Welcome to the Greater Wilkes-Barre Area

Posted: August 29, 2022
Get to know NEPA! From its quiet, rural villages to its bustling small cities to its historic towns, our little corner of Pennsylvania offers something for everyone — whether it’s all about work, play or just having that place to call home. Follow along as we take a closer look at all of NEPA’s convenient, safe, affordable and family-friendly places to live.
A Vibrant Community in the Heart of the Wyoming Valley


Fine Arts Fiesta on Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, PA
Modern living in a historic city
As Luzerne County’s largest city, Wilkes-Barre and its surrounding communities offer the convenience and opportunity of an urban hub with the close-knit neighborhoods and local pride that you can only find in NEPA.
Founded in the late 18th century, the Greater Wilkes-Barre Area rapidly grew in the 19th and early 20th centuries with the boom of anthracite coal. The region’s mining heritage earned Wilkes-Barre the nickname “The Diamond City.” Stately mansions along River Street bear witness to the history of the area, but further evidence of the region’s growth span across the Susquehanna River and beyond the city’s borders.


Community
In the Greater Wilkes-Barre Area, the Susquehanna River carves its way among the cities, suburbs and green spaces. The area offers everything from downtown living to quiet suburban neighborhoods to scenic country homes.
Towns, Boroughs, Townships & Cities:
Bear Creek, Edwardsville, Forty Fort, Hanover Twp., Kingston, Luzerne, Plains Twp., Swoyersville, Wilkes-Barre, Wilkes-Barre Twp.
Public Schools:
Bear Creek Community Charter School, Hanover Area School District, Wilkes-Barre Area School District, Wyoming Valley West School District
Living in the Greater Wilkes-Barre Area


Edwardsville Pierogi Festival, Edwardsville, PA
Urban convenience meets small-town charm.
The Greater Wilkes-Barre Area boasts single-family homes, apartments, townhouses and duplexes for every taste and lifestyle. You’ll find everything from grand, historic houses to luxury apartments to peaceful family homes. Wherever you land, you’ll have easy, quick access to the resources of downtown, as well as dining, shopping and more in your own community.
Housing—and the cost of living overall—in the Greater Wilkes-Barre Area is much more affordable than the national average. Here, you’ll find all the amenities of the city, but without the high prices.


Rockin’ the River Concert Series at River Common, Wilkes-Barre, PA
Getting around Greater Wilkes-Barre couldn’t be easier. The region provides convenient access to Interstate 81, Interstate 80 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The Luzerne County Transportation Authority also provides public bus routes throughout the county. And for larger trips, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport is just a 15-minute drive from downtown Wilkes-Barre
Safe and secure communities are a priority in Greater Wilkes-Barre. Local and state police; professional, full-time and volunteer fire departments and ambulance services work together throughout the region. Geisinger Health System, Commonwealth Health and Allied Services Integrated Health System serve the region with state-of-the-art hospitals, outpatient facilities and rehabilitation centers.


Wilkes University Campus, Wilkes-Barre, PA
Three school districts and one charter school serve Greater Wilkes-Barre, along with several private and parochial school options. The Wilkes-Barre Area Career & Technology Center and the West Side Career & Technology Center help prep local students for in-demand careers.
Students from all over the nation come to Wilkes-Barre for their higher education. King’s College and Wilkes University give a vibrant, youthful vitality to downtown Wilkes-Barre. Luzerne County Community College also has a satellite center directly on Public Square.
Out & About in the Greater Wilkes-Barre Area


Luzerne County Levee Trail, Wilkes-Barre, PA
Explore green spaces and lively downtowns.
The communities in the Greater Wilkes-Barre Area feature beautiful parks and trails. The Luzerne County Levee Trail is a 12-mile trail system that connects local neighborhoods with city parks like Kirby Park, Nesbitt Park and the River Common. Outside the bustle of town, Seven Tubs Recreation Area offers magnificent waterfall views, and Bear Creek Preserve features miles of hiking trails.


F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, PA
Locals love to watch professional sports and nationally touring shows at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, home of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The historic F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts brings live music and theater to the heart of downtown Wilkes-Barre.
Shopping & Entertainment


900 Rutter Ave.
Forty Fort, PA
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Dundee Gardens
Hanover Twp., PA
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Duvall Leatherwork
Kingston, PA
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Edward’s Garden Center
Forty Fort, PA
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F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
Wilkes-Barre, PA
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The Hatchet Factory
Forty Fort, PA
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Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre
Wilkes-Barre, PA
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Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza
Wilkes-Barre Twp., PA
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Mohegan Pennsylvania
Wilkes-Barre, PA
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R/C Wilkes-Barre Movies 14
Wilkes-Barre, PA
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Shooze
Kingston, PA
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Three Dog Bakery
Kingston, PA
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Toyota SportsPlex
Wilkes-Barre, PA
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Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins
Wilkes-Barre Twp., PA
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Valley Running Company
Forty Fort, PA
View DetailsCute boutiques and mom-and-pop shops line the streets, while the weekly, seasonal farmers’ market makes it easy to shop local. You’ll also find your favorite national retailers in and around the Wyoming Valley Mall.


River Grille, Plains, PA
Of course, there’s no shortage of places to eat. From famous NEPA pizza to cool brewpubs to upscale farm-to-table dining, Greater Wilkes-Barre is a foodie’s paradise. And don’t forget to save room for dessert from the area’s delicious sweet shops.
Places to Eat & Drink


AmberDonia Bakery
Kingston, PA
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Bank + Vine
Wilkes-Barre, PA
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Benny Brewing Company
Wilkes-Barre, PA
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Boozy B's
Wilkes-Barre, PA
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Breaker Brewing Company
Wilkes-Barre Twp., PA
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eden- a vegan café
Wilkes-Barre, PA
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Franco's
Wilkes-Barre, PA
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Isabella Restaurant and Bar
Wilkes-Barre, PA
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Michael Mootz Candies & Creamery
Hanover Twp., PA
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MVD Restaurant and Bar
Wilkes-Barre, PA
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Nucleus Raw Foods
Wilkes-Barre, PA
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River Grille
Plains, PA
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Suraci’s Italian Cafe
Forty Fort, PA
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What’s Shaken
Kingston, PA
View DetailsGreater Wilkes-Barre offers a place for everyone, from the vibrant downtown streets to the family-oriented neighborhoods of the West Side to the rural foothills of Bear Creek. You’ll find plenty to see and do, whether you visit for a day or call this region home.

