The Pros & Cons Of Moving To The Electric City

As a lifelong resident of Northeast Pennsylvania (NEPA) and an inhabitant of Scranton for many years, I’ve grown to appreciate the many facets of this city. I have childhood memories that have a certain richness and a majestic quality to them, too. Scranton always finds itself in that unique space in real estate. For those from the outside looking in, it’s periodically on people’s radar, but besides outbursts like Dwight’s performance on the episode of The Office titled “Stress Relief” or flashes of greatness like GMac’s (Gerry McNamara’s) first-half domination of Kansas in the 2003 NCAA Men’s College Basketball National Championship, Scranton is often pushed to the background. It seldom gets the respect it deserves. And yet, this town is a terrific place to call home!

If I were considering a move to NEPA, specifically Scranton, I would want to know about its housing market, its school district, and other components of its educational system, its incidents of crime, and if its neighborhoods were safe, its amenities, perhaps even its nightlife – you get the drift. “The Electric City,” as Scranton is also identified, has a lot going for it. Yes, there are benefits as well as downsides to a move to Scranton, yet we hope to address a few of the bigger ones here, so you have a clearer sense of what makes this town a great place to live and raise a family.

Five pros of moving to Scranton

Affordability

There are viable options for both renters and homebuyers with home prices being what they are in the Greater Scranton area, especially compared to bigger cities that surround it. The cost of living is significantly lower than in larger metros, and Scranton even ranks well compared to other cities in our Commonwealth, such as Allentown, Harrisburg, and Lancaster.

As we keep our eye on the gas pumps and the price of eggs at the grocery, the daily expenses tend to be slightly more affordable, but of course, that fluctuates. But where Scranton really comes out on top is how it compares to other cities from a housing perspective. If you’re browsing homes for sale in Scranton, PA, you’ll notice the difference.

In Q4 of last year, Realtor.com’s economic research team examined regional price parity data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis and, from that research, classified Scranton, Pennsylvania, as one of the top ten cities with the lowest cost of living. According to PayScale, Scranton’s cost of living comes in at 8% lower than the national average, and housing is particularly favorable, with housing expenses sitting 28% lower than the national average. If affordability is high on your list, Scranton has it!

Proximity to Major Metropolitan Stops & Other Areas of Interest

If you enjoy taking weekend getaways to New York City, Philadelphia, Lancaster, or even the Finger Lakes, then Scranton is a great starting point to call home. Many from the Scranton region appreciate being only two hours away from catching a Broadway show, visiting America’s oldest Amish settlement, or celebrating a milestone/anniversary in wine country. Leisure isn’t the only thing appealing to Scranton’s location either. Commuters soon discover that it’s a reasonable location for a hybrid commute or remote work. Bigger cities such as NYC, Philadelphia, or the Lehigh Valley region see their fair share of Scranton residents.

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport provides businessmen and women an opportunity to live in NEPA while being able to travel to other destinations in person. This is a bonus for those who need to travel for work at a moment’s notice. Furthermore, the reestablishment of the Scranton/NYC train connection as early as 2028, according to Amtrak (PennDOT recently gave the green light to the plan for the Scranton-NYC passenger train), will provide even more incentives for the workforce to travel to and from the Greater Scranton area. If you’re looking for a city near major metros or points of interest, Scranton might be a great fit.

Quality of Life

Scranton is part of something bigger here in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Don’t knock it until you try it! While there might not be the same access to amenities one would find in the bigger cities referenced above, Scranton has access to an assortment of shopping spots, some fantastic restaurants, as well as cultural richness that exists in our region. It has a small city vibe plus a bunch of perks.

The Greater Scranton area has a friendly feel and a close-knit community atmosphere. This exists in part from support for shopping local, farmers’ markets, neighborhood events, and festivals. Participation in these creates a strong sense of belonging. There’s a sense of hometown pride. You’ll find it up and down the pizza trails in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. You’ll discover it via farm-to-table options from roadside stands, and of course, the Co-op Farmer’s Market in Scranton. In addition to these splendid alternatives, people who move into NEPA find fascination and excitement in being part of La Festa Italiana or the Saint Patrick’s Parade. Both of these are notoriously associated with Scranton, and in fact, take place right in the downtown area each year. They’re a rite of passage, whether you’ve moved into town or grew up as a cradle citizen!

Family-Friendly Atmosphere

Speaking of events and activities, many of those taking place in Scranton and the surrounding communities target families and children. Scranton is a wonderful place to raise children! With its relatively safe neighborhoods and local attractions, Scranton is a great family-friendly destination.

While Scranton’s crime rates are higher than some Pennsylvania cities, according to Neighborhood Scout, many residents perceive it to be a safe place to live. Scranton’s overall crime rate stands at 30.5 incidents/1,000 residents annually, which is lower than the national average of 33.4 [CrimeGrade.org]. Furthermore, recent trends would indicate an improvement as crime rates have dropped as of late.

The educational system, especially at the post-secondary level, is thriving. With highly regarded institutions like the University of Scranton, Lackawanna College, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, and Marywood University all contributing to the young minds of tomorrow, the area has a vibrant collegiate system.

Northeastern Pennsylvania Is Gorgeous

Scranton finds itself in the Appalachian Mountains, more specifically nestled near the Pocono Mountains. This region offers no shortage of activities for the outdoor enthusiast. From fishing to hiking to exploring state parks and trails to biking to camping to skiing, there’s plenty to keep you busy. But even beyond this, it costs little to nothing, besides your time, to enjoy all that Northeast PA and Scranton have to offer.

This is time well spent, too! Some grow up in the “city” only to discover the more rural side of life and begin to appreciate the world around them. Honestly, being nestled in the low-lying mountains of the Greater Scranton area helps us cherish the great outdoors as well as the seasons (even though we only have three in NEPA). Yes, an outdoor enthusiast means you enjoy activities like hiking and skiing outside, but it also means you love taking your dog for a walk or taking your family to the playground or park. If breathing fresh air gives you joy, then Scranton would be a place to consider.

Five cons of moving to Scranton

Tax Hikes & More

With the mismanagement of the city’s budget from recent years past, rising expenses, and not much in the way of revenue, there’s a large structural deficit in Lackawanna County, where Scranton resides. The current county commissioners are attempting to right the ship and are moving forward with an approved budget that will increase property taxes in 2026 by roughly 33%. Coupled with this, the county is presently conducting a reassessment of all the real estate within its jurisdiction. These reassessments will also be effective for the 2026 tax year.

While the cost of living in parts of NEPA is low, property taxes in Lackawanna County, and therefore Scranton, are on the rise. Moreover, Scranton has a higher-than-average local wage tax (3.4%). If you’re looking to purchase a home in the city, you should also be aware that the transfer tax, as part of your closing costs both when buying and selling, is 1.85%. Most other municipalities surrounding Scranton only impose a 1% transfer tax during the real estate transaction.

Job Market

Although Scranton has a growing economy, predicated on small businesses as well as other jobs in the service, healthcare, manufacturing, and academic fields, the area struggles to bring back young adults who are recent graduates of high school or post-secondary education. Naturally, a large portion of college-bound students will leave the area to pursue areas of interest or specialties only available elsewhere. Yet, years later, a significant portion, though they may return to visit loved ones, won’t join the workforce in NEPA. Career opportunities can be limited in our area, specifically, many higher-paying positions. Thus, young professionals explore bigger cities for the possibility of matching their level of education or specialty in their field. Hopefully, more manufacturing pursuits as well as unique skill-set professions will find their home in Scranton sooner rather than later. This would boost the area’s economy, helping NEPA flourish.

“Weather” You Like It Or Not

Scranton experiences its share of uncertainty as it meets winter, spring, summer, and fall. There are instances when confusion sets in – it feels like the middle of winter, but it’s April. If you’re considering a move to Scranton, know that fluctuations in temperature and especially precipitation are commonplace in the region. Humidity is high throughout the year. Cold, snowy winters can creep in and affect day-to-day activity. Yes, winter sports are fun for the whole family, but road conditions aren’t always best for travel and busy schedules. With that being said, other destinations would pose greater travel risks and endure harsher weather than Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Potholes, Potholes Everywhere

The harsh winters and springs bring about ice-wedging and, likewise, roads that are in rough shape and deteriorating faster than one could say “heyna or no.” Potholes are a popular complaint with locals; Scranton roads have seen better days! Flooding problems in various sections of the Valley have brought about heightened concern for not only roads, but also bridges. Both need more repairs, and that means detours for your commute to work, sporting events, etc. If you’re contemplating a move to Scranton, understand that you’ll need some patience behind the wheel and occasionally will need to add more time to get to your stop.

Not A Big City Feel

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre corridor is the fifth-largest metropolitan area in Pennsylvania. Though it has its share of traffic and commerce, Scranton lacks the same degree of cultural attractions or nightlife as major cities do. The city has plenty of bars, restaurants (especially some splendid Italian options), and events happening each weekend throughout the region, yet there’s not that same fast-paced, weekend lifestyle people might be used to in larger metropolitan areas.

Although Scranton comes up short with respect to its nightlife and weekend attractions, it can still pack a punch for those who enjoy the arts. The city features a collection of art galleries (many of which are featured during their First Friday Scranton each month). For those who enjoy natural history, science, or art, the Everhart Museum is a must-see. For those who want to celebrate the arts by catching a play, concert, recital, or show, both the Scranton Cultural Center in addition to the Theater at North offer marvelous performances.

In Conclusion

Scranton provides residents and visitors a captivating blend of history, cultural vibrancy and affordable housing. With its diverse neighborhoods and proximity to major cities, the city is an attractive option for those seeking a welcoming community. While the city endures erratic weather patterns throughout the year and a less-than-desirable tax situation, Scranton’s growth, modest cost of living and active cultural scene make it a practical choice for prospective residents. Looking for a slower tempo with a certain distinctiveness in mind? Then Scranton might be the perfect match for you!

For more to see and do in Scranton, check out our homes for sale in Scranton, PA.