Wright Township: A Suburban Escape and Regional Economic Hub
Wright Township is a vibrant suburban community located in Luzerne County and part of NEPA’s scenic Valley Communities region. Officially formed from a portion of Hanover Township in 1851, Wright Township began as largely a working-class settlement. This small, mountain community made a name for itself with one of the region’s longest-running sawmills along Big Wapwallopen Creek.
Today, Wright Township offers residents a blend of safe neighborhoods, a lively shopping district, a growing business sector, and easy access to the natural beauty of NEPA’s great outdoors.
Thanks to its central location, Wright Township residents enjoy quick access to major highways like Interstate 80, Interstate 81, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, making travel to Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, or Scranton simple and convenient. The community also takes pride in its top-performing Crestwood School District and modern local healthcare facilities, ensuring that education and wellness are always within reach.
Community
Wright Township is rich with NEPA history. The hills here were once home to coal miners, lumber camps, sawmills, and a busy railroad. Today, you’ll find an industrial center that employs over 3,000 local workers, a top-rated school district, plenty of municipal amenities and recreational opportunities that contribute to a remarkable quality of life.
<b>Population:</b> 5,651
<b>School District:</b> Crestwood School District
<b>Land Area:</b> 13.31 square miles
The Wright Township Police Department is a full-service, 24/7 agency made up of seven highly trained officers. The department is committed to fair, transparent, and community-focused policing — upholding values of integrity, professionalism, and teamwork to keep Wright Township safe.
Learn More
Founded in 1955, the Wright Township Fire Department is operated entirely by dedicated volunteers. The department’s modern fleet includes suppression and rescue engines, a pumper tanker, tower ladder, brush units, and utility vehicles — ready to respond to any emergency.
Learn MoreWright Township Offers the Tranquility of a Suburban Oasis with the Simplicity of Small-Town Life
Just twenty minutes from Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre, the township features idyllic, safe neighborhoods and quiet country roads surrounded by dense forests and PA State Game Lands.
Residents enjoy a slower pace of life with convenient access to local restaurants, shops, and everyday essentials, including a grocery store less than ten minutes away. The popular Wright Township Recreation Park serves as a hub for outdoor recreation with athletic fields, playgrounds, a splash fountain and an ice rink. Summer camps, family programs and the annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration make it a lively centerpiece of community life.
The community also offers easy access to the D&L Trail via the Black Diamond Trailhead. This 9.2-mile stretch of the trail offers relatively flat, shaded paths, peaceful ponds and plenty of parking. It’s also a perfect trail for biking, birdwatching, or cross-country skiing. The trailhead showcases Wright Township’s perfect mix of recreation, relaxation, and small-town charm.
Things To Do in Wright Township
Wright Township: A Hub of Economic Development
Wright Township also serves as a regional hub of economic development. The Crestwood Industrial Park, located centrally within the township, is home to more than 20 nationally-recognized manufacturing and distribution companies. Some major brands include Fairchild ON Semiconductor, PepsiCo/Gatorade, Philips Lighting, Anixter, and Sealy.
The park’s proximity to Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton and its accessibility to Interstates 80 and 81, make it an attractive option for both employers and the strong, local workforce. Currently, the park employs over 3,000 people.
Suburban Escape with Ties to it All
In Wright Township, you can enjoy quiet neighborhoods, NEPA’s green forests and cool mountain streams all while having the region’s largest cities just minutes away.
Article updated from its original version published on 9/12/18.
