Kingston, PA Area Guide

Kingston's roots reach back to 1769, when the first settlers arrived in the Wyoming Valley along the Susquehanna River. The borough was formally incorporated in 1857, taking its name from Kingston, Rhode Island. Wyoming Seminary, established in 1844, remains one of the area's most visible historic institutions, with its Upper School campus anchoring the community and preserving Kingston's long connection to education. Fleck Hall on the Seminary grounds and the Hoyt Library, once home to early settler Samuel Hoyt, offer glimpses into the borough's past. Both the Market Street Bridge, which links Kingston to Wilkes-Barre across the river, and the Kingston Armory hold spots on the National Register of Historic Places. These landmarks reflect a community that has maintained its architectural heritage while adapting to modern needs, making history a living part of the streetscape rather than a distant memory.

Kingston's dining scene reflects both its close-knit borough character and its proximity to Wilkes-Barre across the river. Local diners and family-owned restaurants anchor the everyday food culture, with breakfast spots drawing loyal regulars and neighborhood bars offering hearty American pub fare alongside dry-aged steaks and fresh oysters. Greek cuisine has a comfortable presence in the area, with dishes like moussaka, dolmades, and hummus available at sit-down restaurants that bring Mediterranean flavors to the Wyoming Valley. The broader Wilkes-Barre dining corridor is easily accessible, expanding options to include Italian, Vietnamese, and other cuisines for residents looking to explore beyond the borough.

Most Kingston residents rely on personal vehicles to get around, with Interstate 81 serving as the main artery for regional travel and the Cross Valley Expressway providing a convenient link to the Back Mountain area. The Market Street and Pierce Street bridges connect Kingston directly to Wilkes-Barre across the Susquehanna River, making cross-river commuting straightforward. For those without a car, the Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA) operates bus service through the borough. Greyhound and Martz Trailways offer intercity travel from nearby Wilkes-Barre. The borough's ten parks include walking and biking trails, and the relatively compact, walkable streets make foot travel practical for everyday errands.

Kingston's ten community parks give residents plenty of ways to spend time outdoors across the borough. Hamilton Park welcomes leashed dogs, Levy Park is well suited for cyclists, and Reese Park accommodates both. Basketball and tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, and updated playground equipment are spread across these green spaces, supporting year-round recreation for all ages. Walking, biking, and running trails wind through the parks and connect residents to Kingston's natural surroundings along the Susquehanna River. The broader Wyoming Valley also puts larger regional outdoor spaces within easy reach, making Kingston a practical base for anyone who values access to parks alongside a walkable, close-knit community.

Kingston offers a relatively affordable rental market compared to statewide averages, with one-bedroom apartments averaging around $1,500 per month and two-bedroom units in the mid-$1,600s. Three-bedroom options are also available, generally in the $2,000 range. The borough sits in a more budget-friendly position within the Wyoming Valley when compared to broader Pennsylvania averages, and is notably less expensive than major metro markets. Nearby Wilkes-Barre offers additional inventory at somewhat lower price points, giving renters flexibility depending on their budget and preferred location within the region.

Kingston's shopping options benefit from its close proximity to the Wyoming Mall, a regional retail hub that draws residents from across the Wyoming Valley for everyday needs and browsing. Market Street serves as a practical commercial corridor connecting Kingston to Wilkes-Barre, where a broader mix of retail and services is easily accessible by car or on foot. When warmer months arrive, the Wilkes-Barre Farmers Market gives local shoppers a seasonal destination for fresh produce and regional goods. The overall retail landscape here suits those who appreciate a straightforward, accessible mix of neighborhood convenience and regional options within a short drive.