East Mountain - Scranton, PA

Although originally inhabited by Native Americans, East Mountain has a rich modern history dating back as early as 1850. The Pennsylvania Coal company bought parts of the area in 1852 and created a reservoir, now known as East Mountain’s, Mountain Lake. At this time, employees of the coal company were the main residents of this area. In the 1890s and early 1900s, Mountain Lake was a main attraction for many clubs and outings; now, it’s a prized gem concealed in the central East Mountain greenery. Built to the immediate left of the lake, Robinson Park was established in 1911 and has since become safe place to run, play and relax.

As the peaceful side of Scranton, this neighborhood still has much to offer. Just a mile west, the downtown area provides charming restaurants and simple nightlife options.

The Waldorf Park Social Club, located in the center of East Mountain, presents itself as a casual restaurant and venue. With a membership, this club gives you access to consistent neighborhood fun. Mardi Gras, the Super Bowl and other holidays kick off here with music and excitement. During the summer, locals hang out on the outdoor patio for parties and play volleyball with friends. Even when it's too cold for the patio, bands play almost every Friday night. The Dorf, as locals call it, prevails as a top venue that brings people together, and whether it's for a pool league or a local wedding, everyone's involved.

Zaleski's Clubhouse Cafe, just west of East Mountain, serves hot wings described as the best in Scranton, with a food and drink special almost every night. Locals enjoy the hot wing pizza, taco Tuesdays and wing Wednesdays.

For a night clubbing, locals drive out of Scranton to find the excitement they need, but those happy with a brew and some live music head to nearby Jack's Draft House. This centrally located Scranton bar serves up craft beer and great food. Whether you like sipping antique whiskey or snacking on a simple panini, you can enjoy it near the cozy fireplace at Jack's.

For more diverse dining options, the western side of Scranton offers many different restaurants and bars. Only two miles away, Asian, Irish, Indian, and Mexican food sells for affordable prices. Just south of East Mountain, well-known chain restaurants can also be found.

Car travel happens to be the most common in and out of East Mountain. For local travel, the County Of Lackawana Transit System Bus Station is available. With a route that circles through East Mountain, traveling downtown only takes a quick 30 minutes. While the local roads of East Mountain exhibit peaceful suburbia, many highways can be accessed. Only 5 miles north of East Mountain, Interstate 380 and Route 6 can be reached which allows for steady travel North and South. It only takes 90 minutes to get to New York City and just 2 hours to Philadelphia. For the beginner to intermediate cyclist, traveling through East Mountain can be tasking. The neighborhood doesn’t have bike lanes and has many inclines and descents, making it hard to maneuver. Regardless, East Mountain remains pleasurable for leisure riding.

East Mountain portrays the beauty of a mountain town with an array of forests and fresh air. Scranton Lake, Mountain Lake and Robinson Park have become treasured gems of this neighborhood. Scranton Lake frequents visitors for its 3.5 mile walking path, which stays busy by giving visitors a beautiful view of the lake. Old-fashioned stone bridges and gazebos add to the satisfying experience walking under and through the trees. Tucked away at the center of the neighborhood, Robinson Park hides. Alongside Mountain Lake, this little park has playgrounds and basketball courts. This quiet area represents the safety of East Mountain and sits right next to a retirement facility. At the northern tip of East Mountain, Nay Aug Park lies, another park that emanates the serenity of this eastern neighborhood. Walking trails, two playgrounds, two pools and kiddie rides provide most of the fun at this park. The waterfalls and gorge attract many locals and even Scranton visitors. Families gaze in awe at the beauty of the landscape and children can always be seen at the wooden playground. Rising 150 feet above the gorge, families sit atop a wooden tree-house, the first of its kind in Pennsylvania.

The average rent for this area runs around $787. Average for Pennsylvania, this happens to be a steal for such a beautiful area close to the city. Public transit and driving both weigh as reliable means of transportation. Gas prices sit at 11 percent higher than the national average, but it only costs $1.75 to ride the bus one way. Zaleski’s and the Waldorf both have specials on drinks all week. Frequent weekly specials as low as $1.50 to $2 for a pint of beer results in recurring customers.

While shops remain sparse in East Mountain, plenty of options reside on the western side of I-81. For grocery shopping needs, Gerrity's supermarket lies just on the northwest border of East Mountain. For more exciting shopping, florists, bike shops and other specialty stores lie less than a mile west of East Mountain.

Known for its great service, Cedar Bike & Paddle has served the area's bicycle needs for years. Its ability to provide more for the community than just bikes and bike parts makes Cedar different from typical bike shops. This beloved store has swimming lessons, kayak rentals and repairs most bikes and small watercraft. In addition, every member of staff actively gets involved with the community. The warm and knowledgeable staff gets rave reviews throughout Scranton for personality and skills.

Just 2 miles west of central East Mountain, McCarthy Remick Flowers sits on route 11. For any occasion, McCarthy provides residents with floral arrangements and gifts. Established 1952, this family shop grew right out of Scranton and made news nationally. McCarthy's Florist stands out in Scranton for its specials and fun competitions.