A historic downtown with diverse eateries and shops
Scranton has a rich history of being an industrial epicenter, from coal mines to iron furnaces and railyards. Today, the northeastern Pennsylvania city honors its history through an amalgam of cultural centers, diverse shops and eateries, and vibrant community events. Located along the Susquehanna River, Downtown Scranton sits about 2 hours from Philadelphia and New York City. “People move here because they want a change in lifestyle,” says Christer Popp of Regis Property Solutions. “They want a city vibe and ease of entertainment without taking the car out. They want to slow down and smell the roses.” Though the city offers a more laidback way of life than its neighboring big cities, Downtown Scranton still ignites with diverse cuisine and local shopping destinations rooted in its industrial heritage.
Historic sites offer endless entertainment
Earning the nickname The Electric City, Scranton is the first city in America to have fully electric-powered street cars. Some of these historic cars are displayed at The Electric City Trolley Museum, while the adjacent Steamtown National Historic Site showcases railroad artifacts and old locomotives. “The railroad and trolley museums really tie back into Scranton history, especially being the center of coal mining,” Popp says. “You see the history of the transport method, which is how Scranton got its nickname.”
Fans of The Office may recognize the Pennsylvania Paper & Supply Company’s tower from the TV show's opening sequence. The company, which has a paper trail leading back over 100 years, is the real-life inspiration for Dunder Mifflin. The iconic brick building welcomes the show’s fans to its memorabilia-clad lobby for pictures.
Built in 1928, the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple is another example of Scranton’s history, showcasing Neo-Gothic architecture. Today, the historic venue hosts various performances, from ballet and dance to orchestras and concerts.
Residents of Downtown Scranton enjoy the walkability of the neighborhood.
Dining and shopping at The Marketplace at Steamtown
The Marketplace at Steamtown opened in the 1990s as part of a downtown revitalization effort. It has an abundant selection of shopping and dining options, ranging from local shops to national retailers and upscale fare to down-home favorites. Familiar names include department store Boscov’s, while specialty shops and clothing boutiques like This ‘N That Novelties and No Question offer a curated selection of merchandise. A collection of unique small businesses, such as Over the Moon gift shop and men's boutique Burlap and Bourbon, can be found throughout Downtown. Popp says those with local ownership bring a personal, down-to-earth vibe to the city. “All these little shops are cute and very individual,” he says.
On the second floor of the Marketplace, shoppers can refuel at the Scranton Public Market, a food hall featuring local vendors serving diverse delicacies. Warung Veck & Jack serves authentic Indonesian dishes, Saigon Corner offers Vietnamese fare, while burritos and other Mexican favorites top the menu at Taste of Luv. Local eateries are scattered throughout downtown, many between breweries and bars within walking distance. Favorites include Bar Pazzo, Sambucca Grille and Catch 21 Seafood.
The Marketplace also houses the Electric City Aquarium and Reptile Den, where visitors can view hundreds of fish, amphibians and reptiles—they can even pet horseshoe crabs and stingrays.
Various community events showcase Scranton’s history and culture
Scranton’s robust bill of events includes some that celebrate the area’s industrial heritage. The Railfest in August takes locals on a ride through Scranton’s railroad history with interactive experiences, like short train excursions and tours of the historic train cars at the Steamtown National Historic Site. The festivities continue with live music performances and food and drink vendors.
In October, huge flames climb into the Scranton sky during the Bonfire Fall Festival at the historic Scranton Iron Furnaces. The event attracts around 1,000 people to the 19th-century site for an evening of games, food and live entertainment.
Held annually during Labor Day Weekend, La Festa Italiana brings over 100,000 people together for a four-day celebration of culture and cuisine at the Lackawanna County Courthouse Square. “La Festa is one of the two main events in Scranton,” Popp says. “It’s a completely Italian fest with lots of food that goes around the entire square.” Local and regional vendors line the square, and dance groups and musicians provide live entertainment while festgoers enjoy authentic pizzas, creamy gelato and flavorful cannoli.
Condos and apartments with the city at their doorstep
Housing in Scranton’s downtown district is comprised mainly of condominium and apartment buildings, many of which are renovated historical buildings. Newer condo buildings, such as the Renaissance at 500 Lackawanna Avenue complex built in 2011 near the mall, offer luxury units between 1,000 and 1,480 square feet, all of which overlook downtown's retail spaces. “With the conversion of offices into apartments, the city is increasing dwelling units to sustain city living,” Popp says. Condos throughout Downtown typically range in price between $92,000 and $260,000. A few single-family homes sit along the outskirts of the downtown district, which can range from $178,000 to $435,000.
Apartments above retail spaces are common in Downtown Scranton.
Residents can live in apartment style living such as the Steamtown Lofts in Downtown Scranton.
There are plenty of options for apartment style living in Downtown Scranton.
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Education within the Scranton School District
The Scranton School District includes John Adams Elementary and Northeast Intermediate School, both of which receive a C rating from Niche. Students can matriculate to West Scranton High School, which earns a B-minus grade with high marks for teachers and sports. Scranton Preparatory School offers students a private high school experience and earns an A from Niche. Postsecondary education options include Luzerne County Community College and the University of Scranton, just minutes from Downtown.
Beginning in 2016, inspectors found dangerous levels of asbestos across 11 buildings in the Scranton School District. As a result, the school district has created an environmental task force for students and teachers, and performs regular asbestos testing and cleanup initiatives to maintain healthy levels within school buildings.
John Adams Elementary School
Northeast Scranton Intermediate School serves many communities.
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Outdoor recreation at Nay Aug Park
About a mile and a half east of Downtown, Nay Aug Park overflows with recreational opportunities. The family-friendly park spans 73 acres and features a covered footbridge and a tree house that both overlook the rushing Nay Aug Falls and surrounding natural spaces. The 2-mile Davis Trail brings hikers to the waterfall through a wood-slatted pathway through the forest, while lush roses and other blooms delicately blanket arbors at the English-style Memorial Rose Garden. The park also has plans to build the accessible Butterfly Playground, which broke ground in the fall of 2023.
Nay Aug Park is also home to the Everhart Museum, one of the oldest museums in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Founded in 1908, the center focuses on art, science and natural history through an array of permanent and rotating exhibits, including fossil and fine arts galleries.
Getting in and around Downtown Scranton
Downtown Scranton is highly walkable and bikeable. Commuters can take the County of Lackawanna Transit, with bus stops peppered throughout the city. Drivers benefit from easy access to US Route 11, which connects to major thoroughfares like Interstates 81 and 476. “If you need to get somewhere, you’re only about 2 hours from major cities like Philly and New York,” Popp says, “so you can get your fix of city life.” Both cities are located just over 120 miles outside of Scranton. The Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport is an 8.6-mile drive south.
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
Photography Contributed By
Suzi Schirm
Video By
Barry Ridgeway
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Christina Taliaferrow-Mosleh,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Royal Courts at DeNaples Fields
Connors Park
Dunmore Civic Center Park
Connell Park Dog Park
Nay Aug Park
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Trails
Tripp Park
Transit
Airport
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International
15 min drive
Bus
Wyomng & Mulbr O
Bus
Mulbry N Wash O
Bus
Lacka & Jefferson
Bus
Gov Center
Bus
Spruce\Jefferso
Bus
Adams & Spruce
Bus
Spruce St. Ba I
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Scranton
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
10
4
Assault with Weapon
9
4
Robbery
9
4
Burglary
10
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
10
4
Larceny
10
4
Crime Score
10
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Scranton, Scranton sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Downtown Scranton, Scranton over the last 12 months is $152,250, up 9% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Prime Downtown Scranton Investment Opportunity!Seize this rare opportunity to invest in the heart of Scranton's rapidly growing real estate market! This 4,000+ Sq Ft mixed-use building, ideally located just off Lackawanna Avenue, is surrounded by thriving businesses, popular restaurants, and ongoing revitalization efforts. With Scranton's increasing demand for commercial and residential spaces,
The 519 Lofts are situated the prime location of Courthouse Square in Downtown Scranton. Impeccable views, easy walkability, and near all Downtown accommodations, this property is unique to Central City Scranton and offers experiences not found anywhere else in the City. Atop the world-famous Atera restaurant and Sergei's music venue, there is no need to travel far to experience Scranton's rich
Discover a freshly remodeled 2-bedroom apartment in the heart of Scranton. This space offers modern finishes with attention to detail throughout, from sleek countertops to new appliances. The open layout provides a comfortable flow between rooms, perfect for daily living and entertaining. Both bedrooms are generously sized, and the updated bathrooms feature contemporary fixtures. Located just
This 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment at 220 Linden St offers 1,062 square feet of living space. The unit features a loft layout, providing an open and spacious feel. The living room is designed for comfort and functionality, while the bedrooms offer ample space for furniture and personal items. Each bathroom is equipped with essential fixtures for convenience. Additional amenities include air
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Christina Taliaferrow-Mosleh,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,360
Median Age
44
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
13.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25.4%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$20,930
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$34,830
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
84.6%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
34.5%
Advanced Degrees
9.5%
% Population in Labor Force
40.7%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
39''
Average Winter Low Temperature
21°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
15''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
70/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
79/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
