Olyphant: NEPA’s Original “Queen City”
The Borough of Olyphant is a largely residential community located just over five miles north of Scranton in Lackawanna County. Originally founded as Queen City in the late 19th century, the borough later changed its name to honor George Talbot Olyphant, President of the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company. Like many communities in the region, Olyphant rose to prominence during the iron, steel, and anthracite coal boom of the early 20th century. Today, it remains one of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s unique industrial hubs and a popular suburban community within the Greater Scranton Area.
Bordered by the boroughs of Dickson City and Throop, Olyphant enjoys close ties to its neighbors in the Mid Valley region. The borough features a charming, walkable downtown filled with shops, restaurants, small businesses and churches. Its safe, quiet neighborhoods stretch into the surrounding hills, offering a peaceful residential setting with easy access to local amenities.
Olyphant strikes a healthy balance between small-town life and natural beauty. The Lackawanna River winds along its northern edge, while the southeastern border rises into the scenic slopes of Moosic Mountain.
Community
The Borough of Olyphant offers the best of both worlds when it comes to convenience and cost of living. It checks all those safe, quiet suburban town boxes – all while being only a 5–10-minute drive from bustling Scranton. Olyphant also offers immediate proximity to some of the region’s top manufacturing and distribution employers alongside a healthy dose of natural spaces, mountains and parks.
School District: Mid Valley School District
Population: 5,395
Total Area: 5.5 square miles
The borough is protected by the Olyphant Borough Police Department, a full-time municipal force based on East Park Street. The department includes both full- and part-time officers who handle patrol, investigations and community safety. Additional support is provided by a nearby Pennsylvania State Police Troop R – Dunmore Barracks.
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The Borough of Olyphant is served by five volunteer fire companies: Excelsior Hose Company No. 1, Olyphant Hose & Engine Company No. 2, Eureka Hose Company No. 4, Liberty Hose Company No. 6 and Queen City Hose Company No. 8. In addition, Scott Township Hose Company No. 1 also provides emergency services to the area. Together, these stations work to ensure safety and emergency response for Olyphant’s nearly 6,000 residents and 1,500 households.
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Olyphant is served by the volunteer-led Olyphant Ambulance & Rescue Squad, which provides emergency medical care through trained paramedics, EMTs and drivers. The squad supports the borough’s nearly 6,000 residents alongside nearby hospitals and clinics operated by Lehigh Valley Health Network, Commonwealth Health and Geisinger Health Systems.
Quiet, convenient living with easy access to nature and the Electric City
Olyphant sits just five miles north of Scranton, right along the western edge of the Pocono Mountains’ Lake Region. With easy access to four major highways, getting around—whether for work or play—is a breeze. Quiet, tree-lined streets extend from the borough’s charming downtown into scenic, hillside neighborhoods. Housing options range from affordable single-family homes and duplexes to stylish apartments in the heart of town.
A well-rounded mix of local restaurants, shops, parks, and nearby recreation keeps life in The Queen City active and engaging. Public transportation is convenient, too, thanks to the The County of Lackawanna Transit System (COLTS), which offers safe, reliable service throughout the valley and into the Greater Scranton Area.
Things to do in Olyphant
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You don’t have to travel far to be immersed in Olyphant's great outdoors
Outdoor adventure is always within reach in Olyphant. The borough’s northwestern border runs alongside the crystal-clear Lackawanna River, with Condella Park serving as a key access point to the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. This spacious community park also features sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, a playground, and rentable picnic pavilions—making it a favorite for families and weekend gatherings.
On the southeastern edge of the borough, the Dick and Nancy Eales Nature Preserve offers more than 2,000 acres of unspoiled mountaintop terrain. Managed by The Nature Conservancy, the preserve delivers stunning views year-round and welcomes hikers, mountain bikers, bird watchers, and hunters across all seasons. Adjacent PA State Game Lands add another 15,000 acres to explore, with even more trails and opportunities to connect with nature.
A Borough Built on Community
Olyphant blends small-town charm with modern amenities, offering a walkable downtown, scenic riverfront, and strong community spirit. Discover why this historic borough is a growing place to live, work and explore.
