Generations of families return to the lakeside borough of Nuangola
Nuangola blends the charm of a small village with the recreation of a lakeside destination. The Luzerne County borough, part of the greater Mountain Top area, was developed around the 99-acre lake of the same name in the early 1900s, and property owners and their families have been summering here for generations. “Everybody who lives there is pretty tight,” says Pamela McGovern , a Realtor with Classic Properties – Mountaintop, who’s lived in the area since the 1980s. The enclave began with about 20 cottages and has since grown to include around 415 homes, a borough office, a beloved community theatre and the historic, non-denominational Nuangola Union Chapel. The surrounding region offers a variety of recreation for lovers of the outdoors. “There are a lot of state parks, so if you like to hike, bike or enjoy the outdoors, there’s a lot to do,” McGovern says. While Nuangola is secluded in the rolling hills south of Wilkes-Barre Mountain, the borough has access to Interstate 81 to reach nearby cities and towns.
Custom lakefront homes on tree-shaded streets in varied styles
Nuangola’s single-family homes rest along narrow, unmarked streets shaded by dense tree cover. Many properties are custom-built, ranging from cottages, bungalows and ranch-style homes to Dutch Colonial-inspired dwellings, bi-levels and Craftsman designs. Homes farther from the water typically have larger lots, while lakefront properties feature private docks. “If you want to be on the lake, homes don’t come available very often, and you’re going to pay a premium to be on the water,” McGovern says. Only one property in the borough was sold between January 2025 and July 2025. The 1,300-square-foot cottage from the 1980s sold for around $110,000. According to Homes.com estimates, the approximate average home value in Nuangola is around $250,000, which is significantly lower than the national average. FEMA flood maps show that properties around Nuangola Lake and its neighboring bog have a flood risk.
Trails, parks and game lands surround this lakefront borough
Daily life revolves around Nuangola Lake, a buzzing summertime spot for watersports. Sailing is a popular pastime, with weekly Sunday races and holiday weekend regattas organized by the community’s yacht club. “The lake is public, but there’s nowhere to park, so it’s best to know a homeowner if you want access,” McGovern says. The Nuangola Recreation Area features a multipurpose field for soccer and baseball. Other parks are sprinkled around the greater Mountain Top area, including Wright Township Recreation Park, which offers multiple courts and fields for sports, as well as nature trails and a dog park. Mountain Top also has an access point for the Delaware & Lehigh Trail, which McGovern says is often used by cyclists. Known locally as the D & L trail, the 165-mile route will stretch from Wilkes-Barre to Bristol once the northernmost section is complete. Several state game lands, Nescopeck State Park and Pinchot State Forest are within a 15-mile drive of Nuangola. These expansive natural areas provide year-round recreation from hiking and hunting to ice fishing and cross-country skiing.
A summer full of events at Nuangola Lake
The Nuangola Lake Association sponsors a packed calendar of events from May through August, which includes a craft fair and an all-day music festival. In July, the public is invited to the annual Nuangola ARTFest, a day of enjoying creativity outside with painting sessions, craft vendors and live music on the lakefront. The association partners with the Wyoming Valley Art League for the event, which raises funds to renovate the community’s pavilion, built in 1918. The Nuangola Library also organizes events, including a fall festival and a holiday cookie sale. Residents can visit the Grove Theatre for farmers markets and musical productions.
Public and private schools serving the greater Mountain Top area
The Crestwood School District earns a B-minus overall rating from Niche. The district has two elementary schools, and its middle and high schools are under one roof. Nuangola students can start at the B-rated Rice Elementary. The Crestwood Secondary Campus gets a B-minus. The district partners with Luzerne County Community College, King’s College and Wilkes University to offer dual enrollment courses that allow high schoolers to earn college credit. Alternatively, Mountain Top is home to St. Jude School, a private Catholic school not yet rated by Niche.
Pub grub and bagels close by, malls and big-box stores farther out
Nuangola has one restaurant, Wheels Bar & Grill. The rustic biker bar serves pub fare and often has live music. Dollar General recently opened near Nelly’s Travel Plaza, a one-stop shop for gas, fast food and convenience items. Mountain Top has Weis Markets for more comprehensive grocery trips and several restaurants, such as the family-run La Napoli Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria and Bloomin’ Bagels, a bustling breakfast spot for bagel sandwiches and spreads. Name-brand shopping is available in Wilkes-Barre and Hazle Township. Wyoming Valley Mall is about 12 miles away, while Laurel Mall is about 16 miles away.
A private vehicle is needed to get around Luzerne County
Because there are no public transportation options in Nuangola, the community is entirely car dependent. Nuangola residents have access to Interstate 81, which connects with Interstate 80 about 9 miles away. These major highways can be used to reach destinations across Pennsylvania. Nearby cities include Wilkes-Barre , about 10 miles north and Hazleton , around 20 miles south. Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport offers the closest commercial flights, roughly 20 miles away. Wilkes-Barre General Hospital is around a 15-mile drive.
