Modern living in a historic city

As Luzerne County’s largest city, Wilkes-Barre and its surrounding communities offer the convenience and opportunity of an urban hub with the close-knit neighborhoods and local pride that you can only find in NEPA.

Founded in the late 18^th century, the Greater Wilkes-Barre Area rapidly grew in the 19^th and early 20^th centuries with the boom of anthracite coal. The region’s mining heritage earned Wilkes-Barre the nickname “The Diamond City.” Stately mansions along River Street bear witness to the history of the area, but further evidence of the region’s growth span across the Susquehanna River and beyond the city’s borders.

Urban convenience meets small-town charm.

The Greater Wilkes-Barre Area boasts single-family homes, apartments, townhouses and duplexes for every taste and lifestyle. You’ll find everything from grand, historic houses to luxury apartments to peaceful family homes. Wherever you land, you’ll have easy, quick access to the resources of downtown, as well as dining, shopping and more in your own community.

Housing—and the cost of living overall—in the Greater Wilkes-Barre Area is much more affordable than the national average. Here, you’ll find all the amenities of the city, but without the high prices.

Getting around Greater Wilkes-Barre couldn’t be easier. The region provides convenient access to Interstate 81, Interstate 80 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The Luzerne County Transportation Authority also provides public bus routes throughout the county. And for larger trips, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport is just a 15-minute drive from downtown Wilkes-Barre

Safe and secure communities are a priority in Greater Wilkes-Barre. Local and state police; professional, full-time and volunteer fire departments and ambulance services work together throughout the region. Geisinger Health System, Commonwealth Health and Allied Services Integrated Health System serve the region with state-of-the-art hospitals, outpatient facilities and rehabilitation centers.

Three school districts and one charter school serve Greater Wilkes-Barre, along with several private and parochial school options. The Wilkes-Barre Area Career & Technology Center and the West Side Career & Technology Center help prep local students for in-demand careers.

Students from all over the nation come to Wilkes-Barre for their higher education. King’s College and Wilkes University give a vibrant, youthful vitality to downtown Wilkes-Barre. Luzerne County Community College also has a satellite center directly on Public Square.

Out & About in the Greater Wilkes-Barre Area

Explore green spaces and lively downtowns.

The communities in the Greater Wilkes-Barre Area feature beautiful parks and trails. The Luzerne County Levee Trail is a 12-mile trail system that connects local neighborhoods with city parks like Kirby Park, Nesbitt Park and the River Common. Outside the bustle of town, Seven Tubs Recreation Area offers magnificent waterfall views, and Bear Creek Preserve features miles of hiking trails.

Locals love to watch professional sports and nationally touring shows at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, home of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The historic F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts brings live music and theater to the heart of downtown Wilkes-Barre.

Cute boutiques and mom-and-pop shops line the streets, while the weekly, seasonal farmers’ market makes it easy to shop local. You’ll also find your favorite national retailers in and around the Wyoming Valley Mall.

Of course, there’s no shortage of places to eat. From famous NEPA pizza to cool brewpubs to upscale farm-to-table dining, Greater Wilkes-Barre is a foodie’s paradise. And don’t forget to save room for dessert from the area’s delicious sweet shops.