Quiet suburbs, picturesque riverside communities and lively downtowns make up these fourteen charming communities situated on the banks of the Susquehanna River between Wilkes-Barre and Scranton.
Greater Pittston offers the perfect mix of small-town charm with a range of popular local events, outdoor activities and attractions that make it a welcoming place for all.
Known for its annual Tomato Festival and St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Pittston also boasts an impressive arts scene with murals, modern sculptures and the Second Friday Art Walk.
Beyond the city, the neighboring communities offer their own special charm. Enjoy a relaxing day exploring the scenic beauty of Frances Slocum State Park, with its pristine forests, meadows and wetlands.
For a taste of local flavor, visit the Pittston City Farmers’ Market or stop by Sabatini’s Pizza in Exeter for a slice of NEPA’s favorite pie. Savor a cold craft beer at Susquehanna Brewing Co. In Jenkins Township, enjoy a round of golf at Fox Hill County Club.
You can also take in the nostalgia of a classic drive-in movie at Moonlite Drive-In or indulge in sweet treats at Ballyhoo Ice Cream and Candy and Blue Ribbon Farm Dairy in West Pittston.
Whether you’re in downtown Pittston enjoying a drink at Rooftop 53, savoring Italian cuisine at Pazzo 315 or exploring the parks and nature of Greater Pittston, this area is full of things to see, do and enjoy.
Known for:
Susquehanna River
Riverfront Park
Susquehanna Brewing Co
Blue Ribbon Dairy
Incredible restaurants
Hip art scene
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport
By the Numbers:
Geographical Area: 65 Sq. Miles
Estimated Population: 46,460
School Districts: 2
Regional makeup: The city of Pittston; the townships of Exeter, Jenkins, Pittston, and West Pittston; and the boroughs of Avoca, Dupont, Duryea, Exeter, Hughestown, Laflin, West Wyoming, Wyoming, and Yatesville.
The Greater Pittston community is served by two school districts: Pittston Area and Wyoming Area. Students who live in Pittston, West Pittston, Duryea, Hughestown, Jenkins, Yatesville and parts of Exeter attend Pittston Area School District. Wyoming Area School District serves students who reside in Avoca, Dupont, Laflin, Wyoming West Wyoming and parts of Exeter. There are also several parochial school options within the district.
Pittston City is home to a satellite campus of Luzerne County Community College, located in the M&T Education Center.
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Nestled along a bend in the Susquehanna River, Pittston is known for its vibrant downtown area featuring local art, top-notch dining, and a welcoming, walkable atmosphere. The city hosts popular annual events such as the Pittston Tomato Festival and St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which draw thousands of visitors each year.
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Pittston Township, located between Wilkes-Barre and Scranton, offers residents a blend of suburban and rural living with convenient access to major highways and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport. The area features a mix of safe, residential neighborhoods and commercial developments, including the thriving CenterPoint Commerce & Trade Park South.
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Jenkins Township is a predominantly residential area that forms much of the southern border of the Greater Pittston Area. The township is divided into two distinct regions: a northwestern residential area along the Susquehanna River, featuring quiet neighborhoods and small businesses, and a southeastern section housing CenterPoint Commerce and Trade Park.
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Avoca is a close-knit borough best known for being home to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, a major hub for travel in the region. The airport provides easy access to both business and leisure destinations. Primarily residential, Avoca offers a safe, quiet neighborhood that provides a peaceful retreat while still being conveniently located near major transportation routes.
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West Pittston combines a welcoming, residential atmosphere with convenient local amenities. Residents and visitors can enjoy favorites like Agolino’s, a favorite spot for Italian cuisine and Ballyhoo Ice Cream and Candy, perfect for sweet treats. The community is also home to Blue Ribbon Farm Dairy, offering fresh, local dairy products. For outdoor fun, West Pittston Park provides green space for recreation, and the West Pittston Public Library serves as a hub for learning and community events.
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A Peak Into Greater Pittston Past
Pittston City’s land was first surveyed by the Susquehanna Land Company of Connecticut in 1768 and claimed as part of Connecticut. It was originally called “Pittstown” in honor of the famous British statesman William Pitt the Elder.
With the first discovery of anthracite coal in the Wyoming Valley around 1770, the first mine was established in 1775 near Pittston. Just a few years later, it played a key role in the Revolutionary War during the 1778 Battle of Wyoming between Patriot militia, Loyalist soldiers and Iroquois warriors in the present-day borough of Wyoming.
Did you know?
Pittston was given the title of “Quality Tomato Capital of the World” in the 1930s for fulfilling the high demand for tomatoes to metropolitan New York thanks to the North Branch Canal. The fertile, river-fed soil high in pH due to anthracite in Northeastern Pennsylvania is prime for growing and producing especially flavorful tomatoes.
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A Powerhouse for Industry and Innovation
Greater Pittston is also home to one of the fastest growing business parks in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. CenterPoint Commerce & Trade Park, developed by Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services, in Jenkins Township and Pittston Township is home to more than 70 companies, which together employ roughly 7,500 people. Well-known companies such as Neiman Marcus, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Isuzu, Pepsi, and Amazon.com are among CenterPoint’s largest industrial tenants.
