Jefferson Township in Lackawanna County offers proximity to Scranton
Jefferson Township in Lackawanna County is about 15 miles east of downtown Scranton. Residents here are immersed in a quiet, rural community, yet still have proximity to all the urban comforts afforded by the city. Much of the land area is made up of farmland, trees and hunting grounds, while the southern half of the township has more residential and commercial activity. Additionally, Jefferson Township is part of the North Pocono School District, which Niche rates a B-plus and ranks as the third best school district in the Scranton area. The overall CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, significantly lower than the national average of 4.
Jefferson Township homes vary by size and age
Jefferson Township comprises forested, hilly terrain. Most homes sit along rural roads, but there are a handful of subdivisions, like Jefferson Heights and Laurel Ridge at Moosic Mountain. Moosic Lakes is a private community with its own clubhouse and about 200 homes overlooking two lakes; residents of Moosic Lakes are required to be members of the community’s homeowners association. Prices throughout the township range from approximately $130,000 to $580,000, depending on age and size. Properties over $430,000 tend to be two-story New Traditional homes around 3,000 square feet, while mid-range and lower priced homes are often smaller, midcentury ranch-style or split-level homes. About 88% of residents are homeowners. Land is also for sale.
Students may attend the North Pocono School District
Students through third grade may attend Jefferson Elementary Center, which was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education in 2019 and earns an A-minus from Niche. Fourth and fifth graders may attend North Pocono Intermediate School before advancing to North Pocono Middle; both are rated B-plus. North Pocono High is also rated B-plus.
Hiking, golfing and other outdoor activities in Jefferson Township
From a sunset hike to a day at the zoo, the township offers a range of outdoor activities. Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain is a vast expanse of protected wilderness with wildflowers, rocky outcroppings and tree-lined paths. Stretching nearly 11 miles, the Grand Tour loop offers challenging terrain for hikers and mountain bikers within the preserve. Families can have hands-on experiences at Safari Farm Petting Zoo & Sanctuary, which is home to animals like camels, zebras and goats. Marjon Golf Course is a public 9-hole course at the southern edge of the township. Hunters can find deer on state game lands.
Shopping and dining in Jefferson Township and Scranton
The township has some shopping and dining options along Mount Cobb Road, like That Shake Place, a local staple for ice cream and milkshakes since 1968. The Shoppes at Ritter’s Farm sells seasonal goods like pumpkins, pies and local produce, and visitors to the farm can also go blueberry picking in the summer. Shoppers can get fresh cuts at Smokin’ Joe’s Quality Meats & Deli and groceries at Dollar General. In Scranton, The Marketplace at Steamtown is an indoor mall anchored by Boscov’s, a department store selling everything from furniture to clothing. This shopping center also has restaurants serving a variety of international cuisines, from Indonesian to Japanese.
Interstate 84 connects drivers to the northeast Pennsylvania region
Jefferson Township is a car-dependent area with no public transportation. Interstate 84 goes through the southern part of the township, taking drivers about 15 miles west to Lehigh Valley Hospital and stretching east toward the Pennsylvania-New York state line. Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport is about 20 miles southwest.
