$177,692Average Value$124Average Price per Sq Ft87Homes For Sale
A city along the Susquehanna
On the banks of the Susquehanna River, Wilkes-Barre’s downtown is surrounded by residential sectors in the Wyoming Valley. The northeastern Pennsylvania city is home to over 44,000 and offers its residents a balance of city and outdoor lifestyles, having undergone a revival in recent years. “Over the last few years, we’ve had a huge surge of people from other states moving here, so the property values have really gone up,” says Antonio DeRosa, an associate broker with Lewith & Freeman Real Estate. “It’s a booming area again and it’s on the upswing. It’s a great place to move because of that.” As part of the Wyoming Valley, the city is often mentioned in the same breath as Scranton, which sits 20 miles north; the area’s two minor-league sports teams bear both cities’ names.
Wilkes-Barre has undergone gradual revitalization over the past half century, after flooding from Hurricane Agnes devastated the city in 1972. “After the flood, the city kind of died down a little bit,” DeRosa says. “The last few years, it’s really started to resurge again. There’s been a lot of new industry jobs moving to the area and a lot of redevelopment for residential housing, which was really needed.” Public Square can be considered one of the hearts of the city, serving as a central spot for community gatherings like Wilkes-Barre’s Christmas parade and a wintertime ice rink. The history of the area is rooted in the coal industry. “Wilkes-Barre the New York City of our area back in the day,” DeRosa says. “Because of that, we have a lot of really cool, old historic buildings. North Main Street has really elaborate old mansions and a lot of cool, old architecture.” Some of the historic buildings are now part of the Wilkes University or King’s College campuses.
Get your degree at Wilkes University in Georgetown, PA.
Have a picnic overlooking the Susquehanna River and Market Street Bridge in Wilkes-Barre.
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Older homes on walkable streets
A large number of homes in Wilkes-Barre date to the first quarter of the 20th century, and some have traditional or Dutch Colonial designs along the walkable streets. “It’s architecture that you really can’t see today with tons of details, stonework and really elaborate finishings,” DeRosa says. “There are people that seek out the historic homes, and every now and then one of those will go for $500,000 or $600,000. They still sell, because you really can’t buy that type of architecture and structure anymore.” The median sale price of Wilkes-Barre properties is about $176,500, and investors have also become a part of the housing landscape in the city as well. Single-family homes typically range between $100,000 and $200,000, while multi-family homes often cost around $250,000.
Colonial style homes are one of the abundant homes types in Wilkes-Barre.
Wilkes-Barre is home to beautiful historical homes of the mid 19th century, including the Second Empire style.
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Local restaurants on Main Street
Locals also have a varied mix of restaurants and outlets to choose from, representing a wide array of cultures. “It has a strong ethnic background, which you can see in the different restaurants,” DeRosa says. “It’s a great place to go and experience different cuisines, lifestyles and stuff like that. It’s a plethora of different options, restaurants, shops and stuff like that. It’s almost like a melting pot for the area.”
Restaurants are scattered throughout the city, with a number of establishments on or near Main Street in the southern part of Wilkes-Barre. “Main Street is where all the privately-owned restaurants are,” DeRosa says. “You get some diversity in the types of food in that area. There’s a Mediterranean restaurant, a Thai restaurant, a hibachi place and all different options.” Main Street feeds into Public Square, which is surrounded by more restaurants. Over 2 miles east, residents can find major chains stores and restaurants, including Walmart and Wegmans, at Wilkes-Barre Township Commons.
Istanbul Grill welcomes customers to dine outside along South Main Street in Wilkes-Barre.
Wegmans is a premium grocery option for delicious organic meals in Wilkes-Barre.
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Recreation on dry land along the Susquehanna
Coal Street Park is the largest recreational space within the city, which has nearly two dozen parks overall. Coal Street Park features baseball fields and a playground alongside the Toyota SportsPlex. The SportsPlex houses an ice rink that accommodates skating, hockey and curling. Golfers can take swings at Hollenback Golf Club. Across the river, Kirby Park is lined with trails that encircle a pond. Several state game lands and conservation areas sit south of Wilkes-Barre, including State Game Lands 119, which spans nearly 8,000 acres.
Wilkes-Barre River Commons lies along the Susquehanna and has an amphitheater that hosts plays, music and more. “There was a revitalization project along the river in the downtown Wilkes-Barre area,” DeRosa says. “There’s a really beautiful river walk area where people can ride their bikes, walk along the river or just sit and eat lunch.” River Commons’ amenities include paved pathways, fishing piers and access to the river.
River Common Park features an amphitheater called the Millennium Circle in Wilkes-Barre.
Hikers and hunters wear orange for safety at State Game Lands 207.
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Recreational skating, minor-league sports and more
During colder months, Public Square houses an ice-skating rink. Visitors can rent pairs of skates for free or bring their own skating blades. “The square has a really great Christmas parade right around Thanksgiving that ends there in a tree lighting,” DeRosa says. Public Square also hosts a weekly farmer’s market every Thursday from June to November. Other annual traditions include the Fine Arts Fiesta and Dragonboat Race Weekend.
“They have Rockin’ the River during the summer with live music,” DeRosa says. “It’s totally free. That’s by that river walk area that was just redone a couple of years ago. Really, all summer long, there’s different things.” Sports fans can head to Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza to see the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ AHL affiliate, play hockey. The area is also the home of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, which serve as the Triple-A affiliate of MLB’s New York Yankees.
Wilkes University Athletics features an elite Ice Hockey team in the city.
You can watch a hockey game at Mohegan Sun Arena just ten minutes away from Mountain Top in nearby Wilkes Barre.
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Access to Interstate 81 close by
From central Wilkes-Barre, locals are often 5 miles or less from jumping on Interstate 81. “Getting around is really easy,” DeRosa says. “We’re really lucky here to be close to connections to 80, 81 and 476. All these road systems are just 5 to 10 minutes away.” Its counterpart city, Scranton, is about 20 miles northeast. “You can hop on 81 and it’s right there,” DeRosa says. “It’s really convenient as far as getting around.” Martz buses fulfill public transportation needs in Wilkes-Barre, while air travelers can head to Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport about 11 miles north. Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital sits on the north side of the city, while Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre Urgent Care is located less than 3 miles south.
A new high school for city students
The Wilkes-Barre Area School District serves the city, scoring a C with Niche. It consists of six elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Wilkes-Barre Area High School also incorporates a STEM Academy into its curriculum. “Wilkes-Barre just built an extremely high-tech, new high school, so that was really exciting for them,” DeRosa says. “They consolidated two other old buildings into that one.” Wilkes-Barre Academy is a private school within the city; it does not yet have a grade from Niche, but spans kindergarten through eighth grade. Wilkes University and King’s College are both in the area, each serving several thousand students and operating as private universities.
Georgetown, PA is home of King's College.
Wilkes-Barre Academy is a private PreK-8th grade education center in Wilkes-Barre.
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Crime rates above the statewide mark in Wilkes-Barre
In 2023, the FBI crime database reports that the Wilkes-Barre Police Department recorded an average of 98.3 violent crimes per month. The mean was an increase from the previous year’s mark of 78 per month. For property crimes, the city recorded an average of 56.8 per month in 2023, down from 60.6 the year prior. Wilkes-Barre’s violent crime rates are above the state of Pennsylvania’s.
Written By
Adam Cheek
Photography Contributed By
Alec Oswald
Video By
Tyler Newbold
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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On average, homes in Wilkes-Barre, PA sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Wilkes-Barre, PA over the last 12 months is $175,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Brick family 3 story, featuring 4 BRs, 1.5 baths, beautiful Hard Wood floors, kitchenette, laundry, generous bedrooms, finished walk up attic w/huge cedar closet. Carport, beautiful landscaped yard for spending summers with family, corner lot, handicapped accessible in rear. Spacious, finished basement. BEING SOLD AS IS.
Completely rebuilt in 2007, this former double was transformed into a spacious single-family home featuring an open-concept layout, modern kitchen, 4 bedrooms, 4 baths and 1st floor laundry. The third-floor bedroom includes a private half bath. Enjoy a large rear deck for entertaining, off-street parking, and a convenient Hudson location close to schools, shopping, restaurants, and transportation
This property is going to onsite auction 10/23/2026 at 2:00 PM and is being sold with reserve. LISTED PRICE IS ONLY A SUGGESTED OPENING BID AND IS NOT INDICATIVE OF THE FINAL SALES PRICE WHICH WILL BE BY SELLER CONFIRMATION DAY OF AUCTION. Terms: Down payment of $20,000 required day of auction. Settlement on or before December 23, 2026. Transfer taxes to be paid by buyer. Real Estate taxes shall
Eight-unit townhouse portfolio across four parcels in Wilkes-Barre, PA. All units are 3 bed/2 bath, individually metered for all utilities, and currently tenant-occupied. Units are spread across S. Hancock and Garnet Lane, all held under common ownership. Townhouse-style layout with private entrances and garage parking. Strong occupancy history in an established Luzerne County rental neighborhood
Large 2 unit, 3 bedrooms each side, hardwood floors, updated roof, windows , gas heat, hot water. Rear yard. Separate utilities, front and rear porches. Full basements. One side is currently vacant for ease to show. Income listed is for the occupied side only.
Motivated Seller!! Charm, character and low cost living! This conveniently located well cared for home offers the perfect blend of classic details and practical updates. Featuring 3 nice sized bedrooms, 1 bath, beautiful hardwood floors, a fenced in yard and off street parking. Most windows have been updated and the home recently insulated keeping heating costs remarkably low. Worth the look!
Great investment opportunity! This 6-unit is fully rented and is conveniently located near major highways, schools, shopping and downtown. Very well-maintained building with new roof, new concrete walkway, and off-street parking in rear.
Unlock the possibilities with this unique property featuring a functional garage with a 1 bedroom apartment just awaiting your finishing touches. Conveniently located and situated on a nice-sized lot. Whether you're looking for a place to live while enjoying ample workspace below, this versatile property offers endless potential. This one-of-a-kind property is ready for its next chapter.
3 bedroom single home, open dining room and living room, semi modern kitchen. Level rear fenced in yard. Full basement. Gas heat. Currently Tenant occupied.
Solid 2 unit, separate utilities. Refurbished a few years ago with new hardwood floors, tile in kitchen and baths, plumbing and electric. The 87 side is recently rented and tenant will need notice to show. Will need notice of at least 24-48 hours. 89 side is currently empty.
Discover 9.03 wooded acres along Bald Mountain Road in Plains Township. This scenic property offers privacy, natural beauty, and a documented 25-foot-wide driveway easement providing access to the main road. Buyers may also have the opportunity to purchase the two surrounding parcels, creating a combined total of approximately 19.33 acres for $219,900. Ideal for a private homesite, recreational
Welcome home to this charming 3-bedroom property featuring beautiful hardwood floors and a comfortable, functional layout. This well-maintained home is move-in ready and offers a great opportunity to add your own personal style with a few cosmetic updates. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, looking to downsize, or searching for an investment property, this home offers solid value.
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom home featuring an inviting open-floor-plan first floor that seamlessly connects living and dining spaces. Enjoy outdoor living with both a relaxing front porch and a private rear deck, perfect for entertaining. Plus, the home offers a large finish-able 3rd-floor space with endless potential. Call today to schedule your private tour!
Welcome to this beautifully updated, move-in-ready home! Featuring stylish wood flooring, a modern kitchen, and a tastefully updated bathroom, this property offers the perfect blend of comfort and contemporary style. Enjoy the spacious backyard, ideal for entertaining, relaxing, or outdoor activities. With its modern updates and inviting spaces, this home is ready to welcome its new owners!
This lovely home features a classic gambrel roof, beautifully updated blue siding, and a spacious, welcoming front porch perfect for relaxing. With a great layout spanning multiple levels, this property offers incredible potential and an inviting street presence. Don't miss out on making this house your home!
Discover this unique and updated home situated right in the heart of Wilkes-Barre! Designed with exceptional versatility, this property features two distinct living spaces--ideal for multigenerational living, guest accommodations, or added privacy. Main Level: Highlights two spacious bedrooms, an expansive living and dining area, a bright modern kitchen, a full bathroom, and convenient laundry
Cedar Village Apartments & Townhomes offers spacious apartment and townhome living in a peaceful residential setting in Wilkes-Barre Township, Pennsylvania. Conveniently located near Interstate 81 and Route 309, our community provides easy access to major employers, healthcare facilities, shopping, dining, entertainment, and local attractions throughout the Wyoming Valley.At Cedar
Enjoy a fully furnished studio suite in our hotel at an affordable rate with free wi-fi, free utilities and free premium cable. Each studio suite has a full kitchen with full-size refrigerator, stovetop and microwave, and has a flexible workspace and plenty of storage. All our hotels are pet-friendly and have on-site guest laundry available. Plus, there are no long-term commitments and you can
Wilkeswood is a community offering a great residential environment, upscale amenities and excellent service for our residents. We offer two and three bedroom townhomes that are sure to please even those with the most discriminating tastes. Whether you want to relax by our resort-style pool, walk your furry friend on our beautifully landscaped grounds, or simply enjoy easy living in your new
East Mountain Apartments offers updated 1 and 2-bedroom apartment living with a spectacular view of the Wyoming Valley below. We’re located a few minutes from downtown Wilkes-Barre. The community is convenient to I-81 and the area’s major employers, colleges, and attractions including Geisinger Medical Center, Wilkes University, and the Mohegan Sun Arena. Make East Mountain Apartments your new
Welcome to Emunah Manor, nestled among the beautiful rolling hills of Wilkes-Barre. Our community offers a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere with spacious floor plans and utilities included.We are also student-friendly, so be sure to ask about our college special today!Residents enjoy 24/7 surveillance, maintenance services 24 hours per day, and on-site management available
Property Id: 2792135 Description:Available for immediate move-in! This spacious 3-bedroom, 2-full-bathroom townhouse offers the absolute perfect setup for off-campus student living, faculty, or professionals seeking a premier location right next to King's College. Enjoy the convenience of campus life with the comfort of a whole-house rental. Premium Property Features: Perfect
Welcome to your new home in the heart of Wilkes-Barre, PA! This charming property is ideally located, offering easy access to delicious restaurants, department stores, and local attractions. Enjoy a quick 10-minute drive to Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital or the Wyoming Valley West Kingston Spartans Stadium. Plus, if you're looking to unwind, Coal Street Park and Public Square
Property Id: 2822000 Available now! This spacious 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment offers comfortable living in a convenient Wilkes-Barre location — close to shopping, restaurants, and easy highway access, and situated in the Wilkes-Barre School District.
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