Wilkes-Barre, PA Area Guide

Founded in 1769, Wilkes-Barre takes its name from two British Parliament members, John Wilkes and Colonel Isaac Barre, who were known for their sympathy toward the American colonies -- a transatlantic footnote few communities can claim. By the 19th century, the surrounding anthracite coal fields had transformed it into a regional economic powerhouse.

Many historic structures now form the physical campuses of King's College and Wilkes University, preserving the architectural legacy even as their purpose evolved. The city's modern chapter began after Hurricane Agnes flooded much of Wilkes-Barre in 1972, triggering decades of gradual rebuilding that has accelerated in recent years into a fuller downtown resurgence.

Dining centers on two connected corridors: Main Street in the southern part of the city, where independently owned restaurants cluster, and Public Square, ringed by additional options just steps away. The mix spans a wide range of culinary traditions, with Mediterranean, Thai, and hibachi kitchens sharing the street alongside other regional cooking styles. Chain restaurants and big-box eateries are available roughly two miles east at Wilkes-Barre Township Commons, but the locally owned Main Street scene is where the real variety lives.

Every Thursday from June through November, Public Square hosts a weekly farmers market that draws local growers and food vendors, adding a seasonal outdoor dimension to the city's food culture.

Getting around by car is straightforward: Interstate 81 is within five miles of the city center, and connections to I-80 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-476) are typically 5 to 10 minutes away. Scranton is about 20 miles northeast via I-81. Public transportation is served by LCTA and Martz buses, which connect the city and surrounding region. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport is 12 miles north, about a 21-minute drive.

The downtown layout supports getting around on foot for daily errands, with businesses, parks, and apartment communities all concentrated in a compact core. The River Common's paved pathways also provide a dedicated corridor for cyclists and pedestrians along the Susquehanna waterfront.

Coal Street Park is the city's largest recreational space, pairing baseball fields and a playground with the Toyota SportsPlex next door -- an indoor facility offering ice skating, hockey, and curling. Across the Susquehanna, Kirby Park provides a quieter retreat with walking trails looping around a central pond. Golfers can access Hollenback Golf Club, a public course within the city, while the River Common along the downtown waterfront offers paved pathways, fishing piers, a boat launch, and a riverfront amphitheater that hosts the free summer concert series Rockin' the River.

Beyond city limits, Frances Slocum State Park lies about 22 minutes away, and State Game Lands 119 to the south covers nearly 8,000 acres of protected land. The Lands at Hillside Farms is a 13-minute drive from the city center.

Wilkes-Barre's overall cost of living sits nearly 13% below the national average, with housing costs running more than 41% below the national benchmark. Grocery and miscellaneous expenses also come in below average, while utilities, transportation, and healthcare run modestly above. One-bedroom apartments average $1,280 per month, which is $294 below the Pennsylvania statewide average for the same unit type. The most common rent range citywide falls between $873 and $1,911.

Two shopping centers, City Centre by Amato and Midtown Village, sit well under a mile from the city core and cover everyday retail needs without requiring a long drive. Independent shops dot Main Street and the blocks surrounding Public Square, reflecting the same locally owned character as the dining scene nearby. For major grocery runs and national chain retail, Wilkes-Barre Township Commons about two miles east holds a Wegmans, a Walmart, and a full complement of chain stores and restaurants.

Every Thursday from June through November, the Public Square farmers market brings local produce and artisan vendors into the heart of downtown, making it a regular stop for residents who prefer to shop close to home.

A walkable downtown on the Susquehanna River, two private universities embedded in a historic core, cost of living well below the national average, and quick access to Pocono Mountain recreation make Wilkes-Barre a genuinely compelling base in northeastern Pennsylvania, with live music, minor-league hockey, and a weekly farmers market rounding out daily life.