Proximity to nature, entertainment and metro areas in Northeast Pennsylvania
Kingston Township in Luzerne County is a rural-residential area with single-family homes, outdoor recreation and suburban conveniences. Hikers have plenty to explore between the trails winding around Frances Slocum State Park and Back Mountain. This community about 25 miles southwest of Scranton also appeals to folks who want proximity to the New York and Philadelphia metro areas. “There’s been a tremendous influx of people into the area looking to get out of the city, but still live close enough,” says Jenine Finarelli, a real estate agent at Century 21 Signature Properties who lives and works in Luzerne County. Pennsylvania Route 309 cuts across the western portion of Kingston Township, facilitating commutes to Wilkes-Barre and connecting with Insterstate 81 for drivers heading even further afield. Kingston Township lies across the Susquehanna River from Mohegan Pennsylvania, a popular casino and one of the state’s biggest nightlife hotspots. “The casino is a tremendous draw for people as well, with free concerts in the summer, a banquet hall and a hotel,” Finarelli says. Locals can try their luck at the slot machines and table games, watch horse races and attend ice hockey games at the Mohegan Sun Arena, an adjoining venue that seats over 8,000 that is home to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins hockey team, the top minor-league affiliate of the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins.
Parks and recreation in Northeast Pennsylvania’s Wyoming Valley
Kingston Township offers a variety of outdoor recreation. Frances Slocum State Park surrounds a lake, where kayaks are available for rent. This recreational area spanning over 1,000 acres is also good for birdwatching and hunting. “People can stay there and pitch a tent,” Finarelli says. “There’s fishing, hiking and a pool.” The outdoor pool with a waterslide opens every summer. Hikers can explore the Back Mountain Rail Trail, which stretches through the community for over 5 miles, passing by a winding creek, scenic waterfall and trees that offer stunning foliage in the fall. Kingston Township Park has a playground and covered picnic area in addition to courts for basketball and tennis. The indoor Rock Rec Center hosts youth sports, like basketball and wrestling.
Single-family homes with spacious yards in Kingston Township Luzerne
Kingston Township is a rural-residential area with gridded streets and cult-de-sacs. Yards are generally spacious with grass, trees and shrubs. It’s typical to see two-story Colonial Revival homes as well as midcentury homes, including ranch-styles. Homes vary in size, though there is a substantial presence of midsize, three-to-four-bedroom homes. The median single-family home price is $250,000, with prices ranging from $100,000 to $800,000. However, a few larger, New Traditional homes built in the 2010s fetch prices up to $1.3 million.
Public schools in nearby Dallas
The Dallas School District, rated A-minus on Niche, serves the area. Elementary students may begin at Wycallis Primary Center, rated A-minus, before advancing to Dallas Middle School, rated B. According to Niche, B-plus-rated Dallas High is the best public high school in the Scranton area. Eligible high schoolers may enroll part-time at West Side Career and Technology Center, where they can earn college credits that are transferrable to several colleges and universities throughout Pennsylvania.
Shopping and dining in Kingston Township Luzerne
Most shopping and dining options in the area lie along State Route 390. Residents can get a pizza from Pizza Perfect, a community staple since 1975. The Checkerboard Inn Bar & Restaurant serves sandwiches and wings in a casual atmosphere with sports playing on big screen TVs. Weis Markets supplies the area with groceries. About 9 miles away in Wilkes-Barre, shoppers can browse gourmet foods at Wegmans and big box stores at Wilkes-Barre Commons.
Driving throughout Luzerne County
State Route 309 connects the area to Wilkes-Barre and then to Interstate 81 on the other side of the Susquehanna River. Luzerne County Transportation Authority buses stop along the highway and transport passengers throughout the county. The nearest emergency care is available at Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, about 7 miles away. Kingston Township is about 15 miles from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport.
