Living in the Greater Hazleton Region of Luzerne County, PA
Living in the Greater Hazleton Region means access to family-friendly neighborhoods, community parks, local shopping, strong schools, and everyday conveniences. The Greater Hazleton Area sits near Hazleton, PA, Drums, Conyngham, Freeland, and West Hazleton, offering direct access to I-81, I-80, Route 309, and the PA Turnpike for easy travel across Northeastern Pennsylvania and into neighboring Schuylkill and Carbon counties. Its position near the Pocono Mountains places hiking trails, lakes, parks, and outdoor recreation just minutes away.
Stretching across wooded hillsides, farmland, valley communities, and growing commercial corridors, Greater Hazleton includes the City of Hazleton; the townships of Black Creek, Butler, Foster, Hazle, and Sugarloaf; and the boroughs of Conyngham, Drums, Freeland, Nuremberg, Sybertsville, and West Hazleton. Residents enjoy access to Nescopeck State Park, the Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails, Hazle Township Community Park, and Sugarloaf-area golf courses. Dining in Hazleton, PA includes cafés, pizzerias, bakeries, multicultural restaurants, and regional favorites.
The region also serves as a convenient base for exploring Hazleton, PA, nearby communities, and outdoor recreation across Greater Hazleton. The area’s affordability and wide range of housing options make Greater Hazleton a popular choice for both longtime residents and newcomers.
Community Life & Local Connections
Community life centers on parks, youth programs, libraries, cultural groups, and seasonal celebrations. Local municipalities and community organizations host year-round activities that highlight the region’s strong community spirit. Holiday festivals, outdoor programs, neighborhood events, and heritage-focused gatherings offer meaningful opportunities to connect.
The region also features an expanding list of things to do in Hazleton, including arts programming, outdoor recreation, family events, and cultural celebrations.
Whether planning a weekend outing, searching for things to do near Hazleton, or exploring one of Luzerne County’s most diverse regions, Greater Hazleton offers memorable experiences in every season with seamless access to outdoor recreation across NEPA, Northern Schuylkill County, and Western Carbon County.
A Glimpse of Life in the Greater Hazleton Region
Spring brings wildflower hikes, fishing, and early cycling through nearby parks and forested terrain. Summer invites lake days, golf in Sugarloaf, brewery stops, and warm-weather festivals. Fall showcases brilliant foliage, cider mills, and scenic drives along mountain roads. Winter offers snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and quick access to winter recreation throughout the Pocono Mountains.
Visitors looking for things to do in Hazleton PA will find trails, golf, festivals, arts programming, and unique local dining experiences across the region. Outdoor recreation near Hazleton includes hiking, biking, paddling, and scenic parklands across the region and the nearby Pocono Mountains.
The region’s food scene features local cafés, pubs, pizzerias, bakeries, and multicultural dining popular across NEPA. With scenic trails, diverse dining, seasonal activities, and strong community traditions, the Greater Hazleton Region offers year-round appeal supported by nearby healthcare providers, fitness centers, and essential services.
Known For:
Nescopeck State Park
Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails
Hazle Township Community Park
Sugarloaf golf courses
Diverse dining and ethnic specialties
Walkable downtowns and cultural events
Affordable living and strong regional connectivity
Growing business community
By the Numbers:
Estimated Population: 63,843
Geographical Area: 179.97 square miles
Communities: This area includes the city of Hazleton, the townships of Black Creek, Butler, Foster, Hazle, Sugarloaf, the boroughs of Conyngham, Drums, Freeland, Nuremberg, Sybertsville and West Hazleton.
School District: Hazleton Area School District — known for comprehensive programming, new facilities, and strong community involvement. Additional options include several private and parochial schools. Nearby colleges include Penn State Hazleton, Lackawanna College, and Luzerne County Community College.
Housing & Neighborhoods: Greater Hazleton offers suburban neighborhoods, wooded lots, rural properties, and new developments, providing a wide range of housing options in one of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s most diverse regions.
Commute & Accessibility: Major routes including I-81, I-80, Route 309, and the PA Turnpike offer seamless travel to Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Allentown, and recreation destinations throughout the Pocono Mountains, Northern Schuylkill County, and Western Carbon County.
The City of Hazleton sits at the geographical center of NEPA’s Greater Hazleton Area. Surrounded by rolling hills, quiet valleys, and nearby downtown districts, the city serves as both the cultural nucleus and the hub of economic development for the region. As one of PA’s fastest-growing cities, Hazleton is home to a wide variety of dining options and amazing things to do.
View all Things to Do in Hazleton
Serving as a geographical buffer surrounding the vibrant city of Hazleton, Hazle Township offers cozy neighborhoods, plenty of nature, and convenient access to major roadways. Escape to the popular Hazle Township Community Park for nature walks, fishing, picnics, and so much more.
View all Things to Do in Hazle Twp.
Conyngham is a relatively rural borough located just a few miles northwest of the City of Hazleton. This tight-knit community is home to quiet, residential neighborhoods, convenient access to major interstates, regional amenities, and a lot of NEPA history. On Main Street, you’ll find plenty of popular stops like The Brass Buckle Restaurant and Conyngham Brewing Company.
View all Things to Do in Conyngham
Drums offers a suburban alternative to the hustle and bustle of city life. This quiet community features convenience to major interstates, nearby amenities like the famous Best Cigar Pub, and Honey Hole Winery and plenty of outdoor activities. It’s also home to the 3,550-acre Nescopeck State Park.
View All Things to Do in Drums
West Hazleton features a mix of both quiet, residential neighborhoods and convenient urban living. Housing options range from older, neighborhood fixtures to more recently established developments. The borough is also home to the Valmont Industrial Park, a busy, economic hub of Greater Hazleton. You’ll also find local favorites, Damenti’s Restaurant and Oaxaca Restaurant nearby.
View all Things to Do in West HazletonWelcome to Greater Hazleton
Top Things to Do in the Greater Hazleton Region
See All
Hotels in Greater Hazleton
See All
A Peek Into the Greater Hazleton Region’s Past
The City of Hazleton had originally been settled in the late 18th century as a lumbering outpost along the “Warrior’s Trail,” a Native American trade route. At the time, what is now known as Hazleton, was merely an intersection of two roads in an otherwise unforgiving terrain. The very first building was constructed in 1809. Less than 10 years later, massive deposits of anthracite coal were discovered. By the 1830s, Hazleton and its blossoming coal industry brought in the railroad and with it waves of European immigration. To accommodate the growing labor force, many “patch towns” or company towns were developed around the city and eventually became what we now recognize as the Greater Hazleton Area.
Did You Know?
Greater Hazleton is widely known as the birthplace of Pitza (pronounced locally as simply Pitz), a unique version of square, bar-style pizza that’s meant to be eaten cold. The curious delicacy can be found at local bakeries and some popular bars. Establishments offering “pitz” are quite often the first stop for visiting foodies and returning Greater Hazleton natives.
More Stories About the Greater Hazleton Region
Writer
Writer
Video Highlights from the Greater Hazleton Region
Writer
Writer
Writer
Writer
