How many American settlers does it take to name a colonial fort along the Susquehanna River? A dozen? Two dozen? In the case of Forty Fort in Luzerne County near Wilkes-Barre, the answer is in the community’s name. More than 250 years later, Forty Fort has become a suburban neighborhood borough with a regional municipal airport and a popular outdoor sports complex where youth athletes and adults play soccer, softball and other sports. Despite a terrible defeat against British forces during the Revolutionary War and the significant damage Hurricane Agnes wrought in 1972, the community has endured, swelling to a population of about 4,000 people.
River Street in Forty Fort backs up against the Susquehanna River.
The Battle of Wyoming monument memorializes militia from Forty Fort who died in the massacre.
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Affordable housing compared to New York or New Jersey
Neighbors in Forty Fort live close to each other, as the L-shaped borough nestled along a riverbend features homes from the first half of the 20th century arranged on relatively small lots on sidewalk-lined streets. Mainly composed of Colonial-inspired homes with brick and vinyl exteriors, the average home value sits at $200,000, reflecting a 60% increase since 2019. Casey Johnston, a Realtor with RPA Real Estate, says recent demographic changes and industry trends have driven values upward. “Home prices here are a lot cheaper than in New York City and New Jersey, and our taxes are also cheaper. We’ve seen an enormous amount of people coming in from those areas,” she says. “We’ve also had some new warehouses come to the area, too, for companies such as Amazon, Adidas and True Value. So, there’s a lot of those jobs available.”
Traditional homes downtown Forty Fort feature colorful designs and sizeable lawns.
The gothic revival entrance to this American home in Forty Fort is fun and eccentric.
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Students attend Wyoming Valley West School District
Located in the Wyoming Valley West School District, students in the community attend the centrally located Dana Street Elementary School. From there, kids typically go on to Wyoming Valley West Middle School and Wyoming Valley West High School. Niche gives the high school a B rating, with high marks for the quality of its teachers, diversity of the student body and college preparedness.
Wyoming Seminary Lower School is rated with an A+ on Niche giving students the best education.
Wyoming Valley West Senior High School has a strong profile of teachers and students.
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Historic and scenic outdoor spaces
At the Forty Fort Borough Sports Complex, people play games or take their dogs for a walk as planes take off and land in the distance at the Wilkes-Barre Wyoming Valley Airport. While there’s ample opportunity to participate in local leagues or pick-up games at the complex, visitors can also hop on to the Luzerne County Levee Trail that parallels the Susquehanna River. Walking south along the path, you’ll find a historical plaque commemorating the original Forty-Fort and the patriots who perished fighting to defend the area against the British in an infamous 1778 battle known as the Massacre of Wyoming.
At Forty Fort Park, the playground is always packed with kids who love what it has to offer.
Forty Fort Sports Complex is the best place for baseball, soccer and other club sports.
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Shopping and dining like 900 Rutter
Close to the old fort location, artists and merchants transformed an early 20th-century factory several years ago into an amply sized communal space adorned with colorful murals. At 900 Rutter, visitors can indulge in a leisurely weekend brunch or grab breakfast or lunch during the week. The venue also features space for several clothing retailers, professional offices, a martial arts gym and a yoga studio, allowing people to mix work and play seamlessly. Along Wyoming Avenue, the community’s main thoroughfare, residents patronize businesses and family restaurants like Suraci’s Italian Café, a casual eatery where you can get a hoagie, baked gnocchi or “drunken” lasagna with fried chicken cutlets.
Get food at The Canning House and enjoy inventive creations at 900 Rutter Avenue in Forty Fort.
The Haberdashery clothing store is a popular spot for shopping in Forty Fort at 900 Rutter Ave.
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Written By
Christopher Suarez
Photography Contributed By
TJ Engler
Video By
David Strayer
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Randy Hockman,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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Looking to build with a river view in Forty Fort? Look no further. Close to all major hospitals, schools, and shops. This piece of land is waiting for your imagination. Utilities such as water, sewer, electric, and natural gas are readily available. Enjoy activities near the river, such as biking, jogging, power walking, and picnicking! The home in the picture is for Illustration only.
Lovely older home of gracious architectural layout features, parqueted floors preserved under the carpeting. Stone fireplace mantle, stone pillars, high ceilings, open staircase, gracious sized rooms and gas heat.
Tracy McDermottMcDermott & McDermott Real Estate, Inc.
Turn key fully leased 3 unit with 2 residential units and one commercial unit. Excellent convenient corner lot location. First floor unit has access to one car garage. Second floor unit has driveway and deck. Great investment!
Attractive 3BR Two-story w/ off street parking & fenced-in yard. This move-in ready home offers new luxury vinyl plank flooring, spacious open living rm & formal dining rm. Nicely upgraded kitchen features quartz countertops and new SS range & dishwasher. Nice primary suite w/ WIC and hardwood flooring on the 2nd floor. Finished LL family rm. New ductless wall mounted AC and gas forced air heat.
Welcome to this Charming 3 bedroom 1 bath home situated on a spacious corner lot. This home features a bright and roomy layout with hardwood floors, first floor laundry, private driveway and fenced in yard with shed. Don't miss out on this desirable neighborhood close to schools, parks, and shopping. (one of the bedrooms is a walkthrough).
Step into this beautifully renovated home, thoughtfully upgraded with high-end appliances and stylish finishes throughout. The main level features a spacious combined living and dining room, perfect for gatherings while still offering a comfortable, defined layout.The master suite provides a private retreat with a generous bedroom, ample closet space, and a luxurious en-suite bath. Additional
Courtney McDonaldIron Valley Real Estate Greater Scranton
Situated on a pretty tree lined street this gorgeous home features a modern eat-in kitchen, spacious living room, dining room, 3 good size bedrooms, 2 full baths, mud-laundry room, sitting porch, cool central air comfortable gas heat, and off street parking, Call to request your walkthrough.
Seller is willing to modify to meet your needs! Simply magnificent, the makeover of this single family home with room for everyone, including twelve total rooms with seven bedrooms! Beautiful open wraparound porch welcomes you into the home. First floor greets you with formal living room, dining room, den/office, eat in kitchen, laundry closet and three quarter bath. Second floor
Charming 3BR, 1Bath home with endless potential. Filled with character, this property is ready for your vision. The older kitchen and bath offer a great opportunity for updates and personalization. Step through the French doors from the foyer into a spacious living room, which leads to a cozy sunroom-perfect for reading, plants, or a home office.
Move right into this charming and spacious 4-bedroom home in historic Forty Fort just off of Wyoming Avenue. Modern kitchen with robust cabinet space, granite counters and large island. Large, lengthy living room. Two sets of French doors. Hardwood floors and decorative lights throughout. Washer/dryer on second floor. Private driveway and fenced-in yard. Schedule your showing today.
This stunning 3-bedroom, 3-bath townhome offers a perfect blend of warmth and modern design. Featuring a bright, open layout, a cozy 9,500 BTU electric fireplace, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances, this home is built for comfort and style. The open staircase leads to a spacious primary suite complete with a walk-in closet and private bath. Enjoy the convenience of a 1-car garage
Zoned R-3 (buyer to verify). This residential lot offers a peaceful setting on a quiet street, with a rear alley providing convenient access for potential off-street parking. All public utilities are available at the street. The existing garage offers flexibility -- it can be repaired, renovated, or removed to suit your plans. making this an excellent opportunity.
950 Wyoming Ave in Forty Fort. Note the listing says Kingston but it comes up wrong for some reason. $850/mo with one month security deposit. Tenant pays electrical and garbage. The heating system is electric baseboard heat. 1 year lease required. This is a 3rd floor apartment with lots of storage space and big windows with views. It has new carpets and fresh paint. There is a washer
Freshly remodeled 2-bedroom, 1.5 bath apartment in the heart of Forty Fort. This unit offers in-unit laundry, 1 designated off-street parking space, & hot air heat. Conveniently located just minutes away from local amenities & major highways. LANDLORD PAYS GAS, WATER & SEWER. Tenant pays Electric. Call Danielle to schedule your appointment to see it today!
Freshly remodeled 2-bedroom, 1 bath apartment in the heart of Forty Fort. This unit offers in-unit laundry, 1 designated off-street parking space, & 550 extra unfinished square footage on the 3rd floor/attic that can be used for storage. Conveniently located just minutes away from local amenities & major highways. LANDLORD PAYS GAS, WATER & SEWER. Tenant pays Electric. Call Danielle to schedule
Professional Office Building currently used as clinical space. Building features reception area, many open rooms and offices, gas baseboard heat, and central A/C Fire and security alarm system, Small kitchenette and 5 restrooms. 2nd Floor space is finished with 3 rooms. Ample parking on site for 20+ cars. Property is situated on busy State Route 11 with convenient access to all major interstate
Become part of the magic at 900 Rutter Ave!Bring your business to life 4 unique spaces currently available! This flexible storefront is your blank canvas perfect for a boutique, studio, gallery or professional office. Prime visibility in a thriving location, Endless possibilities to design your dream business. Can be customized.
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