Small-town Pennsylvania living in Elmhurst
Bordering the Pocono Mountains in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Elmhurst fosters a small community of about 900 people. Among the area's scenic, hilly terrain, a few local businesses, churches and a volunteer fire department serve the township. "It's nice and quiet. You get to know all your neighbors, and you all get along. If something happens, you're there," says John Youshock, Elmhurst Township's supervisor. Commutable to cities like Scranton and Wilkes-Barre and served by the well-rated North Pocono School District, Elmhurst has an easygoing vibe that families appreciate. "The majority of people live here their whole lives," says Youshock, who grew up in the township and moved back as an adult. "Most of the kids go to college and leave the area, and the parents stay behind."
Country roads lead to quiet neighborhoods
Country roads lead to secluded homes on wooded lots and the occasional subdivision with small clusters of houses. Elmhurst has a sampling of home styles from different eras. They include traditional properties and farmhouses from the late 1800s, bi-level and ranch-style houses from the mid-20th century, and New Traditional homes built in the early 2000s. Houses don't come up for sale here too often, but they usually go for between $250,000 and $400,000. St. Mary's Villa is a nursing home and independent living facility in the township, off Saint Mary's Villa Road.
Well-rated public schools and a private Catholic high school
Students may begin at Jefferson Elementary School, which earns an A-minus rating from Niche, and continue to B-plus-rated North Pocono Intermediate School and B-plus-rated North Pocono Middle School. Older students attend B-plus-rated North Pocono High School, which offers over 20 Advanced Placement courses. Students can also choose between 16 vocational programs in partnership with the Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County.
Gregory the Great Academy is a private boys' boarding school in Elmhurst that serves high schoolers. This Catholic school has a B-minus from Niche and provides a classic education that includes subjects like Latin, theology and fine art. Youshock notes that the school has a well-regarded rugby team and hands-on learning activities. "Recently, they had chickens and a couple of pigs, and the boys are learning how to raise them," he says.
Hiking trails through Pinchot State Forest and Elmhurst Country Club
Elmhurst Reservoir provides drinking water to Scranton and other nearby communities. Although this 180-acre lake is not open for swimming or boating, locals can throw out a line and catch largemouth bass and other fish from the shore. The new North Pocono Trail opened in 2025, and the section from Dunmore to Elmhurst stretches 3.5 miles. It goes through the Pinchot State Forest and along Roaring Brook. The county hopes to continue expanding the trail to connect with others in the region. Elmhurst Country Club has a private 18-hole golf course overlooking the area's scenic hills and dense forest, and the nine-hole Marjon Golf Course is also nearby.
Small-town restaurants and businesses in Elmhurst
Locals can chat over a beer and a plate of wings at Y Knot Pub & Eatery or Chesik's Bar. Elmhurst Quik Shop has a gas station and convenience foods, and nearby grocery stores include ShopRite in Covington Township and Wegmans in Scranton, among others. Elmhurst Township also has facilities like a bank, two churches and a volunteer fire department. Elmhurst's CAP Index crime score is a 2, lower than the national average of 4.
Elmhurst-Roaring Brook Fire Department raises money through events
The Fireman's Picnic, a four-day event held annually in June, brings the community together to raise money for the Elmhurst-Roaring Brook Volunteer Fire Department. "They sell clams, beer, food, they have raffles, everything," says Youshock, who volunteers at the clam stand. "One night, they have a parade down Main Street. All the other fire companies in the area support each other for the parade night, and they throw candy out to the children." Festivities also include live music and games. Other events held by the fire company include Wine in the Woods each August, where guests can sample wine and peruse vendors, and the Chicken BBQ sale in October.
Getting around Northeastern Pennsylvania from Elmhurst
Youshock notes that most people commute to nearby towns for work. Scranton, home to Geisinger Community Medical Center, is 10 miles away, and Wilkes-Barre is 25 miles away. Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport is between these two cities. Locals typically get around by car, and Interstates 84 and 380 surround the township, connecting drivers across Pennsylvania.
Written By
Faith Wakefield
