Affordable Housing in Northeastern Pennsylvania
With lower taxes than most major metropolitan areas in the Northeast and mortgage or rental payments well below the regional median, housing in Northeastern Pennsylvania is a smart investment. In NEPA, your dollar stretches further, giving you access to affordable homes, more space, and a higher quality of life.
NEPA is a great place to call home thanks to its friendly neighborhoods, convenient commutes, and highly rated schools. The NEPA housing market offers something for everyone—city apartments, suburban single-family homes, and rural properties with plenty of land. Whether you prefer vibrant downtown living, quiet suburban streets, or wide-open country views, Northeastern Pennsylvania provides diverse housing options to match every lifestyle. Thinking about buying your first home? Check out our guide to advantages for first-time buyers in NEPA.
Scranton #1 on List of 10 Most Affordable Cities For First-Time Home Buyers
In 2021, Rocket Homes ranked Scranton, PA #1 on their list of the best cities for first-time homebuyers. More recently, Scranton has continued to stand out: the median sale price in July 2025 was about $226,500, reflecting strong demand yet still offering significant value compared to many PA markets. The city’s median home values remain well below the state average, and its affordability is matched by access to cultural amenities, universities, and outdoor recreation. With an average one-way commute of just 20 minutes, residents also save time, letting them enjoy more of what Scranton has to offer—culture, outdoor activities, and great schools.
Explore Housing Options Across NEPA Communities
Northeastern Pennsylvania offers a wide variety of places to live, each with its own character and advantages. From bustling downtown neighborhoods and convenient suburban developments to peaceful small towns and rural retreats, the NEPA housing market has something for every lifestyle. Below, explore housing options and average home prices across the region’s most popular communities.
City Living in Northeastern Pennsylvania
If you want easy access to shops, restaurants, and entertainment while cutting down on long commutes, NEPA’s metro areas are the place to be. In communities like Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Pittston, and Hazleton, average home prices range from about $132,000 to $172,000, making them some of the most affordable in the region.
Housing options include historic single-family homes, duplexes, and modern apartments or condos for those who want to live directly downtown. City living in Northeastern Pennsylvania blends affordability with convenience, making it ideal for young professionals, students, and anyone who values an active lifestyle.
Average Home Price: $172,565
Greater Pittston spans both city and township living, offering a mix of older homes, downtown apartments, modest single-family houses, and smaller neighborhood developments. Many homes are located within walking distance of shops, cafes, and riverside recreation, giving a blend of convenience and community charm. Traffic routes and public transit connect Pittston to Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, and other nearby metros, making it feasible for commuters. It’s an area that balances affordability with access to cultural amenities and a slower pace than the biggest city centers.
Communities:
- City of Pittston
- Townships: Exeter, Jenkins, Pittston, West Pittston
- Boroughs: Avoca, Dupont, Duryea, Exeter, Hughestown, Laflin, West Wyoming, Wyoming, Yatesville
Average Home Price: $157,090
Greater Scranton blends historic architecture with modern convenience, offering everything from Victorian homes to updated apartments and condos. The city’s neighborhoods are diverse, ranging from walkable downtown living to quieter residential neighborhoods with tree-lined streets. Cultural venues, restaurants, and universities bring an energetic feel, while nearby parks and trails provide a natural balance. Quick highway access makes commuting across NEPA simple.
Communities:
- City of Scranton
- Boroughs: Dickson City, Dunmore, Moosic, Old Forge, Olyphant, Taylor
Average Home Price: $132,211
Greater Wilkes-Barre offers an urban lifestyle with diverse housing in city neighborhoods and nearby suburbs. Options range from historic homes and duplexes to modern apartments close to downtown. Residents enjoy access to shops, restaurants, cultural attractions, and college campuses. Easy highway connections make commuting throughout NEPA simple.
Communities:
- City of Wilkes-Barre
- Townships: Bear Creek, Buck, Hanover, Plains, Wilkes-Barre
- Boroughs: Forty Fort, Swoyersville, Kingston, Bear Creek Village, Luzerne, Edwardsville, Ashley, Pringle, Laurel Run, Larksville, Courtdale, Sugar Notch, Warrior Run
Average Home Price: $166,664
Greater Hazleton delivers a mix of urban neighborhoods, suburban subdivisions, and rural surroundings. Housing often features single-family homes, with some newer construction on larger lots. Residents enjoy parks, local dining, and community traditions rooted in the city’s cultural history. Well-connected roadways support travel to jobs and services across NEPA.
Communities:
- City of Hazleton
- Townships: Black Creek, Butler, Foster, Hazle, Sugarloaf
- Coroughs: Conyngham, Drums, Freeland, Nuremburg, Sybertsville, West Hazleton
Suburban Comfort with City Connections
For those who want more space without giving up easy access to amenities, NEPA’s suburban communities deliver the best of both worlds. Communities in the Abingtons, Back Mountain, South Wyoming Valley, Mountain Top, and the Valleys of the Susquehanna feature average home prices between $162,000 and $295,000.
These areas are known for safe neighborhoods, quality schools, and family-friendly living. Housing here includes everything from classic single-family homes and new subdivisions to townhomes in planned developments. With short drives to shopping, dining, and major highways, these suburbs are top choices for families, commuters, and anyone seeking balance between convenience and comfort.
Average Home Price: $295,551
The Abingtons offer a suburban lifestyle with scenic farmland and family-focused neighborhoods. Housing ranges from single-family homes on spacious lots to newer townhome developments. Schools, parks, and outdoor recreation are highly valued in the community. Quick access to Scranton makes commuting and shopping convenient.
Communities:
- Boroughs: Clarks Green, Clarks Summit, Dalton
- Village: Chinchilla
- Townships: Benton, Fleetville, Glenburn, La Plume, Newton, North Abington, Ransom, Scott, South Abington, Waverly, West Abington
Average Home Price: $277,873
The Back Mountain features suburban living paired with natural beauty, including lakefront and countryside homes. Housing options include quiet neighborhoods, single-family residences, and higher-end properties with scenic views. Families value the strong schools and easy access to Harveys Lake and local parks. Proximity to Wilkes-Barre ensures both convenience and tranquility.
Communities:
- Townships: Dallas, Fairmount, Franklin, Jackson, Kingston, Lake, Lehman, Ross
- Boroughs: Dallas, Harveys Lake
- Communities: Shavertown, Sweet Valley, Trucksville
Average Home Price: $162,924
South Wyoming Valley offers a blend of historic boroughs and newer residential areas. Housing includes classic single-family homes, townhouses, and modest apartments. Residents enjoy local dining, community events, and recreational access to the Susquehanna River. Its location keeps commutes to Wilkes-Barre short and manageable.
Communities:
- City of Nanticoke
- Boroughs: Plymouth, Nescopeck, New Columbus, Shickshinny
- Townships: Hollenback, Hunlock, Huntington, Nescopeck, Newport, Plymouth, Salem, Union
- Communities: Alden, Hunlock Creek, Mocanaqua, Wapwallopen
Average Home Price: $295,732
Mountain Top provides a suburban setting surrounded by natural scenery. Homes are largely single-family properties in established neighborhoods, often with larger wooded lots. The area is known for quality schools, strong community ties, and access to nearby state parks. Route 309 makes commuting to Wilkes-Barre or Hazleton easy.
Communities:
- Community of Mountain Top
- Townships: Dennison, Dorrance, Fairview, Foster, Rice, Slocum, Wright
- Boroughs: Nuangola, Penn Lake, White Haven
Average Home Price: $202,339
The Valleys of the Susquehanna highlight small-town living with a strong sense of tradition. Housing includes historic homes, farmhouses, and modern construction with scenic settings. Residents enjoy farmers markets, festivals, and outdoor recreation along the Susquehanna River. Convenient highways connect the area to larger employment hubs.
Communities:
- Town of Bloomsburg
- Boroughs: Benton, Berwick, Catawissa, Millville, Orangeville, Stillwater
- Community: Mifflinville
Rural Retreats in Northeastern Pennsylvania
If wide-open spaces, quiet surroundings, and small-town character are what you’re looking for, NEPA’s rural communities are a perfect fit. In areas like the Schuylkill River Region, Up Valley, and North Pocono, average home prices range from about $132,000 to $271,000, offering affordable opportunities for those who want land and space.
These towns and boroughs provide a slower pace of life while still keeping you within reach of larger employment centers and shopping districts. With rolling farmland, wooded hills, and close-knit neighborhoods, rural living in Northeastern Pennsylvania offers the space to spread out without losing access to modern conveniences.
Average Home Price: $132,833
The Schuylkill River Region combines affordability with access to outdoor adventure. Housing features range from rowhomes and single-family houses in towns to larger lots in rural areas. Residents enjoy trails, riverside recreation, and close-knit community life. Its location offers reasonable commutes to nearby urban centers.
Communities:
- City of Pottsville
- Boroughs: Orwigsburg, Pine Grove, Schuylkill Haven, Shenandoah, Tamaqua
- Communities: Andreas, Barnesville
Average Home Price: $219,784
Up Valley communities provide affordable housing with both classic homes and new development options. Neighborhoods range from established boroughs to expanding suburban areas. Local parks, schools, and trails appeal to families seeking community life. Quick access to Scranton and Carbondale supports easy commuting.
Communities:
- City of Carbondale
- Townships: Fell, Greenfield
- Boroughs: Archbald, Blakely, Jermyn, Jessup, Mayfield, Throop, Vandling
- Villages: Peckville, Simpson
Average Home Price: $271,566
North Pocono balances suburban growth with rural charm. Homes include newer developments, established neighborhoods, and larger properties with land. Strong schools and outdoor amenities attract families and nature enthusiasts. The region’s location allows easy travel to Scranton, the Pocono Mountains, and major highways.
Communities:
- Townships: Covington, Elmhurst, Jefferson, Madison, Roaring Brook, Spring Brook, Thornhurst
- Boroughs: Moscow, Mount Cobb
Find Your Perfect Place to Live in NEPA
No matter your lifestyle, Northeastern Pennsylvania offers a community to call home. From affordable city neighborhoods and family-friendly suburbs to peaceful rural towns, the NEPA housing market provides options for every budget and preference. With lower costs, short commutes, and diverse living environments, finding the right place to live in NEPA is easier—and more rewarding—than ever.
Ready to take the next step? Learn more about living in Northeastern PA with our resources covering schools, healthcare, cost of living, and more.
Average home prices are calculated using 2024 data from Zillow.com. Prices reflect the average home price for each municipality within the specified region.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Housing in NEPA
- Is housing affordable in Northeastern Pennsylvania?
Yes, housing in NEPA is more affordable than in most major Northeastern metros. Home prices and rents are consistently lower than the regional median, so your dollar goes further here. Check out our Cost of Living Calculator for more information. - What are the best places to live in NEPA for families?
Many families often choose areas like the Abingtons, Greater Pittston, the Back Mountain, or Mountain Top for their schools, larger homes, and access to parks. These communities combine suburban living with short commutes. - Where should young professionals live in NEPA?
Young professionals are drawn to Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and Pittston for their downtown apartments, lively restaurants, and quick access to employers. These areas also offer affordable starter homes. - What is the average home price in Northeastern Pennsylvania?
According to 2024 Zillow data, average home prices in NEPA range from about $132,000 in Greater Wilkes-Barre to $295,000 in Mountain Top and the Abingtons. - Is NEPA a good place to retire?
Yes, retirees often choose smaller towns and rural communities for affordable housing and a relaxed pace. Many areas also offer easy access to healthcare and cultural activities. - How far is NEPA from major cities like New York or Philadelphia?
Most NEPA communities are within 2–2.5 hours of New York City or Philadelphia. This makes it possible to enjoy a lower cost of living while staying connected to big-city amenities.
