Highways, a river and industrial jobs converge in Hanover
Hanover Township stands out for its location between U.S. Route 11 and Interstate 81 and within driving distance of two of the region’s largest cities. “It’s nestled between New York City and Philly. It’s about two or two and a half hours from both,” says Elbros Samkough, an agent at Century 21 Signature Properties who sells homes in Hanover. The Pennsylvania community neighbors the city of Wilkes-Barre and the Susquehanna River, providing access to shopping in the former and recreation on the latter. There’s also a local employment base thanks to Hanover Industrial Estates. Amazon, Adidas and two dozen other companies operate warehouses and distribution centers in the business park. “Most people living here are from here,” Samkough says. “There are not a lot of commuters.”
Clusters of homes throughout Hanover
The township is made up of smaller villages and communities, each consisting of rows of tightly packed houses, often with little more than an alley between them. Dutch colonials and American Foursquares fill the village of Korn Krest, while Craftsman and Colonial Revival styles are more common in the neighborhood around Lyndwood Elementary. Condos were developed near Hanover’s border with Wilkes-Barre. Homes of all types sell for a median price of $175,000, less than the national median, and Samkough says the cost of living draws many homebuyers.
Growing enrollment in Hanover Area School District
Students in the township can attend the Hanover Area School District, which is rated a C by Niche. The district operates four elementary schools but plans to consolidate them in 2027. The number of children in the school system is growing, so Hanover Area School District is renovating a former data center to create a campus that can house all the elementary-aged students.
Recreation includes trails and boat ramp along the Susquehanna River
A network of trails called the Susquehanna Greenway extends through Hanover. One is the Luzerne County Levee Trail, a 12-mile path for walkers, joggers and cyclists that passes historical signs as it follows the levee built along the Susquehanna River. The trail goes by a ramp, where cars haul fishing boats and kayaks to launch them onto the water. Farther inland, a playground and basketball court at Korn Krest Park are tucked between homes. Meanwhile, Hanover Area Little League baseball and softball teams play games at a field behind Hanover Green Elementary. Members and guests can play at Wyoming Valley Country Club, a private golf course that’s one of the oldest in Pennsylvania.
Retail along Sans Souci Parkway and in neighboring Wilkes-Barre
Businesses are spread throughout Hanover, and Sans Souci Parkway serves as one of the township’s commercial strips. Stores on the west end include Tractor Supply Co. and Gerrity’s grocery store, while spots on the east side include Benny Brewing Co. The brewery not only smokes barbecue and pours beers, but it also hosts more than a dozen events every month. In a given week, it may host a craft workshop, an acoustic performance and a round of music trivia. There are more options in neighboring Wilkes-Barre, ranging from big-box stores standing next to Wyoming Valley Mall to restaurants and bars along Main Street. Wilkes-Barre is also home to Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre, the closest hospital to Hanover.
Parish purveys Polish potato pancakes
Every spring, cars line up at Exaltation of the Holy Cross church for potato pancakes. The Catholic parish sets up an annual drive-through and sells the crisp fried patties to raise money for its charities. Polish-speaking Hanover residents formed the church in 1917, and potato pancakes are a staple of Polish cuisine.
Route 11, I-81 and buses among transportation options
Highways, including U.S. Route 11 and Interstate 81, pass by Hanover to the north and south. Luzerne County Transportation Authority buses run between the township and downtown Wilkes-Barre. Fifteen miles north, Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport offers nonstop flights to cities such as Chicago, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
Written By
Alex Soderstrom
