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Scranton, PA

Frequently asked questions

Scranton, PA

Scranton is a city in and the county seat of Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, United States. With a population of 76,328 as of the 2020 U.S. census, Scranton is the most populous city in Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Wyoming Valley metropolitan area, which has a population of 562,037 as of 2020. It is the sixth-most populous city in Pennsylvania.

The contiguous network of five cities and more than 40 boroughs all built in a straight line in Northeastern Pennsylvania's urban core act culturally and logistically as one continuous city, so while Scranton is a mid-sized city, the larger Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area contains half a million residents in roughly 300 square miles (780 km²). Scranton is the cultural and economic center of Northeastern Pennsylvania, a region of the state with over 1.3 million residents.

Scranton hosts a federal court building for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The city is conventionally divided into nine districts: North Scranton, Southside, Westside, Eastside/Hill Section, Central City, Minooka, West Mountain, East Mountain, and Green Ridge, though these areas do not have legal status. The city is the geographic and cultural center of the Lackawanna River valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania, as well as the largest of the former anthracite coal mining communities in a contiguous quilt-work that also includes Wilkes-Barre, Nanticoke, Pittston, and Carbondale.

Scranton was incorporated on February 14, 1856, as a borough in Luzerne County and as a city on April 23, 1866. It became a major industrial city and a center of mining and railroads; it attracted thousands of new immigrants. It was the site of the Scranton general strike in 1877. The city was designated as the county seat when Lackawanna County was established in 1878, and a judicial district was authorized in July 1879.

The city's nickname "Electric City" began when electric lights were introduced in 1880 at the Dickson Manufacturing Company. Six years later, the United States' first streetcars powered only by electricity began operating in the city. Rev. David Spencer, a local Baptist minister, later proclaimed Scranton as the "Electric City".

The city's industrial production and population peaked in the 1930s and 1940s, fueled by demand for coal and textiles, especially during World War II. But while the national economy boomed after the war, demand for the region's coal declined as other forms of energy became more popular, which also harmed the rail industry. Foreseeing the decline, city leaders formulated the Scranton Plan in 1945 to diversify the local economy beyond coal, but the city's economy continued to decline. The Knox Mine disaster of 1959 essentially ended coal mining in the region. Scranton's population dropped by over 67,000, from its peak of 143,433 in the 1930 census, to 76,089 in the 2010 census, but had rebounded slightly by 2020. The city now has large healthcare, academic, and manufacturing sectors.

Scranton is located 56 miles (90 km) north of Allentown, 104 miles (167 km) north-northwest of Philadelphia, and 99 miles (159 km) west-northwest of New York City.

Scranton's total area of 25.4 square miles (66 km²) includes 25.2 square miles (65 km²) of land and 0.2 square miles (0.52 km²) of water, according to the United States Census Bureau. Scranton is drained by the Lackawanna River. Center City is about 750 feet (229 m) above sea level, although the hilly city's inhabited portions range from 650 to 1,400 feet (200 to 430 m). The city is flanked by mountains to the east and west whose elevations range from 1,900 to 2,100 feet (580 to 640 m).

Health and wellness are paramount in Scranton, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Scranton Primary Care is a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Scranton Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Planet Fitness, TRYBE, and Crunch Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Scranton, such as the Top of the World and Davis Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and the enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Scranton, PA are Steamtown National Historic Site, Montage Mountain Resorts, Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den, and Nay Aug Park.

Population: 75,805 (2023). ZIP code: 18501. Area code: 570. Elevation: 745 ft (227 m). Area: 25.54 sq mi (66.14 km²).

FAQs

Why is Scranton, PA so famous?

Scranton is known as "The Electric City," where history and culture converge to offer a unique and unforgettable experience. As Northeastern Pennsylvania's largest city, Scranton boasts a rich heritage, including its pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution. While it may be best recognized as the hometown of the fictional Dunder Mifflin from NBC's hit show, The Office, Scranton's significance extends far beyond the world of pop culture.

Is crime bad in Scranton, PA?

The crime rate in Scranton is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 21 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Scranton is 1 in 47. Based on FBI crime data, Scranton is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Pennsylvania, Scranton has a crime rate that is higher than 86% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Is Scranton, PA expensive to live in?

The cost of living in Scranton, PA is 4% lower than the state average and 8% lower than the national average. Scranton, PA housing is 26% cheaper than the U.S. average, while utilities are about 4% pricier. When it comes to necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 2% less in Scranton, PA than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 2% less.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Scranton

Scranton Primary Care 

Scranton Parks and Recreation Department 

Planet Fitness

TRYBE 

Crunch Fitness

Top of the World 

Davis Trail

Steamtown National Historic Site

Montage Mountain Resorts

Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den

Nay Aug Park

Visit NEPA

Neighborhood Scout

Rentcafe

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