Sterling Township is a shining example of Wayne County’s versatility
There are sections of Sterling Township that feel a world away from widespread development. Some of the winding, laneless roads here offer views only of trees, open fields and rolling hills for as far as the eye can see. Yet this rustic Wayne County community comes with prime access to Interstate 84 for the relatively quick trip to the busier city of Scranton. The area is also less than 15 minutes from Lake Wallenpaupack, a tourism hot-spot.
This area offers quiet wooded living with generous lots
Sterling Township’s wide-open spaces leave plenty of room for a variety of homes. The oldest options here date to the 19th century, while some of the most recently built homes are less than 15 years old. The selection here includes colonial- and ranch-style options, along with A-frames. Lots in this area are often at least 2 acres. Properties in the private Pocono Springs Estates community are an exception; lots are anywhere from three-tenths of an acre to an acre in the gated development, which spills into Sterling Township. Homes around the township rely on private septic systems.
Sale prices range from the lower $100,000s to the mid-$500,000s. Pocono Springs Estates homes come with HOA fees from $125 to $216 per month. With the township’s close location to attractions like Lake Wallenpaupack, it’s not uncommon for people to own second homes in this area. “They rent them out, like Airbnbs. It’s a very touristy area,” says local Realtor Joe Scarpaci, who’s with Iron Valley Real Estate Innovate and has over 20 years of experience in the industry.
Lakes, trails and state lands provide multiple ways to get outdoors
The gleaming waters of Lake Wallenpaupack flow just north of Sterling Township. At roughly 5,700 acres, it’s the second-largest lake completely within the state of Pennsylvania. Subsequently, it’s a magnet for all sorts of outdoor activities. “It’s a good-sized lake. Everything from boating, fishing, water skiing and ice fishing,” Scarpaci says. “It’s nice. It’s our No. 1 biggest draw in this area.” Ledgedale Recreation Area is one of the closest spots for Sterling Township residents to access the lake, and features a boat ramp and almost six dozen campsites.
The roughly 3,000-acre Promised Land State Park is also about 15 minutes from the township. The park has a pair of lakes open to fishing and boating, and approximately 50 miles of trails. “If you like to ATV, if you like to snowmobile, it’s a great spot,” Scarpaci says. Part of Pennsylvania’s State Game Lands No. 312 is within Sterling Township, offering almost 4,500 acres for hunting.
Public school options remain relatively close in Sterling Township
Kids in the area can attend schools in the Western Wayne School District. The township is roughly 6 miles from the district’s highly rated Evergreen Elementary School, whose active PTA meets monthly. The Western Wayne Middle School and Western Wayne High School sit side by side, about 11 miles from Sterling Township.
From a farm market to lakeside restaurants, food options abound
You don’t have to look far for fresh produce in Sterling Township. Sterling Road is home to the Stevens Farm Market, which sells everything from eggs to tomatoes to raw milk. The market also offers baked goods, including pies. There’s a ShopRite 20 minutes away in Daleville for more grocery and household needs. When you simply want to sit down for a meal, you can head to one of the assorted spots by Lake Wallenpaupack. The options include:
- Overboards, a seafood restaurant where you can finish your meal with an order of bananas Foster prepared tableside
- Gresham's Chop House, which is known for its lake views and prime rib
- Wally's Restaurant & Pizzeria, which offers its breakfast menu all day long
Close-by highway access to jobs and regional amenities
Interstate 84 cuts through part of this community. The highway can take drivers west to Scranton, about 25 miles away, or east into New York, just over 100 miles away, two popular destinations for area commuters. Scranton is also home to the Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport and the Geisinger Community Medical Center, where there’s a 24-hour emergency center.
![Wayne Epps Jr.]()
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
