Amenities
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Employment
This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.
Wilkes-Barre is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Pennsylvania. The city has a population of 40,805 inhabitants. Wilkes-Barre has a population density of 5,958 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. More than a quarter of the residents of Wilkes-Barre identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 20% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Wilkes-Barre, only 43% of the population is married. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Wilkes-Barre is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around Wilkes-Barre, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, commute, employment and more.
With a livability score of 76/100, Wilkes-Barre is ranked #2,859 in the United States and #271 in Pennsylvania. Clearly, Wilkes-Barre is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Wilkes-Barre also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! Based on the grades for each individual category, Wilkes-Barre has received high marks for cost of living (A+) and housing (B). On a more negative note, Wilkes-Barre does not have favorable ranks for the following: crime (F) and employment (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Wilkes-Barre has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Wilkes-Barre has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Wilkes-Barre can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Wilkes-Barre is real estate affordability. The median home price for Wilkes-Barre homes is $78,000, which is 53.5% lower than the Pennsylvania average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Wilkes-Barre, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 1.9, which is 38.7% lower than the Pennsylvania average.
| Statistic | Wilkes-Barre | Pennsylvania | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 71.3% | 76.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 11.3% | 8.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.1% | 5.6% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 7.6% | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.5% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
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