A peaceful home base near Wilkes-Barre
Jackson Township in Luzerne County offers a pastoral backdrop about 12 miles west of Wilkes-Barre’s shopping, dining and events. Mainly comprised of trees and fields, the township is quiet compared to the nearby city, and its overall CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, the lowest possible score. The area has a limited supply of homes, but it’s a short drive from daily errands and many of Luzerne County’s annual attractions. “We have a very entertainment- and events-driven community,” says Alan Stout, the Executive Director of Luzerne County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We have a huge blues fest, three major food festivals, two great concert venues and a 9,000-seat arena.” While Jackson Township doesn’t host any events, they are all within Luzerne County; residents of the township don’t need to drive more than 50 miles to get to the Briggs Farm Blues Festival, the Dallas Wine & Brew Fest or any of the other county events. One of the closest food festivals to Jackson Township is the Edwardsville Pierogi Festival in Hopkins Memorial Park, which celebrates the traditional Polish dumpling with a cookoff, parade and two full days of food and fun. About 13 miles away, hockey fans can go to the Mohegan Arena to watch the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, an AHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Homes in the rolling hills of Jackson Township
The gently undulating roads of Jackson Township are lined with trees and some low-lying stone walls. The residential landscape includes ranch-styles and split-levels clustered in the middle of the township; larger properties stand along rural roads further out of town. However, homes rarely come on the market here. In recent years, only two homes have been sold. When they do come up for sale, homes typically list for between about $275,000 and $660,000; larger homes on significant acreage can list for over $1 million.
The Lake-Lehman School District offers online learning
Students are zoned for the Lake-Lehman School District, rated B-minus on Niche. Lehman-Jackson Elementary School, rated B, serves students through grade six, while Lake-Lehman Junior/Senior High School, rated B-minus, serves grades seven through 12. The district allows students to engage in virtual learning while still being able to participate in sports, clubs and school events in-person. Alternatively, Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School, rated A-plus, offers a private option with small class sizes.
Shopping and dining near Jackson Township
Shopping and dining require a short drive outside the township. Shoppers can purchase locally made products at The Lands at Hillside Farms, which has a dairy store, a mercantile and a greenhouse. The dairy store sells more than 100 other locally produced foods, including ice cream made fresh at the onsite farm. The rustic and whimsical Hillside Mercantile carries woodwork and clothing, and shoppers can find outdoor decorations and potted plants within the restored 19th-century greenhouse. Groceries are available at Dollar General and Gerrity’s. Big-box stores like The Home Depot and Sam’s Club are in Wilkes-Barre. Fire and Ice at Toby Creek offers upscale patio dining with live music.
Trails, trout and tee times just outside Jackson Township
Immediately southwest of the township, Moon Lake State Recreation Area is a hub for year-round outdoor recreation. Locals can hike, bike or snowshoe the miles of trails that encircle the 48-acre lake. Anglers can cast lines in Moon Lake, which is stocked with trout. Golfers can tee off at the private Huntsville Golf Club and participate in tournaments held on the 18-hole championship course.
State Route 29 connects this rural area to major highways
State Route 29 runs through this car-dependent township. The highway leads drivers to U.S. Route 11 and Interstate 81, both of which extend north to Scranton and Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport. For emergency care, Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre is about 9 miles away, as is Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
