Living in the Greater Scranton Region of Lackawanna County, PA
Living in the Greater Scranton region means access to family-friendly neighborhoods, strong local schools, active parks and everyday conveniences that keep life connected and comfortable. The area centers on Scranton—NEPA’s largest city and “Electric City”—supported by surrounding boroughs that offer quiet residential streets, suburban corridors and small-town charm.
The region sits along I-81 with access to I-84, I-380 and the PA Turnpike, offering direct routes to Wilkes-Barre, the Pocono Mountains and communities across Northeastern Pennsylvania. Residents enjoy easy commutes to major employers, healthcare centers and colleges while staying close to neighborhood restaurants, shopping districts and services.
Stretching across valley neighborhoods, hilltop boroughs and river communities, Greater Scranton includes the city of Scranton and the boroughs of Dickson City, Dunmore, Moosic, Old Forge, Olyphant and Taylor. Residents enjoy Nay Aug Park, McDade Park, Lake Scranton, the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, Montage Mountain, Lackawanna State Park and numerous community playgrounds and recreation spaces. Dining spans Old Forge pizza, classic cafés, pubs, breweries and destination restaurants that draw visitors from across NEPA and throughout Greater Scranton, PA.
Community Life & Local Connections
Community life throughout the Greater Scranton region centers around parks, neighborhood schools, downtown blocks and active community organizations. Residents take part in youth sports, arts programs, library events and recreation at places like Nay Aug Park, McDade Park, local YMCAs and community centers. Courthouse Square and downtown Scranton host concerts, markets, food events and seasonal celebrations.
Local municipalities, colleges and cultural nonprofits maintain a robust year-round calendar that includes First Friday art walks, La Festa Italiana, the Scranton St. Patrick’s Parade, Downtown On Ice, summer concerts and holiday markets. Outdoor programs, neighborhood traditions and annual festivals reflect the region’s deep sense of pride and community engagement.
Whether planning a weekend outing, exploring things to do in Greater Scranton or searching for one of Lackawanna County’s most dynamic places to live, the Greater Scranton region offers memorable experiences in every season with easy connections to outdoor adventure across NEPA.
A Glimpse of Life in the Greater Scranton Region
Spring brings river walks, waterfall hikes and early-season fishing along the Lackawanna River and at Lackawanna State Park. Art shows, First Friday events and college activities brighten the season as downtown neighborhoods re-energize.
Summer invites baseball nights at PNC Field, waterpark days at Montage Mountain, concerts at The Pavilion at Montage Mountain and family fun at Nay Aug Park’s treehouse, playgrounds and pools. Locals and visitors enjoy The Marketplace at Steamtown, the Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den and miles of trail along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. Seasonal favorites like La Festa Italiana, outdoor dining and riverfront trail days bring residents and visitors together across the region.
Fall delivers brilliant foliage across McDade Park, the valley hillsides and nearby state parks and forests. Seasonal highlights include the Steamtown Marathon, harvest events, scenic drives and college homecomings.
Winter offers ski days, snow tubing and lodge dining at Montage Mountain Resorts, along with indoor concerts, theater productions and museum visits. Holiday lights, winter markets and festive displays bring downtown Scranton to life.
Residents also benefit from grocery stores, healthcare providers, fitness centers and essential services across the region.
Known For:
Nay Aug Park, Gorge & Treehouse
McDade Park & the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour
Lake Scranton Trail
Lackawanna River Heritage Trail
Steamtown National Historic Site
Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den
Electric City Trolley Station & Museum
Montage Mountain skiing, waterpark & concerts
PNC Field & the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
La Festa Italiana & the Scranton St. Patrick’s Parade
Old Forge Pizza & regional dining
Community Murals
By the Numbers:
Estimated Population: 125,750
Geographical Area: 64.73 square miles
Communities: The city of Scranton, the boroughs of Dickson City, Dunmore, Moosic, Old Forge, Olyphant, and Taylor
School Districts: Twelve public districts serve the Greater Scranton region, along with charter and private school options.
Colleges & Universities: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Johnson College, Keystone College, Lackawanna College, LCCC Scranton Campus, Marywood University, Penn State Scranton and The University of Scranton.
Housing & Neighborhoods: The Greater Scranton region features historic city blocks, tree-lined residential streets, classic valley neighborhoods and nearby suburban corridors. Housing includes single-family homes, row homes, apartments and mixed-use downtown buildings, offering diverse options for residents seeking urban convenience, neighborhood charm or short commutes to work and school.
Commute & Accessibility: Major routes including I-81, I-84, I-380, the Casey Highway and access to the PA Turnpike offer convenient travel to Wilkes-Barre, the Pocono Mountains, the Up Valley and destinations across NEPA. Downtown Scranton provides public transit connections and walkable access to restaurants, offices and cultural venues.
Scranton anchors the Greater Scranton region as NEPA’s largest city and cultural hub. The Electric City blends historic architecture, murals and museums with modern dining, cafés and entertainment venues. Top attractions include the Electric City Trolley Station & Museum, Steamtown National Historic Site, the PA Anthracite Heritage Museum, the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour and the Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den. Residents enjoy Nay Aug Park, Lake Scranton and the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, while downtown hosts concerts, festivals and First Friday art walks.
View All Things To Do in Scranton
Dickson City offers a busy shopping and dining corridor supported by quiet residential neighborhoods. The Viewmont Mall, Riverfront Park and local restaurants draw visitors from across NEPA. With direct access to I-81, the Casey Highway and Business Route 6, Dickson City serves as a convenient connection between Scranton and Up Valley communities.
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Dunmore combines suburban living with scenic natural areas and excellent highway access. Residents enjoy the Dunmore Reservoir Nature Trail and Top of the World Vista, along with parks, restaurants and local shops. Its location provides easy access to Scranton, the Pocono Mountains and the Up Valley.
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Moosic blends residential neighborhoods with major entertainment destinations. Montage Mountain Resorts, the Montage Mountain Waterpark, PNC Field and The Pavilion at Montage Mountain bring year-round concerts, skiing, tubing and baseball games to the region. The Shoppes at Montage and local dining round out the experience.
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Old Forge—“The Pizza Capital of the World”—is known for its tray-style pizza, Italian heritage and welcoming community events. The Felittese Festival and holiday celebrations highlight borough pride, while Main Street restaurants, bakeries and specialty food shops showcase local flavor.
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Olyphant offers family-friendly neighborhoods, local restaurants and easy access to the Lackawanna River corridor. Community parks and nearby river trails connect residents to recreation, while its location between Scranton and the Up Valley makes it a convenient place to call home.
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Taylor features a mix of neighborhoods, businesses and recreation on the southern edge of Greater Scranton. Pine Hills Country Club provides golf, footgolf and indoor simulators with views of Montage Mountain. Local dining and easy access to major roadways serve both residents and visitors.
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A Peek Into the Greater Scranton Region’s Past
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Greater Scranton served as a major industrial, economic and cultural center for Northeastern Pennsylvania. The region grew around the Lackawanna Iron Works, coal mines, textile mills and one of America’s earliest electric streetcar systems. Railroads linked Scranton to major cities, fueling population growth and shaping the communities seen today.
This history is preserved at Steamtown National Historic Site, the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour, the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum and the Electric City Trolley Station & Museum. Historic theaters, preserved locomotives and restored buildings illustrate the area’s industrial legacy. Local museums and historical groups continue to share these stories through tours, exhibits and public programs.
Did You Know?
Scranton became known as “The Electric City” after operating one of America’s first electric streetcar lines.
From 2005 to 2013, Scranton found itself at the forefront of American pop culture as the setting of NBC’s comedy series, The Office. Scranton has embraced its status as the world’s epicenter of all things Dunder Mifflin. The city now boasts several famous murals, self-guided walking tours and a popular, annual convention featuring regular appearances from cast members.
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