A suburban neighborhood convenient to local outlets
Dickson City’s residential area is paralleled by two main corridors for shopping and dining, located in the heart of the Coal Region in northeastern Pennsylvania. Residential despite being sandwiched by Main Street and the Scranton Carbondale Highway, Dickson City locals enjoy a suburban lifestyle. It’s also an atmosphere reflective of the area’s mining roots and highlighted by convenience to both thoroughfares, as well as the West Mountain range to the north and the Lackawanna River to the south. “There’s very easy access to all the amenities by the Scranton Carbondale Highway,” says Bob Vanston, the broker and owner of Berkshire Hathaway Preferred Properties. “There’s decent schools and it’s a bedroom community with affordable housing. I grew up in Dickson City and lived there for 25 years. It’s a sleepy little town.”
Architectural variety in Dickson City
Homes in the Dickson City neighborhood primarily went up before 1950 and span a wide variety of styles. “The homes were predominantly built up in the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s,” Vanston says. “There’s a lot of older, single-family homes that are multi-levels, plus some newer developments, and the median sale price in the past year is around $240,000.” The selection along Dickson City’s streets includes split-level architecture, colonials, Cape Cods and ranch houses, plus rustic farmhouse styles, multi-level homes and some larger luxury residences near the mountains. Residents can enjoy optimal weather from their front porches or lawns, some of which are surrounded by picket fences. Homes here might also have lower-level garages set into the hilly landscape or walk-up steps to the front door, and prices typically fall between $150,000 and $300,000.
Two schools for students alongside one another
Students can attend school a few minutes outside of Dickson City in the neighboring area of Throop. Mid Valley Elementary Center is the site of kindergarten through sixth grade, scoring a C-plus with Niche and offering music concerts as well as resources like Chromebooks for students and homework aid. Enrollment then graduates to Mid Valley Secondary Center, located right alongside Mid Valley Elementary on Underwood Road. Mid Valley Secondary also garners a C-plus rating from Niche, and its athletic programs include football, basketball and even bocce.
Few parks, but a notable trail along the river
Pocket parks dot the neighborhood, but the most appealing recreation spots are along and on the Lackawanna River. Residents can hit the baseball diamond, shoot hoops or clamber onto the playgrounds at Bernard Seminski Memorial Park, VFW Park and Crystal Park, all three of which offer those amenities. There are tennis courts at both Crystal Park and Seminski Memorial Park as well, and Seminski also encompasses a softball field, walking path, volleyball court and pavilion on its grounds. Along the southeastern-facing boundary, put out into the Lackawanna River and enjoy its tree-lined waters via canoe or kayak. For those looking to stay on dry land, the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail spans over 70 miles and dozens of communities, allowing its trekkers to walk or bike while also hosting occasional events.
Retail and eateries along Route 6
The Scranton Carbondale Highway serves as the commercial hub of the area, with several shopping centers containing local and chain outlets flanking it. At Viewmont Mall, pick up a novel at Books-A-Million, athletic supplies at Dick’s Sporting Goods or apparel at either Macy’s or JCPenney. The Viewmont Diner and La Tonalteca are two of that area’s stops, and just across Ravine Street sits Dickson City Crossings. Chain stores here include PetSmart, T.J. Maxx and Home Depot; food can be found at Crumbl Cookies and Perkins Restaurant & Bakery. Further up the road, chain stores and restaurants include Target, Walmart, Olive Garden and Red Lobster, while grocery needs can be fulfilled at Wegmans and Aldi. The corridor of Main Street and the surrounding grid of streets are a secondary hub of outlets, including Happy Valley Sports Bar, Legends Saloon, Miners Beer Garden and Main Street Bagel & Sub. A GIANT food store, located in a bend of the river, is another stop for groceries in the area.
A drive-in theater with movies and more
The highway isn’t just occupied by places to shop or eat. The Circle Drive-In Theater has been operating since 1949 and doesn’t just show current releases on its two massive outdoor screens; it’s also the host of the Giant Outdoor Flea Fair, which runs every Sunday from morning to afternoon, as well as other large community events. One of its most notable headliners is the NEPA (Northeastern Pennsylvania) Horror Fest, which has been held for several years and even sometimes welcomes icons of the movie genre to its grounds. Idle Hours North is also on the road, playing host to bowling alleys, mini golf and an arcade, and the Sleepy Hollow Lounge is where patrons can enjoy live music along with a menu of food and cocktails.
Driving around Dickson City and beyond
Olyphant is just across the Lackawanna River, meaning Dickson City residents are just a short drive away from other local fare. Interstate 81, also known as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, runs from California to Massachusetts and also makes up the southern boundary of the neighborhood. The Scranton Carbondale Highway is the main hub of shopping and dining here, while Route 11 is the main connecting artery to Scranton. “Scranton is just over the city line,” Vanston says. “The end of Dickson City is Scranton, and it’s about a 15-minute drive to get to downtown, which is more populated.” In its entirety, Route 11 runs northeast from Louisiana to the Canadian border. The County of Lackawanna Transit System – or COLTS for short – buses also have stops in Dickson City.
Photography Contributed By
TJ Engler
