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.
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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.
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.
Property is currently set up as a single family, but could very easily be turned into a duplex. There are two entrances into each unit. Property is zoned commercial. Two kitchen and a bath for each unit are already in place. Finished basement for additional living space.
Welcome home to this charming Forty Fort gem on a quiet street. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 1 full bathroom, this move-in ready home boasts a new roof, new appliances, stylish fixtures, and new flooring throughout. Enjoy outdoor living with a newly fenced in yard, updated front porch, and side deck for relaxing or entertaining!
Welcome home to this elegant and spacious Colonial in a sought-after neighborhood. Sunlit interiors highlight a dramatic vaulted family room with built-in entertainment center. Rich oak floors, custom built-ins, chef's kitchen, surround sound, and abundant storage throughout. Enjoy a private fenced yard with family and friends and have the added peace of mind of a newer roof. A must-see home!
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. Outside, enjoy a fully fenced yard with a deck and
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.
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
This modern 3-bedroom, 3-bath home features a bright open layout, cozy 9,500 BTU electric fireplace, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and an open staircase leading to the spacious primary suite with walk-in closet and private bath. Includes 1-car garage, energy-efficient design, and 1-year builder's warranty on a quiet private street.
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 gar
Recently redone 3-bed, 2 bath side-by-side with a spacious layout and modern updates throughout. Tenants can enjoy a comfortable living space with exposed beams for added character. The kitchen has been thoughtfully updated with all appliances included. Upstairs features three bedrooms, and updated full bath, and access to a walk-up attic for added storage. Outside, the yard is fenced in with a
Recently redone 3-bedroom, 1-bath side-by-side apartment features a spacious layout with modern updates throughout. Also included is a spacious walk-up attic for extra storage if needed. Situated in a great location, tenants have quick easy access to the back mountain, Wilkes-Barre and Wyoming Ave. Perfect for tenants looking for a move in ready rental in a desirable and convenient area.Tenants
Single family house for rent. Prime location just one house away from Elementary School. Bright open layout, completely renovated top to bottom. 3 beds 2 bath. Background + eviction history will be checked for all applicants. No pets, no smoking. Rent x3 to move in.
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!
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