Living in the Abingtons Region of Lackawanna County, PA
Lif in the Abingtons means access to quiet neighborhoods, strong local schools, community parks, and everyday conveniences that make life feel connected and easy. The region sits just minutes north of Scranton and within an easy drive of Wilkes-Barre, giving residents quick access to major employers, shopping districts, and regional amenities. The area is also known for being pet-friendly, with dog parks, dog-welcome trails, and local businesses offering outdoor seating for four-legged family members.
Stretching across wooded hillsides and quiet farmlands, the Abingtons is a go-to NEPA destination for outdoor adventure, family-friendly activities and local food. It includes the boroughs of Clarks Summit, Clarks Green and Dalton, along with a collection of historic townships and villages that create a warm, community-focused atmosphere. Residents and visitors enjoy lake views and hiking trails at Lackawanna State Park, seasonal festivals at Lakeland Orchard & Cidery and Roba Family Farms, mini golf and go-karts at Lahey Family Fun Park, peaceful stretches of the Trolley Trail and a dining scene filled with longtime favorites and modern spots.
Recreation options continue to expand, including popular pickleball courts at South Abington Recreation Park and upgraded community amenities at parks and playgrounds throughout the region.
Community Life & Local Connections
Daily life in the Abingtons centers around neighborhood events, community parks, youth programs, and year-round activities at places like the Waverly Community House and Abington Community Library. Hillside Park hosts a beloved Summer Concert Series that brings neighbors together with weekly live music and local food.
Local shopping adds to the region’s character, with specialty grocers, artisan boutiques, thrift shops, and long-standing neighborhood businesses offering unique finds and everyday essentials.
Whether someone is planning a relaxing weekend, exploring things to do near Scranton or searching for one of Lackawanna County’s most welcoming regions, the Abingtons offers something memorable in every season.
A Glimpse of Life in the Abingtons
Spring brings orchard blooms and the start of outdoor events. Summer is perfect for classic summer activities in the Abingtons like fishing, hiking and picnicking at Hillside Park or spending a carefree afternoon at Lahey Family Fun Park. Residents also enjoy paddling, kayaking and easy lake access at area parks. Fall transforms the region with sunflower fields, apple harvests, cozy farm experiences and some of NEPA’s most popular fall festival at Roba Family Farms and Lakeland Orchard & Cidery. Winter lights up with seasonal events in the Abingtons, including the beloved Clarks Summit Festival of Ice filled with sculptures, entertainment and small-town celebration. Hillside Park and other community spaces also offer ice skating and cold-weather recreation when conditions allow.
The region’s food scene is another highlight. Enjoy modern American dishes at State Street Grill, classic pizza and pasta at Colarusso’s Café, gourmet wine and wood-fired pizza at Maiolatesi Wine Cellars and old-fashioned homemade ice cream from Manning Farm Dairy. Scenic hikes, local flavors and fun attractions come together to create a region with year-round appeal.
Residents also benefit from easy access to grocery stores, healthcare offices, fitness centers and local shops, making everyday errands simple and convenient.
KNOWN FOR:
Lackawanna State Park
Roba Family Farms
Lakeland Orchard & Cidery
Lahey Family Fun Park
State Street Grill
BY THE NUMBERS:
Estimated Population: 35,103
Geographical Area: 133 square miles
Communities: The boroughs of Clarks Green, Clarks Summit, and Dalton; the village of Chinchilla; and the townships of Benton, Fleetville, Glenburn, La Plume, Newton, North Abington, Ransom, Scott, South Abington, Waverly, and West Abington.
School Districts: Abington Heights School District — consistently recognized for academic excellence, community involvement and strong extracurricular programs. Lakeland School District — known for its strong academic performance as well as successful athletic programs.
Housing & Neighborhoods: The region offers a mix of historic homes, walkable neighborhoods, new developments and spacious rural properties, giving residents a wide range of options for putting down roots.
Commute & Accessibility: Major routes like I-81, Route 6, Route 11 and the PA Turnpike make commuting to Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and surrounding communities quick and convenient.
Top Things to Do in the Abingtons
See All
A Peek Into the Abington’s Past
Clarks Summit, the commercial center of the Abingtons region in Lackawanna County, began in 1799 when Revolutionary War soldier William Clark received 800 acres as compensation for his service at the Battle of Bunker Hill. For more than a century, the area remained primarily rural until 1906, when the Northern Electric Railway connected the community to Scranton. This new accessibility transformed the region into a growing suburb and paved the way for the thriving collection of towns and neighborhoods known as the Abingtons today.
The region is also home to Destination Freedom: The Underground Railroad Walking Tour in Waverly, an educational program based out of the Waverly Community House that highlights the area’s abolitionist history and local connections to the Underground Railroad.
Did You Know?
Clarks Summit is the hometown of author Lauren Weisberger, whose bestselling novel The Devil Wears Prada became a major feature film starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway. The region is also home to Olympic bronze medalist Adam Rippon, who competed in the 2018 Winter Games.
More Stories About the Abingtons
Writer
Writer
Video Highlights from the Abingtons
Writer
Writer
Writer
Writer
