Get to know NEPA! From its quiet, rural villages to its bustling small cities to its historic towns, our little corner of Pennsylvania offers something for everyone — whether it’s all about work, play or just having that place to call home. Follow along as we take a closer look at all of NEPA’s convenient, safe, affordable and family-friendly places to live.
A Quiet Township with a Big Economic Footprint
Jenkins Township is a small, mostly residential township situated almost exactly between Wilkes-Barre and Scranton. It makes up most of the southern border of the Greater Pittston Area. The township was named after Colonel John Jenkins, an American Revolutionary officer, one of the region’s earliest settlers.
Jenkins Township was officially incorporated in 1852. It started out as a relatively small hub for farming and logging. Eventually, the discovery of anthracite ushered in swift economic growth and major population expansion. This sudden influx of mining families ultimately spread out into the township’s unique villages – Ewen, Inkerman, Old Boston, Port Blanchard, Port Griffith and Sebastopol.
Essentially, Jenkins Township splits into two very distinct regions. The residential area, in the northwestern section of the township borders the Susquehanna River. It’s made up of quiet neighborhoods, parks, small businesses and restaurants. All neighborhoods enjoy easy access to the Pittston Area High School campus, located near the center of the township.
As you move to the southeast, the township crosses paths with Interstate 81, State Route 315 and PA 476 – three of the region’s most widely travelled thruways. This section of Jenkins Township serves as one of the fastest growing economic areas in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Easy highway access, proximity to NEPA’s 18 colleges and universities and a business-friendly environment attracts some of the region’s largest employers to Jenkins Township. CenterPoint Commerce and Trade Park, developed by Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services, just south of I-81 and Route 315 is home to dozens of nationally-recognized companies. Like Benco Dental, Lowe’s, Neiman Marcus, J.P Boden and Isuzu to name just a few. The township’s prime location within the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Metropolitan Area affords these companies access to nearly 500,000 people within just a 20-mile radius.
From affordable single and multi-family housing to safe, quiet neighborhoods, you’ll find it all within Jenkins Township. The suburban feel of the township coupled with a notable ease of access to nearby Wilkes-Barre, Pittston and Scranton offers residents peace of mind and plenty of things to do. Of course, the mountains and tons of outdoor fun are always close by.
Population: 4,282
Square Miles: 14
School District: Pittston Area School District
Living in Jenkins Township
Low cost of living meets safe, comfortable and quiet neighborhoods.
The residential north side of Jenkins Township is largely made up of family-friendly neighborhoods spreading outward from the township’s several main streets. Commutes within and outside the township benefit greatly from convenient highway access. Housing typically ranges from affordable single-family homes to multi-family duplexes and apartments. A slight elevation toward the center of the township offers occasional valley views and NEPA’s surrounding mountain ranges are always in sight. The southeasters section of the township also features heavily forested PA State Game Lands.
Another benefit of living in Jenkins Township is that, while you’re a bit insulated from nearby larger cities, you’re still very close to all of NEPA’s amazing amenities. Within about 15 minutes, you can catch a RailRiders game, hit the slopes, play the slots, watch the Penguins take the ice or see a show at a famous downtown theater. There are also a handful of state parks and nature preserves just outside the township’s borders.
Safety and security are top priorities in Jenkins Township. Emergency medical needs within the township are served by the Greater Pittston Regional Ambulance Association. The Jenkins Township Police Department fields 12 officers (5 full-time and 7 part-time) throughout all of Jenkins Township and Yatesville Borough. And the Jenkins Township Fire Department is made up of paid and volunteer firefighters. The nearly 100-year-old department has been serving the community since 1926. They cover medical emergencies, hazardous materials, motor vehicle accidents and fires.
Getting around Jenkins Township is easy using the convenient Luzerne County Transportation Authority. Commonwealth Health and Geisinger Health Systems operate hospitals, outpatient offices and clinics within the surrounding Greater Scranton, Greater Pittston and Greater Wilkes-Barre areas.
Out & About in Jenkins Township
Jenkins Township’s quiet streets and uncrowded sidewalks make for easy living, but that’s not all. This little township offers plenty of things to do for the whole family. And if you’re looking for a little more, you’re only a short drive from Scranton, Pittston and Wilkes-Barre, three of NEPA’s largest cities.
