Hazle Township: A Town with a Vision for Success
Located at the southern tip of Luzerne County, Hazle Township serves as a suburban gateway around the city of Hazleton and West Hazleton Borough. Its history dates back to the early 1700s when Native American tribes and early settlers used the lush valley region as a key trade route. Originally a logging road, the area quickly became a thriving lumber outpost before coal mining took over in the mid-19th century, fueling rapid growth.
For over a century, Hazle Township and the Greater Hazleton Area grew into a major industrial center, nearly matching nearby Wilkes-Barre and Scranton. As coal production declined in the mid-20th century, the township shifted its focus toward new opportunities and a forward-looking future. Today, Hazle Township balances its rich industrial heritage with growing residential communities, local businesses and recreational spaces. Its convenient location, just minutes from major highways and regional hubs, makes it an ideal place for families and entrepreneurs alike.
Community
Today, Hazle Township remains a key player in Northeastern Pennsylvania’s growth into a modern industrial metropolitan region. With convenient access to major interstates, a pipeline of young, energetic workers, forward-thinking business and political leaders, abundant resources, a low cost of living, and a high quality of life, it’s no secret this mountain town is on the move.
Communities: Beaver Brook, Drifton, Ebervale, Green Ridge, Harleigh, Harwood, Hollywood, Humboldt, Japan, Jeanesville, Lattimer, Milnesville, Oakdale, Pardeesville, and Stockton.
School District: Hazleton Area School District
Population: 10,321
Total Area: 45.34 square miles
The Pennsylvania State Police handle Hazle Township’s police calls from the Hazleton barracks in Valmont Industrial Park.
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The Hazle Township Volunteer Fire and Rescue Co. serves the entire township with two stations—Headquarters at SR 309 and 27th Street near the Municipal Complex, and Station #2 along SR 924 near I-81 and Humboldt Industrial Park. The department also provides mutual aid to surrounding communities.
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Lehigh Valley Health Network–EMS Hazleton maintains a fleet of 11 ambulances to service the area including Hazleton, Hazle Township, Weatherly, Beaver Meadows, the Village of Sheppton and the Village of Oneida
Learn MoreSuburban peace of mind with convenient city access in Hazle Township
Hazle Township is a quiet, suburban community in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, surrounding the City of Hazleton. Residents enjoy the best of both worlds—peaceful neighborhoods with easy access to the amenities, jobs, and entertainment of a bustling city center.
The township stretches across a scenic, hilly landscape dotted with neighborhoods, public parks and stretches of open space. With major highways running through the area, travel to nearby cities like Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Bloomsburg, the Pocono Mountains and the Lehigh Valley is fast and convenient.
Safety, security, and space define the community’s residential areas, which are served by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Hazle Township Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company. The entire township falls within the Hazleton Area School District, which includes ten elementary and middle schools, Hazleton Area High School, the Hazleton Area Career Center, Cyber Academy, Arts & Humanities Academy and the Academy of Sciences.
The township is served by several regional healthcare providers offering convenient access to comprehensive medical services. Lehigh Valley Health Network operates Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton, a trauma center with satellite clinics and a cancer center. Geisinger and St. Luke’s also run clinics in the area, while CommunityCare Hazleton provides family medicine, pediatrics, behavioral health, and more.
The area offers plenty of familiar conveniences close to home. Local facilities include the Hazleton Municipal Airport, Walmart, the Church Hill Mall, the Hazleton Health & Wellness Center and a portion of the Laurel Mall.
Family and community are at the heart of life in Hazle Township. Throughout the area, neighbors gather at local churches, playgrounds, community green spaces, and public sports fields—creating a close-knit, welcoming atmosphere in every corner of town.
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Hazle Township Community Park
Hazle Township Offers Fresh Air and Plenty of Outdoor Fun
Getting a breath of fresh air in Hazle Township is easy thanks to the spacious Hazle Township Community Park. Since 1959, this local park has offered residents a peaceful escape from everyday life. Over the decades, it has grown to include Lake Irena—a 26-acre lake stocked by the PA Boat & Fish Commission. The park features walking and hiking trails, bike racks, soccer fields, picnic areas with benches and charcoal grills, a playground and public restrooms. Two pavilions provide space for community events, gatherings and celebrations.
The Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails also runs through parts of the township, offering residents and visitors a scenic place to walk, run or bike. This gently graded, crushed-stone trail follows former railroad beds and stretches more than 9 miles through beautiful woodlands and rolling hills.
Outdoor recreation continues at the 118-acre Butler Preserve, owned by the North Branch Land Trust. Located along the picturesque Dreck Creek Reservoir, this preserve offers excellent opportunities for hiking, biking and birdwatching. Visitors can access the Butler Preserve directly from the Rails to Trails route.
Made in Hazle Township: A Hub for Industry and Manufacturing
Opportunity thrives in Hazle Township, where strategic location meets robust infrastructure and a strong workforce. The township is home to two of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s largest and most active industrial parks, making it a vital hub for regional economic growth. Humboldt Industrial Park, a sprawling commercial center, hosts a range of major companies across manufacturing, logistics, food processing and distribution. Every day, it welcomes a workforce of approximately 10,000 employees. Valmont Industrial Park, another key player in the local economy, is partially located within Hazle Township and continues to grow in both footprint and influence.
Looking ahead, Hazle Township’s business landscape is poised for even greater expansion. Several major developers have announced plans to construct millions of square feet of new industrial space, reflecting both high demand and investor confidence in the area’s potential. With direct access to key highways, a motivated labor force and a supportive local government, Hazle Township continues to position itself as a leader in economic development throughout Luzerne County and beyond.
Article updated from its original version published on 4/18/2022
