Welcome to Greater Hazleton | DiscoverNEPA (2024)

A region on the move.

Greater Hazleton is one of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s most diverse, fastest growing and economically transformative regions. The area fills out the southern corner of Luzerne County and consists of a larger grouping of closely connected and conveniently-located cities, townships and boroughs.

The City of Hazleton, long ago nicknamed “The Mountain City,” serves as the central hub of the region. From there, Greater Hazleton radiates outward to include Hazle Township, West Hazleton, Butler Township, Drums and the Borough of Conyngham. The area also incorporates smaller, suburban communities like McAdoo, Freeland, Sugarloaf and Foster Township, to name just a few.

Pastoral farmlands, quiet, small towns and a thriving, major city in the making.

Abundant and affordable housing, friendly, diverse communities and a low cost of living remain one of Greater Hazleton’s strongest selling points. Available housing in the area varies, from historic homes built during the city’s early industrial periods to new builds and modernized restorations.

From all over, families, professionals, a young, energetic workforce have settled on Greater Hazleton in their search for a more accessible, a more attainable and a significantly less stressful quality of life.

Communities in Greater Hazleton enjoy access to reliable public transportation. Close proximity to six major interstate highways and the PA Turnpike makes a convenient commute one of the region’s most significant attributes. Most of the Poconos, Wilkes-Barre and Scranton are within a 30-minute drive. It’s also just a short road trip to the Lehigh Valley, New York City and Philadelphia.

Safe and secure communities are a top priority in Greater Hazleton. Local police, PA State Police, a mix of professional, full-time and volunteer fire departments and ambulance services work together throughout the region. Geisinger Health System and the Lehigh Valley Health Network serve all parts of the region through outpatient facilities and the Lehigh Valley Hospital in Hazleton.

Every community in Greater Hazleton is served by the Hazleton Area School District. Thirteen school buildings make up what is one of the largest public-school systems in the Commonwealth. The district includes 10 elementary and middle schools and 3 state-of-the-art high school buildings. There are also several private and parochial school options within the district.

The region is also home to three, affordable and easily-accessible colleges – Penn State University’s Hazleton Campus in Sugarloaf Twp., Lackawanna College and Luzerne County Community College, both in Hazleton. And with convenient interstate access, students in Greater Hazleton are also well within reach of NEPA’s other 15 colleges and universities.

Decades of targeted economic development have made working or owning a business in Greater Hazleton a smart choice. A strong geographical advantage, proximity to highway, rail and air travel, forward-thinking leadership and access to a robust, energetic workforce have inspired a regional boom of interest, investment and development.

The 14.3 million square foot Humboldt Industrial Park in Hazle Twp. and East Union Twp. stands as a perfect example of Greater Hazleton’s supportive economic environment. Nearly 60 industries, and many household names, call the sprawling industrial park home.

At the foothills of the Pocono Mountains.

Getting outside in Greater Hazleton is easy. There are ample opportunities to hit the trail, hop on the bike, drop a line or take in the natural scenery. The Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails offers a scenic, easy-grade trail for walking, running or cycling year-round.

Hazle Township Community Park is one of Greater Hazleton’s largest green spaces. The park features sports fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, trails, a pavilion and Lake Irena. Most of the towns and boroughs within the region feature community parks, pools and gathering spaces.

From its rural reaches to its vibrant downtowns, Greater Hazleton offers a little something for everyone when it comes to having fun. The Pennsylvania Theater of Performing Arts in Hazleton regularly features local renditions of beloved classics for the community. Eckley Miner’s Village in Foster Twp. offers a glimpse into a real, working coal town from the early 19th century.

And if you’re out and about, you might as well grab a bite. An exciting and diverse culinary scene is spreading across the region. From classic NEPA pizza joints and handmade Italian favorites to authentic ethnic delights and mouth-watering sweets, Greater Hazleton offers more than enough to keep the modern foodie busy.

Of course, there’s always plenty of shopping. Throughout the region, local, small businesses line downtown streets. And The Laurel Mall, in Hazle Township delivers that quintessential shopping experience with dozens of national retail outlets and dining options.

And if you’re looking to just soak it all in, Greater Hazleton comes together throughout the year during popular festivals, community events, parades and so much more.

Stop by. Try some Pitz and Scamutz. And get to know Greater Hazleton.

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