Northeastern Pennsylvania & the Poconos
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
City and Luzerne County seat
A river city in the Wyoming Valley
Wilkes-Barre is a city in Luzerne County on the Susquehanna River and has been the county seat since 1786. It anchors the Wyoming Valley alongside Scranton, with a compact downtown, a riverfront park system and a substantial stock of historic housing.
History & Local Character
Laid out in 1770 and named for John Wilkes and Isaac Barré, the city grew on anthracite coal mining. Floods in 1936 and 1972 shaped its riverfront and its redevelopment.
Housing & Real Estate
Wilkes-Barre offers rowhouses, twins and older singles at low prices, with higher-end homes in the Back Mountain and surrounding townships.
Restaurants & Shopping
Public Square and the downtown blocks host restaurants, breweries and cafes, with a strong local pizza tradition.
Schools & Education
Wilkes-Barre Area School District serves the city, and King's College, Wilkes University and Misericordia University are nearby.
Parks & Recreation
River Common and Kirby Park line the Susquehanna, with the levee trail connecting the city's waterfront.
Transportation & Accessibility
I-81, Route 309 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike serve the city, with Luzerne County Transportation Authority buses. The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton airport is about 15 miles northeast.
Local Businesses
Healthcare, education and downtown retailers make up the local economy, with new investment along the river.
Nearby Attractions
- River Common
- Kirby Park
- F.M. Kirby Center
- Seven Tubs Nature Area
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Low housing costs
- Riverfront park system
- Strong healthcare and college presence
- Central Wyoming Valley location
Considerations
- School district consolidation challenges
- Flood risk along the Susquehanna
- Some commercial vacancies downtown
Frequently Asked Questions
What river runs through Wilkes-Barre?
The Susquehanna River runs along the western edge of downtown Wilkes-Barre, with the River Common park system along the levee.
Is Wilkes-Barre the Luzerne County seat?
Yes. Wilkes-Barre has been the seat of Luzerne County since 1786.