Scranton PA

Scranton – The Electric City, known for its rich industrial past and friendly small-town feel, blends history, culture, and natural beauty in the heart of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Whether you're walking through its historic streets, exploring scenic parks, or diving into its growing arts scene, Scranton offers an inviting mix of charm and energy for everyone to enjoy.

• Population: ~76,000
• Weather: Cold winters (20-40°F) with snow; warm summers (60-85°F); colorful fall foliage and mild springs.
• Places To Visit: Steamtown National Historic Site, Electric City Trolley Museum, Nay Aug Park, Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour, Anthracite Heritage Museum.
• Top Activities: Hiking at Nay Aug Gorge, touring historic railways, attending First Friday art walks, catching a show at the Scranton Cultural Center, cheering on the RailRiders baseball team.
• Famous Food: Old Forge-style pizza, Italian hoagies from local delis, pierogies, and classic diner fare found throughout the city.

Scranton, Pennsylvania, has transformed from its coal mining roots into a diverse economic zone. Today, top areas for jobs include healthcare, education, manufacturing, and logistics. The city offers steady opportunities in both public and private sectors.

Top 5 Jobs in Scranton, PA

Scranton, PA may not be as famous as some big cities, but it has its own charm and offers plenty of spots where students can relax, unwind, and have some fun. Whether you're into nature, art, or just want to enjoy some good local food, Scranton has something unique for everyone.

Nay Aug Park – Perfect for a stroll with friends or a solo reflective walk, Nay Aug Park offers trails, a treehouse, and even a small waterfall. It's a great place to connect with nature and take a break from your studies.

Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour – A must for those interested in history, this attraction provides a unique experience where you can descend into a real mine and learn about coal mining in the region.

Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den – If you're an animal lover, this spot in The Marketplace at Steamtown is perfect for a fun day spent exploring exotic wildlife.

Scranton Cultural Center – For those who love the arts, catching a show or concert at the Scranton Cultural Center is a treat. The building itself is stunning, and regular events mean there’s always something happening.

Steamtown National Historic Site – Railfans and history buffs alike will enjoy the locomotives and exhibits celebrating the city’s railroad roots. It's an educational yet entertaining way to spend the day.

Montage Mountain – Whether it’s skiing in winter or attending music festivals in summer, Montage Mountain offers year-round fun. The water park with wave pools and lazy rivers also make it a great summer hangout.

Coffee Shops in Downtown – For a low-key hangout, Scranton's downtown coffee shops offer cozy spots to relax with a cup of coffee, work on assignments, or chat with friends. Places like Northern Light Espresso Bar & Cafe have a friendly vibe and plenty of seating.

South Side Bowl – Bowling is always a good idea for a casual night out with friends. South Side Bowl offers lanes, arcade games, and a lively atmosphere for some light-hearted competition.

Scranton, Pennsylvania, is home to several respected colleges and universities that serve students seeking affordable, high-quality education in fields such as healthcare, business, liberal arts, and technology. Whether you're looking for a large public institution or a private college with a close-knit campus feel, Scranton offers academic choices for a wide variety of interests and goals.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Scranton

Lackawanna College – A career-focused community college located in downtown Scranton, known for its strong criminal justice, cybersecurity, and healthcare programs. It offers associate degrees and certificates geared toward hands-on careers and university transfer pathways.

Penn State Scranton – A regional campus of Pennsylvania State University, offering four-year degrees as well as the option to start one of more than 275 Penn State majors before transferring to another campus. It’s known for engineering, business, and health sciences programs.

Luzerne County Community College – Scranton Center – Though headquartered in Nanticoke, LCCC has a center in Scranton offering a wide range of associate degree programs in areas such as nursing, education, and computer science with an emphasis on workforce development.

Johnson College – A two-year technical college in Scranton providing degree and certificate programs in in-demand fields such as automotive technology, welding, radiologic technology, and veterinary sciences. Known for hands-on, career-oriented education.

Marywood University (Public Programs through Extension) – While technically private, Marywood collaborates with public initiatives and sometimes offers public-access programs in health and human services. As such, it contributes publicly accessible academic opportunities in the area.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Scranton

The University of Scranton – A nationally ranked Jesuit university known for its strong programs in health sciences, business, education, and liberal arts. The university emphasizes ethics, service, and academic excellence, offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Marywood University – A private Catholic university that offers a wide variety of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. It has strong offerings in social work, education, architecture, and health sciences, with a student-centered approach to learning.

Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine – A private medical school based in Scranton, offering M.D. and graduate programs. Known for its focus on community-based education and patient-centered care, GCSOM plays a major role in regional healthcare training and research.

Lackawanna College School of Petroleum & Natural Gas – While part of the larger community college, this specific program operates at a private level with industry partnerships. It provides specialized training in energy sector careers through hands-on and technical education.

Fortis Institute Scranton – A private, for-profit institution offering career education in healthcare, skilled trades, and technology. Programs such as medical assisting and HVAC are tailored to meet regional employment needs quickly and effectively.

Scranton, PA is home to several excellent high schools that work hard to prepare students for life after graduation. From challenging academic courses to supportive staff and well-rounded activities, these schools support student success across the board.

Top Public High Schools in Scranton, PA

• Scranton High School – Known for its diverse student body and wide range of Advanced Placement courses, this school helps students prepare for college and beyond.
• West Scranton High School – Offers strong science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs and is committed to student growth in all areas.
• Mid Valley Secondary Center – Located just outside Scranton, this public school provides a strong academic foundation alongside sports and arts programs.
• Riverside Junior-Senior High School – Although smaller, it maintains high standards in teaching and fosters a close-knit learning community.
• Dunmore High School – Known for its academic achievements and family-like environment, this school supports students at every step.

Top Private High Schools in Scranton, PA

• Scranton Preparatory School – A Jesuit college-prep school with a strong reputation for academic excellence, leadership development, and community service.
• Holy Cross High School – A Catholic school focused on faith-based learning along with high academic standards and character-building activities.
• Bais Yaakov of Scranton – A private school for Jewish girls that combines religious studies with a solid academic program.
• Benedictine Academy – Offers personalized instruction and emphasizes academic, moral, and spiritual growth.
• La Salle Academy (Upper Campus) – Although it includes middle school grades as well, its upper-level students benefit from individualized attention and strong college prep focus.

Scranton, Pennsylvania may not host any major league professional sports teams, but the city has a rich sports culture and is home to several successful minor league and semi-professional teams that bring excitement and entertainment to local fans.

⚾ Baseball – Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A, MiLB)

• Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders – The RailRiders are the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. They play their home games at PNC Field in Moosic, just outside of Scranton. The team has a strong winning tradition and claimed the Triple-A National Championship in 2016. Many current and former Yankees stars have played for the RailRiders during their development years.

🏈 Football – Scranton Eagles (Semi-Pro)

• Scranton Eagles – A historic team in the semi-professional football world, the Scranton Eagles have won multiple minor league national championships since their founding in 1972. They’re one of the most successful semi-pro franchises in the country and are known for developing local talent and entertaining fans with hard-nosed football.

🏀 Basketball – Lacking a Professional Team

• While Scranton doesn’t currently have a professional basketball team, the area has a strong basketball following, especially at the college and high school levels. Local schools like University of Scranton have successful men's and women’s basketball programs that regularly compete and win in NCAA Division III.

🏒 Hockey – Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL)

• Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins – Located about 30 minutes from Scranton, this team is the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins. They play at the Mohegan Sun Arena and have made the playoffs in nearly every season since their founding in 1999. The team has developed many NHL players and consistently competes at a high level.

⚽ Soccer – Electric City Shock (ASL, Amateur)

• Electric City Shock – Representing Scranton in the world of amateur soccer, the Electric City Shock compete in the American Soccer League. Founded in 2013, they bring together local talent and passionate fans to grow the sport in the region. Matches are typically played at Scranton High Stadium.

Though Scranton doesn’t feature top-tier professional teams, its passionate fan base and strong minor league presence make it an exciting sports city full of local pride and athletic tradition.

Scranton, Pennsylvania is a city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and plenty of unique quirks. Once known as the "Electric City," Scranton is full of surprises that make it unlike any other place. Here are some fun facts about Scranton, PA:

1. The Electric City – Scranton earned the nickname "The Electric City" because it was one of the first cities in the U.S. to have electric streetcars back in 1886.
2. Home of “The Office” – The hit TV show The Office is set in Scranton, and the show boosted the city’s fame worldwide.
3. Steamtown National Historic Site – Scranton is home to the Steamtown National Historic Site, a museum and rail yard showcasing America’s steam locomotive history.
4. Joe Biden’s Roots – President Joe Biden was born in Scranton and often speaks fondly of his hometown roots.
5. Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour – Visitors to Scranton can actually take an underground tour of a real coal mine that goes 300 feet below the surface!
6. Original Houdini Museum – Scranton is home to the only building in the world dedicated to the life and magic of Harry Houdini.
7. Scranton Cultural Center – This stunning theater and event space is built inside a former Masonic Temple and features beautiful Gothic architecture.
8. Dunder Mifflin Merchandise is Real – Thanks to The Office, you can actually buy Dunder Mifflin merchandise all over Scranton — it’s become part of the city’s identity!
9. Rich Railroad History – Scranton was once a major hub for the railroad industry and helped power the country’s industrial growth during the 19th and 20th centuries.
10. Annual Office Convention – Scranton held popular “The Office” fan conventions where cast members came to town, and thousands of fans gathered to celebrate the show.