Quiet Pennsylvania living with mountain and river views
Set among the "Endless Mountains" of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the rural township of Eaton has sweeping mountain views just beyond the Susquehanna River. Winding country roads weave through the area's farmland and state forest, punctuated by the occasional farmhouse and intersected by babbling brooks. "You can throw a stone from anywhere in Eaton township, and you're going to have water. It's completely surrounded on all sides," says Jennifer Harvey, the Eaton Township secretary. Locals enjoy the area's peaceful landscape and waterways, taking advantage of miles of trails and preserved forest land that offers a spectrum of recreation 25 miles outside Scranton.
Outdoor recreation at Seneca Trail County Park and others
Locals can hike up Miller Mountain from Seneca Trail County Park. "From the top of Miller Mountain, it's breathtaking. You can see the whole county," Harvey says. The mountain is part of the Pinchot State Forest, which spans 54,000 acres across the region and allows for activities including hunting, camping, boating and biking. Bowman Creek also intersects Seneca Trail County Park, and visitors can wade into the water or fish for trout here. "That's a really popular spot right now. People have parties there and picnics," Harvey says. There are more parks along the Susquehanna River: Vosburg Neck State Park has hiking trails along the water, and Tunkhannock Riverside Park has a playground and walking paths with mountain views. Due to Eaton's proximity to water, some properties in Eaton are in a flood zone.
Properties on acres of land and overlooking the river
Farmhouses on acres of land, New Traditional homes on large lots and ranch-style properties tucked away in the woods are among the properties found in Eaton. Some houses are perched on hills, overlooking the Susquehanna River below. Homes have recently sold for between $170,000 and $430,000. "It's mostly full-time residents, but down at the river, we have a few Airbnbs and campgrounds," Harvey says. The Weeping Willow Inn is a bed and breakfast near the river. Eaton's CAP Index Cime Score is a 2, below the national average of 4.
Errands along Hunter Highway and restaurants in Tunkhannock
Hunter Highway has big box stores like Walmart, grocers like Aldi and Weis Markets, and establishments like Lifetime Fitness and Eaton Baptist Church. "Wyoming County's primary commercial district is in Eaton Township," Harvey says. Just across the bridge over the river, Tunkhannock has local restaurants. Favorites include Yearbook Diner, an easygoing spot for breakfast platters, sandwiches and salads, and Twigs Restaurant & Cafe, a cozy contemporary venue serving elevated American fare alongside specialty cocktails.
Food trucks and farmers markets at Creekside Gardens
Creekside Gardens is a local shop off Hunter Highway that sells plants and gifts and hosts the Tunkhannock Farmers Market each Saturday through the summer. Residents come to stock up on local produce and handmade goods in this eclectic garden center decked out with fairy lights and foliage. "It's like a picture book," Harvey says. Creekside Gardens also hosts monthly food trucks on Fridays from June to September.
Career courses and AP classes at Tunkhannock Area School District
Students in the area typically attend Tunkhannock Primary Center for kindergarten through second grade. This school is not yet rated by Niche. Older students continue to Tunkhannock Area Intermediate Center/STEM Academy, which has a C-plus rating from Niche and serves grades 3 through 7. Tunkhannock High School has a B-minus rating and serves eighth through 12th grades. It offers 10 different Advanced Placement courses and dual enrollment opportunities through Johnson College, Lackawanna College and Keystone College. Students can also take career courses in subjects including wood technology, machining and metal fabrication, unmanned aircraft systems and several others.
Driving around the region from Eaton
Proctor & Gamble has a large manufacturing plant in the area and is the largest employer in Wyoming County. Larger cities in the region, such as Wilkes-Barre and Scranton, are both about 25 miles away. Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport and Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital are also both about 25 miles away. Pennsylvania Route 29 goes through Eaton, which connects drivers across the region.
Fracking in Wyoming County
Harvey notes that fracking can cause some disruptions throughout the county, though problems are minimal. "Years ago, it was really busy, with a lot of equipment moving around. The main issues are water trucks, but it's not really a problem anymore in this township," she says. "They've run water lines, and we don't have many active pads that are visible."
Written By
Faith Wakefield
