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Wilkes-Barre, PA

Frequently asked questions

Wilkes-Barre City, PA

Wilkes-Barre is a city in and the county seat of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States. Located at the center of the Wyoming Valley in Northeastern Pennsylvania, it had a population of 44,328 in the 2020 census. It is the second-largest city, after Scranton, in the Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area, which had a population of 567,559 as of the 2020 census, making it the fifth-largest metropolitan area in Pennsylvania after the Delaware Valley, Greater Pittsburgh, the Lehigh Valley, and Greater Harrisburg.

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 the city of Wilkes-Barre itself is a mid-sized city, the larger Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Urban Area contains half a million residents in roughly 300 square miles (780 km²). Scranton/Wilkes-Barre is the cultural and economic center of a region called Northeastern Pennsylvania, which is home to over 1.3 million residents. Wilkes-Barre and the surrounding Wyoming Valley are framed by the Pocono Mountains to the east, the Endless Mountains to the north and west, and the Lehigh Valley to the south. The Susquehanna River flows through the center of the valley and defines the northwestern border of the city.

Wilkes-Barre was founded in 1769, incorporated as a borough in 1806, and formally re-incorporated as a city in 1869. The city grew rapidly in the 19th century after the discovery of nearby coal reserves and the arrival of hundreds of thousands of immigrants, who provided a labor force for the city's mines. The mining of high-quality anthracite coal-fueled industrialization in the city, which reached the height of its prosperity in the first half of the 20th century. Its population peaked at more than 86,000 in 1930.

Following World War II, the city's economy declined due to the collapse of industry. The Knox Mine disaster accelerated this trend after large portions of the area's coal mines were flooded and could not be reopened. In the 21st century, the city's population is roughly half that of its peak population of the 1930s, though it remains the largest city in Luzerne County and the 13th-largest city in Pennsylvania.

Wilkes-Barre is located 49 miles (79 km) north-northwest of Allentown, 97 miles (156 km) north-northwest of Philadelphia, and 106 miles (171 km) west-northwest of New York City.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.2 square miles (19 km²), of which 6.8 square miles (18 km²) is land and 0.3 square miles (0.78 km²), or 4.60%, is water. The city is bordered by the Susquehanna River to the west. Most of Downtown is located on a wide floodplain. Floodwalls were constructed to protect a large percentage of the city. The elevation of the downtown area is about 550 feet (170 m) above sea level. As you travel inland, away from the river, the elevation rises. Wilkes-Barre Mountain is a physical barrier southeast of the city.

The contiguous network of 5 cities and more than 40 boroughs all built in a straight line in Northeastern Pennsylvania's urban area act culturally and logistically as one continuous city, so while the city of Wilkes-Barre itself is a smaller town, the larger unofficial city of Scranton/Wilkes-Barre contains nearly half a million residents in roughly 200 square miles.

Wilkes-Barre is located approximately 63 miles (101 km) northwest of Allentown and 113 miles (182 km) northwest of Philadelphia. Wilkes-Barre and the surrounding Wyoming Valley are framed by the Pocono Mountains to the east, the Endless Mountains to the north and west, and the Lehigh Valley to the south. The Susquehanna River flows through the center of the valley and defines the northwestern border of the city.

Health and wellness are paramount in Wilkes-Barre, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Wilkes-Barre General Hospital is a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Wilkes-Barre 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 YMCA, FitHQ, and Crunch Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Wilkes-Barre, such as the Audubon Loop Trail and Seven Tubs Loop. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Wilkes-Barre City, PA are Kirby Park, Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, and F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts.

Population: 44,424 (2023). Elevation: 531 ft (162 m). Area: 6.1 square miles (15.8 km²). ZIP Code: 18701. Area code(s): 570 and 272.

FAQs

What is special about Wilkes-Barre, PA?

Founded in 1770, this former coal town along the scenic Susquehanna River is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise for kayaking, whitewater rafting, and hiking an extensive system of hiking/biking trails. Four state parks and numerous ski areas make this a popular destination. Enjoy gaming at Mohegan Pennsylvania, take in a minor-league Pittsburgh Penguins hockey game, and watch the Railriders baseball team at PNC Field. The arts are an important part of Wilkes-Barre, with a Third Friday Artwalk and two large galleries, the Marquis and the Sordoni.

Is Wilkes-Barre, PA considered the Poconos?

Soon after, immigrants flocked to the Poconos to work in the coal mines of the Poconos region, specifically in the town of Wilkes-Barre. This transformed The Poconos from farmland to a bustling city. Today you can Visit Wilkes-Barre, the home of the anthracite fields. If you want to learn more about Wilkes-Barre’s past, check out the Luzerne County Historical Society Museum, filled with Native American exhibits, anthracite coal displays, and presentations on the local culture.

Is Wilkes-Barre, PA a nice place to live?

Wilkes-Barre is in Luzerne County. Living in Wilkes-Barre offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Wilkes-Barre, there are a lot of bars, restaurants, and parks. Many families live in Wilkes-Barre and residents tend to be liberal.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Wilkes-Barre

Wilkes-Barre General Hospital

Wilkes-Barre Parks and Recreation Department 

YMCA

FitHQ 

Crunch Fitness

Audubon Loop Trail 

Seven Tubs Loop

Kirby Park

Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza

F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts

Mountaintop Lodge

Visit PA

Niche

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