Hazleton, PA Area Guide

Long before European settlers arrived, the area that became Hazleton stood at the crossroads of two important Native American trails: the Nanticoke path, used during migration to the Wyoming Valley, and the Nescopeck path, which ran from the forks of the Delaware River to Nescopeck Creek. European settlement followed, and by the mid-1800s the city's fortunes were tied to the anthracite coal boom, later supplemented by a significant silk industry.

Today the imprint of that past is visible in the architecture of the downtown core, where the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress and its Facade Rehabilitation Grant program are actively restoring and modernizing storefronts. Annual events like the Downtown Hazleton Farmers Market and the Cinco de Mayo celebration connect the community.

Dining in Hazleton reflects the city's breadth, with Dominican, Mexican, and Italian cuisines all well represented. Many restaurants cluster near the intersection of West Broad Street and North Church Street, where casual cafes, bakeries, and pizzerias fill the surrounding blocks. The range of options suits a wide variety of tastes.

Food also shows up as a community event: the Downtown Hazleton Farmers Market draws locals downtown on a seasonal basis, offering another way to connect with the area's growers and makers.

Getting on the highway from Hazleton is straightforward: Interstate 81 is about 3 miles from the city center via Route 924, connecting drivers north to Scranton and south toward Harrisburg. Interstate 80 is also nearby, broadening regional access considerably. Hazleton Public Transit buses run multiple routes through the city, with stops along West 15th Street serving the northern part of town.

For air travel, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport is under 35 miles away, roughly a 51-minute drive, with service to destinations including Charlotte and Chicago. Lehigh Valley International Airport offers a second option about 44 miles to the south.

City View Park anchors outdoor life on the south side of the city, offering a stage with bleachers, a dance area, a walking trail, and multiple lighted pavilions. The park also hosts the Rockin' the Mountain Concert Series, a free summer event that spans three Friday evenings of tribute-band performances.

Beyond City View, over a dozen parks are distributed across the city, including Can Do Community Park, which offers both active recreation and quieter seating areas. For those who want to venture beyond city limits, Nescopeck State Park is about 16 miles away, adding trail access and natural scenery to the mix.

Rent in Hazleton runs well below the Pennsylvania statewide average, with one-bedroom apartments averaging around $1,039 per month compared to the state average of $1,574. Studios average around $660 per month, and two-bedroom units come in near $1,219.

Several shopping centers sit within about a mile of the city center, including Grand Central Plaza, Hazleton Shopping Center, and Hazleton Commons, all reachable in just a few minutes by car. A Giant grocery store near West Broad Street handles everyday essentials, and smaller neighborhood grocery stores are scattered throughout the city for quick, local runs.

Downtown Hazleton is growing as a retail destination in its own right. The Facade Rehabilitation Grant program has helped entrepreneurs modernize storefronts, and new businesses continue to open as the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress builds on its revitalization momentum. The seasonal Downtown Hazleton Farmers Market rounds out the mix with a community-centered shopping experience.

Rent prices well below the Pennsylvania state average, a revitalized downtown anchored by the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress, and quick access to both Interstates 81 and 80 make Hazleton a genuinely affordable option -- one that also delivers the outdoor appeal of the Pocono Mountains and a lively dining and events scene.