These diverse communities feature everything from busy cities to quiet riverside villages to peaceful mountain towns and sprawling rural landscapes. The Valley Communities offer a wide range of natural splendor, an abundance of history and culture, four seasons of family-friendly activities and way more local pizza than you could ever imagine.

The Greater Pittston Area blends historic charm with modern revitalization, featuring a strong community, vibrant arts scene, and popular events like the Pittston Tomato Festival. Once a hub for anthracite coal mining and garment manufacturing, the region now boasts diverse dining, scenic riverfronts, and public art installations. Residents enjoy quality schools, convenient access to transportation, and a range of recreational activities, making it a dynamic and welcoming place to live.
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The Greater Scranton Area, located in Lackawanna County, is the most populous region in Northeastern Pennsylvania, renowned for its industrial heritage and vibrant cultural scene. The city of Scranton, the county seat, is the sixth-largest city in Pennsylvania and was historically significant in iron and coal production. Today, the area offers a diverse array of amenities, including arts and culture, dining, entertainment, and outdoor recreation, making it a central hub within NEPA.
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The Greater Wilkes-Barre Area blends urban vibrancy with small-town charm, offering a rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and scenic outdoor attractions like the Seven Tubs Recreation Area. The region emphasizes education with strong school systems and institutions like Wilkes University, while fostering community engagement through local organizations. With a mix of cultural experiences, outdoor recreation, and a focus on growth, Luzerne County’s Greater Wilkes-Barre remains a dynamic and welcoming place to live and visit.
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The Greater Hazleton Area, nestled at the foothills of the Pocono Mountains, offers a blend of urban, suburban, and rural living across its diverse communities. Residents and visitors can enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking and biking along the Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails, immerse themselves in the local arts and culture scene, savor a variety of dining options, and participate in numerous community events. With affordable housing, friendly neighborhoods, and easy highway access, the region offers a perfect blend of tranquility and convenience.
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While NEPA’s Valley Communities include many of the region’s largest cities like Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Pittston and Hazleton, the region truly comes to life in its smaller towns, boroughs and townships. Safe, convenient and affordable neighborhoods paired with access to high-quality healthcare, world-class education, a comparatively low cost of living and easily-accessible regional resources make the Valley Communities a popular option among NEPA’s movers & shakers.

Known For:
9 state parks
Mohegan Pennsylvania
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
Incredible historic sites
Knoebels Amusement Resort
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
Pizza
Top-notch fishing
Fun festivals all year long
By the Numbers:
Geographical Area: 2,644 Square Miles
Estimated Population: 749,266
Colleges & Universities: 20
School Districts: 44
Regional Makeup: The cities of Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Pittston, Hazleton, Nanticoke, Carbondale and Pottsville, the town of Bloomsburg, the boroughs of Tamaqua, Berwick, Clarks Summit, Dunmore, Old Forge, Kingston and Mountain Top.