Affordability and access to the Wilkes-Barre and Scranton metro areas
Courtdale is a borough totaling one square mile in Northeast Pennsylvania’s Wyoming Valley. This small community consists of a few residential streets and some small businesses backed by an expanse of forest. Courtdale appeals to those who want proximity to the Wilkes-Barre and Scranton metro areas, but want to live a bit closer to nature. State Route 309 flanks the community, providing access to Wilkes-Barre, a city across the Susquehanna River that’s undergoing a steady revitalization. At the same time, locals have access to a range of outdoor recreation, like camping at Frances Slocum State Park and jogging along the Back Mountain Rail Trail. Courtdale’s overall CAP Index Crime Score is 3 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Homes rarely hit the market in Courtdale
Home styles here include American Foursquares and ramblers In the center of town, houses tend to be built close to one another, with front porches overlooking modest-sized lawns. Further out, lot sizes get considerably larger and homes are much more spaced apart. There are no recent home sales in Courtdale, but the current estimated values range from about $110,000 to $260,000. The median single-family home price is about $240,000.
Hiking and fishing in Luzerne County
Residents can access a park and walking path within walking and biking distance from homes. Centrally located Courtdale Park has a playground and basketball court. Following a former train route, the Back Mountain Rail Trail stretches over 5 miles past trees and wildflowers, residential roads and a creek with a waterfall. “It’s a really nice trail – not terribly challenging – that runs into Luzerne and back through Back Mountain,” says Jenine Finarelli, a real estate agent at Century 21 Signature Properties who lives and works in Luzerne County. Locals can also check out the campsites, lake and outdoor pool at Frances Slocum State Park. A few miles northwest, there’s more nature to explore at Harveys Lake and Ricketts Glen State Park. “There’s fishing at Harveys Lake, and Ricketts Glen State Park has hiking trails and waterfalls,” Finarelli says. Ricketts Glen State Park has over 20 waterfalls visible from Falls Trail, which allows hikers to choose between a 3.2-mile loop or a longer, more rugged 7.2 loop.
Driving down State Route 309 and Interstate 81
State Route 309 is the main highway in Courtdale. It leads to Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, 4 miles down the road, and to the Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, an 8,000-seat entertainment venue for music and ice hockey, about 7 miles away. This venue is affiliated with Mohegan Pennsylvania, a popular casino and nightlife destination in the region, and is also the home of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the minor league affiliate ice hockey team of the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins. Interstate 81 is approximately 7 miles east of town, and Courtdale is about 20 miles southwest of Scranton via I-81. Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport is about 15 miles up I-81.
Students are zoned for the Wyoming Valley West School District
The Wyoming Valley West School District, rated B-minus on Niche, serves the area. Students may attend Dana Street Elementary, rated C-plus, Wyoming Valley West Middle School, rated C, and Wyoming Valley West Senior High School, rated B. High schoolers may also apply for part-time enrollment at West Side Career and Technical Center, rated C-plus and located within biking distance of Courtdale homes. This school offers classes in carpentry, law enforcement, cosmetology and other career fields.
Shopping and dining in the Courtdale area
Nearby dining options include casual eateries serving pizza and hoagies, as well as Hops & Barleys, a local dive bar serving pub fare. Across State Route 309, retailers at Luzerne Shopping Center include discount stores and Gerrity’s for groceries. Shoppers can find more stores like Petco and Lowe’s Home Improvement off South Wyoming Avenue.
