Luzerne County, PA

Living in Luzerne County means settling into a place that feels both stubbornly old-school and quietly reinventing itself. It’s a region where the legacy of coal mining and heavy industry still shapes the landscape, but where you’re just as likely to hear about a new brewery in Wilkes-Barre or a hiking trail opening in Nescopeck State Park. The county’s roughly 326,000 residents are spread across a mix of small cities, old mill towns, and rural stretches, creating a patchwork of communities that share a common, grounded identity. It’s not flashy, but it’s real—and for the right person, that’s exactly the point.

The Daily Rhythm: Work, Commute, and the Pace of Life

Most days here move at a deliberate, unhurried pace. The average commute is a manageable 23 minutes, which means you’re not spending hours in traffic like you would in Philadelphia or New York. People in Wilkes-Barre might work at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center or the local school district, while those in Hazleton often commute to distribution centers or manufacturing plants. In smaller towns like Dallas or Kingston, the morning routine is often a quick drive to a local coffee shop or a stop at a family-run diner. The median household income is $62,321, which goes a long way here thanks to a cost of living index of 73—well below the national average. That means a $163,800 median home value buys you a solid three-bedroom house with a yard, something that’s increasingly out of reach in bigger metros. Weekends are often spent on home improvement projects, youth sports games, or a trip to the Back Mountain area for a hike at Frances Slocum State Park.

Sports, Community, and the Local Identity

High school sports are a genuine cultural force here. Friday nights in the fall are dominated by football games at Dallas High School or Hazleton Area High School, where the stands are packed with parents, alumni, and neighbors. It’s not just about the game—it’s a weekly social event that ties the community together. College sports also have a presence, with King’s College and Wilkes University fielding competitive Division III teams in Wilkes-Barre. For pro sports, most locals root for the Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies, and Flyers, but there’s also a strong following for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the AHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Catching a Penguins game at the Mohegan Sun Arena is a popular winter weekend activity, offering affordable tickets and a lively atmosphere. The local identity is deeply tied to hard work and resilience—a legacy of the coal mining era that still shows up in the no-nonsense attitude of many residents. There’s a pride in being from a place that doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not.

What’s There to Do: Entertainment, Outdoors, and Eats

Entertainment here leans toward the practical and the outdoorsy. The Luzerne County Fair in Dallas is a late-summer staple, with midway rides, livestock shows, and fried everything. For music and events, the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre hosts national touring acts and comedy shows, while the Riverfront Parks along the Susquehanna River offer walking trails and summer concert series. Outdoor enthusiasts have plenty of options: Ricketts Glen State Park is a short drive away with its famous waterfall trails, and Nescopeck State Park offers quieter hiking and fishing. The food scene is a mix of old-school Italian and Polish diners, with standout spots like Senape’s Bakery in Pittston for pizza and Tommy’s Pizza in Wilkes-Barre for a classic pie. There’s also a growing craft beer scene, with Susquehanna Brewing Company in Pittston and Breaker Brewing in Wilkes-Barre drawing locals for weekend afternoons. One cultural quirk: the region’s heavy “coal region” accent and dialect can be a surprise to newcomers, with phrases like “youse” and “redd up” (meaning to clean) still common.

Honest Pros and Cons of Living Here

What longtime residents love: The affordability is a huge draw—you can actually own a home and have disposable income. The sense of community is strong, especially in smaller towns like Nanticoke or Plymouth, where neighbors know each other and look out for one another. The four-season climate means you get real winters (with snow for skiing at Montage Mountain) and warm summers perfect for lake days. The lack of traffic and short commutes mean more time for family and hobbies.

What frustrates them: The job market is limited, with many opportunities concentrated in healthcare, education, and logistics. The median age of 42.1 and only 25% of adults holding a college degree reflect a population that’s older and less educated than the national average, which can feel limiting for younger professionals. The violent crime rate of 226.7 per 100,000 is slightly above the national average, and while it’s concentrated in certain areas of Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton, it’s a concern for some. Winters can be gray and long, with overcast skies from November through March. And while the cost of living is low, so are wages—the median income is about $10,000 below the national median, meaning you’re trading earning potential for affordability.

Luzerne County is a good fit for people who value stability, community, and a slower pace over career ambition and urban excitement. It’s a place where you can buy a house in your 20s, raise a family, and know your neighbors by name. If that sounds like home, it probably is.