Northmoreland is an inviting farming community with rural charm
Rolling farmland and untamed stretches of woods fill Northmoreland Township, a rural area in Northeastern Pennsylvania, about halfway between Tunkhannock and Wilkes-Barre. Two-lane roads curve and gently slope past homes, which usually have sprawling lots and plenty of space between neighbors. The roads that lead to Tunkhannock’s restaurants and shops are shaded by towering pine and maple trees. Locals who don’t run their own farms might work in Wilkes-Barre or even Scranton, but when they want to relax, the Susquehanna River is closeby for fishing and boating. Life here is laid-back, with residents having the space to keep to themselves if they want. But it's also easy to head to a community space to catch up with neighbors.
Plenty of space between colonial and ranch-style homes
Residents keep their homes for years, so homes don’t often go for sale. Larger houses often have colonial-inspired or cabin architecture, while smaller properties are ranch-style or manufactured homes. The average home value is nearly $300,000. Some properties closer to the river have listed for around $500,000. Lots can extend up to 20 acres, creating room for animals or crops. Long driveways cut down front lawns, where residents park their cars if they don’t have garages. Because Northmoreland is rural, homes often run on septic tanks and well water systems.
Monthly dinners at the firehouse and annual summer Matchbox races
The Northmoreland Township Volunteer Fire Company not only serves the community, but the fire hall becomes a social destination during recurring events. “We do roast beef dinners the last Wednesday of every month,” says James O’Neill, a volunteer at the station. “There’s roast beef, green beans and mashed potatoes, and everything is made in-house. We don’t do a dinner in August because we go to the Wyoming County Fair in Meshoppen. Bingo is every other Monday.” The Wyoming County Fair is a weeklong event where visitors can browse through local vendors, aim for a blue ribbon in baking contests or enjoy the demolition derby. “We do a booth for fire safety,” O’Neill says. Northmoreland Baptist Church organizes the annual Fascar event. Kids create Matchbox-style cars at home and bring them to the church to race. There’s also food and games to keep everyone entertained.
Floating down the Susquehanna River or exploring Frances Slocum State
Having the Susquehanna River so close means residents don’t have to travel far to spend the day on the water. The West Falls Boat Launch leads out directly onto the river, where visitors can kayak or fish the day away. Anyone who doesn’t have their own equipment can stop by the Susquehanna Kayak & Canoe Rentals. Emanon Country Club offers an 18-hole course to members and their guests, who can also dine at the club’s restaurant or sign up for one of the tournaments held throughout the year. Frances Slocum State Park is a slightly longer drive away from home, but visitors can bike or hike along the trails, sail out on the 165-acre Frances Slocum Lake or take a dip in the park’s public pool.
Commuting to Tunkhannock or Wilkes-Barre
Not every resident in Northmoreland works on a farm, so some drive about 20 miles to work at places like the Procter & Gamble manufacturing plant near Tunkhannock. Manufacturing jobs are also popular in nearby Wilkes-Barre, 16 miles away, followed by jobs at the Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. Locals might even work at or fly out of the Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport.
Tunkhannock Area High’s athletes take gold
Kids in Northmoreland can attend the Tunkhannock Area Public School District, which gets a C-plus from Niche. Tunkhannock Area Primary Center is unrated by Niche and teaches kindergarten through second-grade. Tunkhannock Area Intermediate Center also receives a C-plus and shares a building with the C-rated Tunkhannock STEM Academy. Tunkhannock Area High School serves eighth through 12th graders and earns a B-plus. The high school’s softball team won the district championship in 2025, and in the same year, the boys’ swim team took the district's top spot.
Short drives to Tunkhannock’s restaurants and stores
The area feels worlds away from busy cities, but residents are just an 11-mile drive from Tunkhannock's grocery stores and locally owned restaurants. Locals can choose from Walmart, Weis Markets and Aldi to pick up groceries. Sickler's Blueberry Farm, though, is close to home and opens when the blueberries are ripe, so visitors can pick the fruit they want. Across the river, Twigs Cafe serves soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch and dinner. Nearby Dallas has busier restaurants, like the popular Mexican restaurant CK’s Cantina & Grill. J&J Restaurant & Bar opens for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but crowds show up in the evenings to order burgers and beers. When residents want to shop at chain retailers, they can visit the Wyoming Valley Mall or the neighboring Wilkes-Barre Township Marketplaces in Wilkes-Barre.
