Hazle Township, PA Area Guide

Long before European settlers arrived, the land that became Hazle Township sat at the crossroads of two Native American trails -- the Nanticoke path and the Nescopeck path -- a geographic fact that shaped its role as a regional throughway. The name itself comes from the abundance of hazel trees in the area, which Native Americans called "Hazle Swamp." Moravian missionaries were among the first Europeans to travel through, and by 1804 a private company had widened the old Warriors Path into the Berwick Turnpike, opening the region to logging and commerce.

The discovery of anthracite coal in the early 1800s transformed the township into an industrial engine, with collieries operating throughout the nineteenth century. Neighboring Hazleton was incorporated as a borough in 1857 and elevated to city status in 1891, eventually becoming the second most populous city in Luzerne County. Today the area's industrial past has given way to a logistics-driven economy.

Dining in the Hazle Township area covers a broad range of cuisines, with Dominican, Mexican, and Italian options all well represented. Most of the restaurant activity concentrates on the north side of Hazleton, near the intersections of West Broad Street and North Church Street, running from casual pizzerias and bakeries to full-service international spots.

Downtown revitalization efforts led by the Hazleton Alliance for Progress have brought new entrepreneurs and eateries into storefront spaces, steadily broadening the options available to residents. The Cinco de Mayo celebration downtown draws a crowd each year and highlights several types of cuisines.

Interstate 81 sits about three miles from central Hazleton via Route 924, connecting drivers north to Scranton and south toward Harrisburg. Interstate 80 is also accessible nearby, giving residents a direct route across Pennsylvania and toward the New York metro corridor.

For those without a car, Hazleton Public Transit operates multiple bus routes through the city, with stops along West 15th Street and other corridors. Two airports serve the area: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, about 35 miles away, offers flights to destinations including Charlotte and Chicago, while Lehigh Valley International Airport is roughly 44 miles in the other direction.

City View Park on the south side serves as the area's gathering anchor, featuring a stage with bleachers, a dance area, lighted pavilions, a walking trail, and a playground that draws visitors from a wide radius. The free Rockin' the Mountain Concert Series brings tribute acts to the park on three Friday evenings each summer, turning the space into a lively outdoor venue.

Can Do Community Park offers quieter areas for both sitting and active recreation, and over a dozen parks dot the broader Hazleton area. Nescopeck State Park lies roughly sixteen miles away and provides wooded trails, fishing, and open space for those who want to venture further.

Rental rates in the Hazle Township area run well below the Pennsylvania state average, making the township one of the more affordable options in the northeastern part of the state. One-bedroom apartments in the Hazleton area average around $1,039 per month, and studios come in near $660, while two-bedroom units average around $1,219. The state average for a one-bedroom sits closer to $1,574, placing local rents roughly a third below that benchmark..

Several shopping centers sit within easy reach of Hazle Township, including Grand Central Plaza, Hazleton Shopping Center, and Hazleton Commons, all clustered within about a mile of the township's core. For everyday grocery needs, a Giant store near West Broad Street handles the bulk of shopping trips, while smaller neighborhood grocery stores fill in the gaps closer to home.

Downtown Hazleton hosts a regular farmers market that gives local growers and vendors a direct outlet, and the Facade Rehabilitation Grant program continues to attract new storefronts to the area. Entrepreneurs supported by the Downtown Alliance are steadily adding retail variety to the commercial corridor.

Hazle Township brings together Pocono Mountain access, a revitalized downtown with international dining and a farmers market, and rental rates well below the Pennsylvania state average -- all within two hours of New York City and Philadelphia.