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Greater Wilkes-Barre

A diverse community of townships and boroughs that branch out from Wilkes-Barre, the largest city in Luzerne County , and serves as a cultural and economic nucleus of the Greater Wyoming Valley.
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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.

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
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Wilkes-Barre City

Explore the city of Wilkes-Barre, the seat of Luzerne County and one of NEPA’s largest cities.

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Plains Township

Welcome to Plains Township, a lively, blue-collar suburb conveniently situated between Wilkes-Barre and Pittston.

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Hanover Township

Discover Hanover Township, a bustling, valley town just south of Wilkes-Barre tucked between the mountains and the Susquehanna River.

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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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Watch our latest Greater Wilkes-Barre highlights.
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