Living in Scranton, PA offers a unique blend of historical significance, cultural richness, and urban convenience. Located in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Scranton is within a few hours' drive of both New York City and Philadelphia, making it an ideal location for those who want to enjoy a quieter lifestyle while having easy access to two of the largest cities on the East Coast. The city is known for its rich industrial history, vibrant arts scene, and strong sense of community.
Scranton’s dining scene is diverse, offering a range of options from classic American fare to international cuisine. The city’s downtown area is a hub of activity, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions like the Scranton Cultural Center and the Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den. The annual La Festa Italiana is a highlight of the year, celebrating the city’s Italian-American heritage with food, music, and family-friendly activities.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Scranton provides plenty of opportunities for recreation. The city’s parks, including Nay Aug Park and McDade Park, offer scenic spots for picnicking, walking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains. The nearby Lackawanna River provides additional opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Scranton is also known for its strong sense of community and commitment to preserving its historical heritage. The city hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Steamtown Marathon and the annual Christmas Parade, which bring residents together to celebrate and enjoy the community spirit. The city’s proximity to New York City and Philadelphia means that residents can easily access the amenities of major cities, including theaters, museums, and professional sports venues.
For those considering a move to Pennsylvania, Scranton offers a perfect blend of historical charm, cultural richness, and urban convenience. Whether you're drawn by its parks, cultural events, or easy access to New York and Philadelphia, living in Scranton, PA provides a fulfilling and dynamic lifestyle.
Amenities
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Commute
The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.
Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Nothing Found
None of the categories scored poorly, resulting in no identified cons for this area.
Scranton is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Pennsylvania. The city has a population of 79,887 inhabitants. Scranton has a population density of 3,156 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. If we look at the most recent Census, Scranton is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. In Scranton, only 46% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Scranton offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Scranton, Pennsylvania could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. With useful information like amenities, crime, commute, health & safety and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Scranton and in the areas around Scranton is a much easier task.
The livability score in Scranton is 85/100 and the city is ranked in the 98th percentile of all cities across America. This is a great score, as Scranton ranks well in multiple categories! The cherry on top is that Scranton also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. Based on the grades for each individual category, Scranton has received high marks for cost of living (A+) and housing (A). Scranton does not score well for the following: education (D) and employment (D). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
If you're considering living in Scranton, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Scranton provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Scranton are: Steamtown National Historic Site, Lackawanna County Coal Mine, and Houdini Museum.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Scranton market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Scranton real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Scranton. Median real estate prices in Scranton come in at $192,305, which is 35.1% lower than the Pennsylvania average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Scranton, the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 13.5% lower than the Pennsylvania average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Scranton | Pennsylvania | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 73.2% | 76.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 13.5% | 8.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.8% | 5.6% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 6.1% | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Pennsylvania
Safest States In The US
Most Dangerous States In The US
These are the largest cities in Pennsylvania