Greater Wilkes-Barre is a contrast between urban setting and small-town charm. Arts, entertainment, theater, professional sports, dining, shopping and green spaces are all within a short walk or drive from these safe and welcoming communities in Luzerne County.
A Glimpse of Greater Wilkes-Barre
Located on Public Square in the heart of downtown Wilkes-Barre, the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, a historic art deco theater, hosts live theater, music performances and more while each spring the city is home to the Fine Arts Fiesta.
Nearby at the Mohegan Sun Arena, home of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, nationally touring shows make a stop here. Horse racing, outdoor summer concerts, live local bands, dining and gambling make for a fun night out at Mohegan Pennsylvania.
Boutique and small, locally-owned shops are intermixed with national retailers. You’ll find everything you need near the Wyoming Valley Mall and Arena Hub Plaza shopping districts.
Foodies will not be disappointed with all this region has to offer. From pizza at Gerry’s and Mexican at Margarita Azul, to rustic farm-to-table cuisine at Bank + Vine and decadent desserts at AmberDonia Bakery. Grab a delicious cup of coffee at Abide Coffeehouse, or beers and pub foods at Benny Brewing Company.
It’s also home to beautiful green spaces. The Luzerne County Levee Trail runs along the Susquehanna River for 12 miles and passes by Kirby Park, Nesbitt Park and the River Common, home of the Rockin’ the River summer concert series. And for scenic woodland hikes and waterfall views, the Seven Tubs Recreation Area and Natural Lands’ Bear Creek Preserve are just 10-15 outside the city.
Known For:
F.M. Kirby Center
Wilkes/Scranton Penguins
Robust dining scene
Kirby Park
Mohegan Pennsylvania
Mohegan Sun Arena
Susquehanna River
By The Numbers:
Geographical Area:: 152 Sq. Miles
Estimated Population: 112,886
Colleges & Universities: 3
School Districts: 3
Regional makeup: This area includes the city of Wilkes-Barre; the townships of Bear Creek, Buck, Hanover, Plains and Wilkes-Barre; and the boroughs of Forty Fort, Swoyersville, Kingston, Bear Creek Village, Luzerne, Edwardsville, Ashley, Pringle, Laurel Run, Larksville, Courtdale, Sugar Notch and Warrior Run
Community Spotlight: Education
Greater Wilkes-Barre is served by three school districts: Hanover Area School District, Wilkes-Barre Area School District, and Wyoming Valley West School District, as well as Bear Creek Community Charter School. Additionally, several private and parochial schools are available. The Wilkes-Barre Area Career & Technology Center and the West Side Career & Technology Center help prepare local students for in-demand careers.
The region is also home to three colleges, attracting students from across the nation. King’s College and Wilkes University provide higher education opportunities, while Luzerne County Community College has a satellite center located on Public Square.
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Wilkes-Barre, the seat of Luzerne County, is a vibrant city with a rich history and a central role in NEPA’s cultural, economic, and political landscape. The city offers a mix of historic sites, entertainment venues, and annual events like the Cherry Blossom Festival and Fine Arts Fiesta. With scenic views along the Susquehanna River, a thriving local business scene, and family-friendly neighborhoods, Wilkes-Barre is a welcoming community.
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Hanover Township, located just south of Wilkes-Barre, is a thriving community with a rich industrial history and a strong sense of local pride. The township is home to major employers, a dedicated municipal government, and reliable emergency services, making it a safe and welcoming place for families. With convenient access to nearby cities and natural scenery, Hanover Township continues to be a hub for both work and recreation.
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Located just west of Wilkes-Barre, Kingston offers a blend of suburban living and easy access to urban amenities. The borough is known for scenic views along the Susquehanna River, with popular spots like Kevin’s, AmberDonia Bakery and the Hoyt Library. Memorial and Nesbitt Parks provide green space for outdoor activities, while the Kingston Community Pool offers a refreshing summer retreat. Its proximity to major highways makes it an ideal spot for those seeking both suburban tranquility and urban convenience.
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Plains Township is a lively suburb nestled between Wilkes-Barre and Pittston, offering a mix of historic farmland and thriving business districts. Residents enjoy a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere with convenient access to major entertainment hubs like Mohegan Pennsylvania Casino and The Woodlands. The township is also home to top healthcare facilities and strong community services, making it an ideal place to live in NEPA.
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A Peak Into Greater Wilkes-Barre Past
With a current population of roughly 45,000 residents, Wilkes-Barre City saw its numbers peak to more than 86,000 in the 1930 thanks to the industrialization boom brought on by the discovery of anthracite coal in the 19th century. Hundreds of thousands of immigrants moved to the region for jobs in the coal mines, which reached the peak of its prosperity in the first half of the 20th century. Today, the region is a melting pot of cultures, races, ethnicities and customs thanks to our coal mining days.
DID YOU KNOW?
Babe Ruth hit one of the longest home runs in history in Wilkes-Barre’s Artillery Park, near the site of the current Kirby Park, on October 12, 1926. The Yankee slugger was in town to play an exhibition game between Hughestown and Larkesville and crushed a fastball pitch an estimated 650 feet. To this day, it’s still believed to be the record-holder for the longest home ever.
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