Benton Township is a peaceful retreat in the Pennsylvania countryside
Rolling farmland, open spaces and northeastern Pennsylvania’s natural beauty define life in Benton Township in Lackawanna County. “It’s rural — we live in farm country,” says Bonnie Rosiak, who’s spent most of her life in the community and is the Chairman of the Benton Township Supervisors. “A lot of larger properties are old farms in agricultural preservation. There are restrictions on what you can use it for — you can't parcel it off and sell it for development.” Since much of the farmland here is restricted, Rosiak says the community will continue to keep its open spaces intact. The township also has several lakes surrounded by seasonal waterfront cottages, and Lackawanna State Park provides more water recreation in the community’s south. Interstate 81 is nearby, connecting the community to more urban areas like Dickson City and Scranton, which are within 17 miles.
Farmhouses and ranch-style homes on multiple acres
Benton Township’s country homes sit far apart along narrow, two-lane roads. Most homes here are farmhouses built in the 1800s, some of which sit on several acres with views of the surrounding hills. The large yards provide space for recreational vehicle storage, vegetable gardens and detached garages, and many are still working farms. Ranch-style homes are also common, and waterfront cottages can be found around the area’s lakes. “We’re getting an influx of people who are retiring and are replacing the seasonal lake cottages with year-rounds,” Rosiak says. Prices typically range from around $180,000 to $580,000, depending on acreage, condition and water access. Waterfront homes can be at risk of flooding, and homeowners here might be required to buy flood insurance.
Natural areas and community gathering places
The over 1,400-acre Lackawanna State Park is one of Benton Township’s biggest attractions. The park’s lake is popular for boating and fishing, and there’s also a swimming pool and several forested hiking trails. In winter, the lake usually freezes over and is used for ice fishing and ice skating. The Lakeland Golf Club has a public nine-hole course and hosts several golf leagues. The Benton Township Community Center has a playground and serves as the township’s main meeting space. The Benton Area Little League field is behind the center and hosts kids’ baseball games and events like the Benton Fireman’s Carnival to raise funds for the baseball league. Each September, the Fleetville Fall Fair is a big event in the community. “There are a lot of vendors, and there’s entertainment and games,” Rosiak says. “It’s a fundraiser for the fire company.”
Kids attend Lackawanna Trail schools
Kids can start school at Lackawanna Trail Elementary, which earns a B-minus from Niche, and then attend the C-plus-rated Lackawanna Trail Junior/Senior High, which teaches seventh through twelfth grades. High schoolers here can take seven Advanced Placement courses and enroll in the two-year AP Capstone Program, making them eligible for an AP Scholar Award.
A car-reliant community near Interstate 81
State Route 407 is one of the community’s main thoroughfares, leading about 11 miles to Clarks Summit. Interstate 81 is in the east, leading about 13 miles to Dickson City and 17 miles to Scranton. Nearby houses of worship include Pioneer Baptist Church and East Benton United Methodist Church. Geisinger ConvenientCare Nicholson is an urgent care center 6 miles away, and Lehigh Valley Hospital-Dickson City is a 15-mile trip. Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport is 27 miles away.
Shopping and dining in Fleetville and nearby boroughs
The small village of Fleetville is home to Benton Township’s few businesses, including an antique store, a convenience store and a couple of restaurants. Last Leg Cidery offers locally made hard cider and serves barbecue on Fridays and Saturdays. CJ’s Deli sells hoagies to go. More restaurants are a short drive away, like Lake Sheridan Bar and Grill, which serves classic pub fare with waterfront views. Rosiak says that most locals go to Clarks Summit or Dickson City for shopping. Clarks Summit has grocery stores like Weis Markets and Gerrity’s Supermarket. Dickson City is home to the Viewmont Mall, which has fashion retailers like Macy’s and Old Navy.
Written By
Annie Franklin
