Moosic, PA Area Guide

Long before the borough was incorporated on December 9, 1898, the villages of Moosic and Greenwood were part of Lackawanna Township, and the Lenape people were the earliest-known inhabitants of this river-valley land. The region's coal-mining heritage shaped its character for generations, alongside smaller industries that once produced canvas gloves and silk goods.

That industrial past is most vividly explored at the nearby Steamtown National Historic Site, an 11-minute drive away, where the National Park Service preserves railroad and coal-era history in depth. The Everhart Museum, about 12 minutes from the borough, offers a broader lens through natural history, science, and art -- rounding out the cultural heritage renters can discover close to home.

Most residents head to the neighboring borough of Old Forge, widely recognized as the Pizza Capital of the World, when they want a sit-down meal. Old Forge's Italian dining scene draws visitors from across the region, with wood-fired pies and red-sauce traditions that have built a devoted following over decades.

Back in Moosic, fast and casual options are spread throughout the borough, and The Shoppes at Montage Mountain adds a convenient cluster of dining choices for everyday meals or a quick bite before catching a movie at the on-site Cinemark theater.

Getting around Moosic means getting behind the wheel. Interstate 81 is the primary artery, connecting the borough to Scranton to the north and Wilkes-Barre to the south, while Interstate 476 provides access to the broader Pennsylvania Turnpike network.

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport is roughly nine minutes away by car, a genuine convenience for frequent travelers. The County of Lackawanna Transit System operates bus service across the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre corridor, though Moosic remains predominantly car-dependent for daily errands and commuting.

Montage Mountain is the recreational centerpiece of the area, covering 140 skiable acres with slopes open day and night during winter, plus a full waterpark when warmer weather arrives. Trails wind through the mountain year-round, and the Pavilion at Montage Mountain has served as an outdoor concert and festival venue for more than 20 years.

The Lackawanna River, which flows through the borough itself, draws anglers looking for a quieter outdoor escape. A short drive opens up more options: Nay Aug Park in Scranton offers trails, a pool, and a gorge, while the Marywood University Arboretum provides a peaceful green setting about 17 minutes away.

Rental prices in Moosic run well below the Pennsylvania state average, making the borough one of the more affordable places to rent in the region. The broader Scranton metro area, which serves as the closest cost-of-living reference point, sits roughly 10 percent below the national average overall, with housing costs particularly low compared to national benchmarks. Utilities trend slightly above the national average, while grocery and healthcare costs come in modestly below it.

Birney Plaza, about five minutes from the borough core, anchors everyday shopping with a ShopRite supermarket and an Ace Hardware under one roof. Gerrity's Supermarket adds another local option, complete with an in-house bakery and deli counter.

The Shoppes at Montage Mountain brings a wider retail and dining mix to the area, including the Cinemark Montage Mountain 20 and XD theater. Montage Crossing, just six minutes away, rounds out the commercial corridor and gives residents several options without a long drive.

A former coal-mining borough turned recreation destination, Moosic pairs year-round outdoor activity at Montage Mountain with pro-level baseball at PNC Field, easy highway access to Scranton and beyond, and a cost of living well below state averages -- all rooted in a community whose name has meant "elk place" since long before any borough lines were drawn.