When there’s a party in Vandling, everyone’s invited
Vandling’s close-knit nature comes from the literal closeness of its residents, who live side by side within a single square mile. “It’s such a small, connected community that if somebody’s having a party, everybody’s invited,” says Mayor Tom Prince, a lifelong resident. “One gentleman has a party the day before Father’s Day, and everyone who wants to come over can come.” The borough of about 650 people is part of the Scranton metro area, but forests separate it from the region's more developed core, helping Vandling retain a small-town atmosphere.
New development will add to limited number of homes
Home prices vary from $95,000 to $300,000. Traditional-style cottages were built close together along Main Street in the early 1900s, while ranch-style homes and Colonial-inspired New Traditional houses along Ash Street were added later. The latter have more yard space, but lots across Vandling tend to be small, usually less than half an acre. A community called Gracelyn Estates is under development, opening up dozens of lots to buyers who want to build new homes. Vandling's overall CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Students zoned to Forest City Regional School District
Kids can go directly north of Vandling to take classes at the local district’s two public schools. Forest City Regional Elementary School teaches kindergarten through sixth grade, while Forest City Regional High handles seventh through 12th grade. Niche gives each school a C-plus grade. The high school offers a dozen Advanced Placement courses, as well as career pathways for fields such as agriscience, communications and manufacturing.
Playgrounds, a hiking trail and a ski resort among recreation options
Vandling has two playgrounds, one of which will soon be overhauled by the borough with the help of state grants. “It’s considered a renovation project, but it’s basically going to be new,” Prince says. Bikers, hikers and joggers can access the D&H Rail Trail in neighboring Forest City. The nearly 40-mile asphalt path passes art installations and crosses over the Lackawanna River, with the trail’s south end connecting to downtown Carbondale. About 10 miles north of Vandling, skiers and snowboarders race down the slopes of Elk Mountain Ski Resort from December to March. It also hosts a fall festival every October, bringing live music and hayrides to the mountain.
Retail and dining found in Forest City
Locals head a mile or two north to Forest City for a selection of locally owned stores and restaurants. For example, Simpler Times, where the owner’s 80-year-old dad sometimes stops by to play guitar, serves drinks and comfort food, and it's one of several local spots serving pierogis. “People around here love pierogis,” Prince says. “My great-grandmother used to make them, and I know 100 people whose great-grandmothers made them.” Groceries and household items can be bought at Zazzera’s, a family-run supermarket, and Dollar General. When he’s out in the community, Prince often stops to chat with restaurants and shop owners he has known for years. However, he says locals don’t reserve that treatment for longtime residents. “We have a lot of camps in the area, and a lot of people come up to see their kids at camp and stop by, and everybody in town will treat them like they’re part of the town.”
Highways route to Carbondale, Scranton
Pennsylvania Route 171 runs through Vandling, connecting it to Forest City and the city of Carbondale, about 5 miles south. It’s 25 miles to Scranton, the region’s biggest city. It's about 30 miles to Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport.
Written By
Alex Soderstrom
