and Pocono alpine splendor, this growing community offers a convenient lifestyle with local shopping. Cold mountain streams brimming over with fish and sparkling lakes for swimming and boating combine with winter sports to ensure four-season recreational opportunities. The housing selection is diverse, attractive, and affordable, from multi-acre secluded sites to contemporary construction in lovely residential developments. Many former resort homes are now year-round residences with turn-of-the-century charm. The sprawling Crestwood Industrial Park is bustling with activity, although many farms still dot the picturesque countryside. The small borough of Nuangola and Slocum Township are also in this area.
Nanticoke
Municipal Offices
570-735-2800
www.nanticokecity.com
Chamber of Commerce
570-823-2101
www.wilkes-barre.org
The panoramic city of Nanticoke is situated between the Susquehanna River to the north and the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the south. The area’s rich heritage is noted in such landmarks as the state historical marker on the library grounds that reads, “Named for Nanticoke Indians from Maryland who settled here about 1750.” The city also features a bronze Coal Miners Monument that overlooks East Main Street. Patriots Square serves as the center of community celebrations that include popular holiday events and the Nanticoke Music Fest. The attractions in Wilkes-Barre are only six miles away from this primarily residential community of well-kept homes and gardens. Nanticoke boasts the only road in the nation with educational facilities that cover all academic levels. Students can potentially begin school and graduate from Luzerne County Community College on the same street.
Pittston, West Pittston Borough, Exeter Borough, Exeter Township, Jenkins Township, Pittston Township
Pittston City Offices
570-654-0513
West Pittston Offices
570-655-7782
Exeter Boro Offices
570-654-8734
Exeter Twp Offices
570-388-6607
Jenkins Offices
570-654-3315
www.pacounties.org/jenkins
Pittstown Twp Offices
570-654-0161
Chamber of Commerce
570-655-1424
www.pittstonchamber.org
Home to the annual Pittston Tomato Festival, the “quality tomato capital of the world” is situated between Scranton and Wilkes-Barre for quick and easy commutes to either city. With a population of less than 10,000 in two square miles, the city of Pittston serves as the hub of the Greater Pittston area. This region encompasses several quaint boroughs and growing townships to offer a wide variety of housing and settings. Avoca Borough is home to the Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport and the talented Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic. Other small boroughs include Dupont, Duryea, Hughestown, West Pittston, and Yatesville. Area homes blend historic and well-kept older properties that excel in character and architectural charm with newer construction. Residents are able to access major sports and entertainment venues like the Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza, the F.M Kirby Performing Arts Center, and the Scranton Cultural Center.
Plains Township, Laflin Borough, West Wyoming Borough, Wyoming Borough
Plains Offices
570-829-3431
Laflin Offices
570-654-3323
www.laflinboro.com
West Wyoming Offices
570-693-1311
Wyoming Offices
570-693-0291
Chamber of Commerce
570-823-2101
www.wilkes-barre.org
Covering nearly 15 square miles, Plains Township is situated in eastern Luzerne County with the city of Wilkes-Barre bordering to the southwest. The township is bisected at various points by Interstate 81 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike along with Route 309. The spectacular new Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs is located along Route 315. The nearby boroughs of Laflin, West Wyoming, and Wyoming offer quiet residential communities and good commutes to both Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Wyoming and Laflin provide public libraries and all three communities offer recreational amenities and activities. Newcomers will find a wide variety of housing choices, both attractive and affordable, along with convenient commercial development. The township expands the opportunities for larger lots and generous acreage near Wilkes-Barre. The city remains just minutes from home for first-rate cultural, entertainment, educational, and employment opportunities. Plains Township is home to a branch of the Osterhout Free Library and recreational facilities.
Plymouth Borough, Plymouth Township, Jackson Township, Hunlock Township
Plymouth Boro Offices
570-779 1011
Plymouth Twp Offices
570-779-5388
Hunlock Offices
570-256 7410
Jackson Offices
570-675 8371
Chamber of Commerce
570-823-2101
www.wilkes-barre.org
The quaint borough of Plymouth is located just four miles from bustling Wilkes-Barre, joining rural townships to offer quiet residential areas in close proximity to urban amenities. Jackson Township actually encompasses a small portion of the borough of Dallas, home to College Misericordia, and a fraction of Shavertown village in neighboring Kingston Township. Chase and Huntsville are both communities in Jackson Township. Hunlock Township was thrived as a tourist destination in the days when the railroad brought throngs of visitors to the local hotel and amusement park. Newcomers to this area will find a wide range of housing styles and settings that are affordable and often provide sweeping lots or acreage. Wilkes-Barre is only minutes from home for expanded shopping, cultural attractions, higher education, and entertainment.
Rice Township
Municipal Offices
570-868-6400
www.twp.rice.pa.us
Chamber of Commerce
570-823-2101
www.wilkes-barre.org
Fast-growing Rice Township is centrally located in Luzerne County, welcoming new residents to vibrant new residential development. Covering 10 square miles, the township offers abundant land for custom homes with generous acreage. The Harry L. Benning Recreational Park is designed to offer amenities and facilities that appeal to all age groups, from playground equipment to a picnic grove, a nature walk bordering the picturesque Wapwallopen Creek, a full basketball court, and a multi-use playing field. Primarily a residential community, Rice Township protects many natural resources including the historic 300-acre “Ice Lakes” area with two sparkling lakes. Scenic ponds preserve natural habitat and create appealing views. Beaver Pond and the 700 acres surrounding it are now part of the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s holdings. The Blytheburm Lake area is ringed by permanent and seasonal homes that include some elegant pre-Victorians.
Shickshinny Borough, Huntington Township, Union Township
Shickshinny Offices
570-542-2178
Huntington Offices
570-864-2303
Union Offices
570-256-7600
www.pacounties.org/union
Chamber of Commerce
570-823-2101
www.wilkes-barre.org
The rural northwestern section of Luzerne County offers secluded home sites in sprawling townships, outstanding recreational amenities, and a small-town atmosphere in quaint boroughs like Shickshinny. The Susquehanna Warrior Trail, a portion of the rails-to-trails system, is now available in Union Township. This five-mile stretch of the scenic trail follows the Susquehanna River through the township. The Pennsylvania Boat and Fish Commission has also constructed a river boat launch in the township. The village of Huntington Mills serves as the hub of Huntington Township, named for the mills that once made the town a social center for surrounding agricultural communities. The town is bisected by Route 239 and offers two fishing creeks. Picturesque farms including successful Christmas tree farms dot the picturesque countryside.
White Haven Borough
Borough Offices
570-443-9129
Community Information
www.whitehaven.org
Chamber of Commerce
570-823-2101
www.wilkes-barre.org
The quaint borough of White Haven features a downtown business district with the breathtaking Green Mountain as its scenic backdrop. Newcomers will discover small-town charm and premier recreational activities and amenities, from outfitters to ski areas, Hickory Run State Park, the Lehigh Gorge River, and state game lands for hunting and fishing. Other attractions near this area include the Mountain Laurel Resort, Sandy Valley Campground, downhill ski resorts, and Eckley Miners’ Village. White Haven is nestled along the western edge of the Poconos, straddling the Lehigh River into Luzerne and Carbon counties. An active chamber is encouraging redevelopment efforts but also sponsoring exciting events like the Jam Below the Dam. Hiking, biking, camping, whitewater rafting, fine dining, and shopping are all available in this area.
Wilkes-Barre
Municipal Offices
570-208-4152
www.wilkes-barre.pa.us
Chamber of Commerce
570-823-2101
www.wilkes-barre.org
The industrial city of Wilkes-Barre serves as the seat of Luzerne County government and one of two regional urban centers along with Hazleton. Newcomers will find a medley of attractions and advantages, from the new dazzling Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs casino and wagering center to the historic jewel of the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts. The Wachovia Arena draws large audiences to top-billed national and international entertainment as well as spectator sports events. Recreational opportunities are first-rate in and around the city, with an active Parks and Recreation Department providing a wealth of sports equipment and supervised programs. Hiking, biking, camping, water sports, winter sports, fishing, hunting, golfing, and tennis are some of the popular pastimes that are available in or near the city. Suburban Wilkes-Barre has emerged as one of Pennsylvania’s premier commercial hubs, home to Wyoming Valley Mall and other major shopping centers.
