While regarded historically as an important lynchpin in the state’s early industrial era, Greater Hazleton continues to thrive today as one of the region’s largest, most diverse and fastest-growing economic hubs. The tight-knit communities making up Greater Hazleton feature a healthy mix of conveniently-located urban, suburban and rural neighborhoods.
The City of Hazleton serves as the central hub for Greater Hazleton. An easy downtown stroll reveals a bustling arts scene paired with an inclination toward historical preservation. And if you venture into any of the nearby communities, there’s certainly no shortage of options for outdoor recreation. Enjoy a brewery visit in Conyngham. Take a peaceful stroll along Lake Irene at Hazle Twp. Community Park. Or head to the rolling hills and valleys of Sugarloaf for a round of golf.
Of course, when you get hungry, Greater Hazleton offers a seemingly never-ending list of local restaurants from fine dining to a quick slice to ethnic specialties and regional staples. And you certainly can’t call it a day in NEPA if you don’t end it with a little ice cream.
Known For:
Vibrant, culturally-diverse cities
18 playgrounds & community parks
Small, walkable downtowns
Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails
A flourishing local restaurant scene
Nescopeck State Park
Amazing cultural events & festivals
By the Numbers:
Geographical Area: 179.97 Sq. Miles
Estimated Population: 63,843
Colleges & Universities: 3
School Districts: 1
Regional Makeup: This area includes the city of Hazleton, the townships of Black Creek, Butler, Foster, Hazle, Sugarloaf, the boroughs of Conyngham, Drums, Freeland, Nuremburg, Sybertsville and West Hazleton.
Every community in Greater Hazleton is served by the Hazleton Area School District, one of the largest public-school systems in the Pennsylvania. The district includes 10 elementary and middle schools and 3 state-of-the-art high school buildings. There are also several private and parochial school options within the district.
The region is also home to three, affordable and easily-accessible colleges.
Penn State University Hazleton
Lackawanna College
Luzerne County Community College
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The City of Hazleton sits at the geographical center of NEPA’s Greater Hazleton Area. And while surrounded by rolling hills, quiet valleys and bustling downtowns, the city serves as both the cultural nucleus and the hub of economic development for the region. As one of PA’s fastest-growing cities, Hazleton is home to a wide variety of dining options and amazing things to do.
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Serving as a geographical buffer surrounding the vibrant city of Hazleton, Hazle Township offers cozy neighborhoods, plenty of nature and convenient access to major roadways. Escape to the popular Hazle Twp. Community Park for nature walks, fishing, picnics and so much more.
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Conyngham is a relatively rural borough located just a few miles northwest of the City of Hazleton. This tight-knit community is home to quiet, residential neighborhoods, convenient access to major interstates, regional amenities and a lot of NEPA history. On Main Street, you’ll find plenty of popular stops like The Brass Buckle Restaurant and Conyngham Brewing Company.
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Drums offers a suburban alternative to the hustle and bustle of city life. This quiet community features convenience to major interstates, nearby amenities like the famous Best Cigar Pub and Honey Hole Winery and plenty of outdoor activities. It’s also home to the 3,550-acre Nescopeck State Park.
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West Hazleton features a mix of both quiet, residential neighborhoods and convenient urban living. Housing options range from older, neighborhood fixtures to more recently established developments. The borough is also home to the Valmont Industrial Park, a busy, economic hub of Greater Hazleton. You’ll also find local favorites, Damenti’s Restaurant and Oaxaca Restaurant nearby.
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A Peak into Greater Hazleton’s Past
The City of Hazleton had originally been settled in the late 18th century as a lumbering outpost along the “Warrior’s Trail,” a Native American trade route. At the time, what is now known as Hazleton, was merely an intersection of two roads in an otherwise unforgiving terrain. The very first building was constructed in 1809. Less than 10 years later, massive deposits of anthracite coal were discovered. By the 1830s, Hazleton and its blossoming coal industry brought in the railroad and with it waves of European immigration. To accommodate the growing labor force, many “patch towns” or company towns were developed around the city and eventually became what we now recognize as the Greater Hazleton Area.
Did You Know?
Greater Hazleton is widely known as the birthplace of Pitza (pronounced locally as simply Pitz), a unique version of square, bar-style pizza that’s meant to be eaten cold. The curious delicacy can be found at local bakeries and some popular bars. Establishments offering “pitz” are quite often the first stop for visiting foodies and returning Greater Hazleton natives.
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