Along with being one of the state's major urban areas, Scranton is also the seat of Lackawanna County. Carved from Luzerne County in the late 19th century, Lackawanna was once devoted mainly to coal-mining, farming, and textiles. These days, service jobs and manufacturing are more common. The county's name is derived from an Algonquin term that means "where the streams meet."
A town with an industrial past, Scranton derived its wealth and incredible growth from anthracite coal mining, along with iron and steel manufacturing. Named for founding father, George Scranton, the city was once known as the "Anthracite Capital of the World." Today, visitors can get a glimpse of its hard-working past at the Lackawanna Coal Mine, where coal cars transport visitors 300 feet into mines that once bustled with miners, mules, and coal carts. Steamtown National Historic site focuses on the city's railroad heritage, proudly displaying life-sized and model steam engines. Also view abandoned blast furnaces that dominate Scranton's downtown area. For sightseeing that's historical but not industrial, check out the Houdini Museum or the Electric City Trolley Museum. Thanks to the wealth of mining, iron, and steel industries, Scranton boasts fascinating architecture too, including the Art Deco Scranton Cultural Center. The general area boasts a moderate climate, perfect for warm-weather hiking and wintertime skiing. At McDade Park, Archbald Pothole State Park, and Lackawanna State Park, folks can also get a taste of the region's natural beauty. Dining options are both casual and upscale, but be sure to visit Carmen's at the Lackawanna Station Hotel, the beautifully refurbished former Lackawanna Railroad Station.
One of the city's most familiar institutes of higher learning is the University of Scranton. Founded as Saint Thomas College in 1888, it now offers approximately 5,000 students various programs in liberal arts and health-related fields. The university is affiliated with the Jesuits.
Honeymooners will be pleased to discover that Scranton isn't too far distant from the romance of the Poconos. Although the region isn't distinctly measured out, many of its most recognized resorts can be found southeast of Scranton, between it and Stroudsburg. Within an hour's drive, you can be lounging in a heart-shaped bath or in a tub fashioned after a champagne glass!
Baseball lovers thrill to the presence of Scranton's own minor league baseball team, the Red Barons. A farm team for the Philadelphia Phillies, the Barons draw substantial crowds of hometown fans, who can't get enough of America's favorite pastime and the excitement the game provokes.
Housing Cost
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $109,200
Mean prices in 2007: All housing units: $123,930; Detached houses: $124,949; Townhouses or other attached units: $111,746; In 2-unit structures: $102,666; In 3-to-4-unit structures: $221,374; In 5-or-more-unit structures: $120,708; Mobile homes: $44,914.
Demographics
Population in July 2008: 72,233. Scranton covers 25.2 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 754 feet above sea level. Area code: 570
Weather
Scranton, PA climate is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70's and very cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 20's.
The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 82.60 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 18.50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be moderate during summer with a difference that can reach 21 degrees Fahrenheit, and fairly limited during winter with an average difference of 16 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at Scranton is 37.56 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is June with an average rainfall of 3.97 Inches.
Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com
