📍 About AVP & the Area
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) serves northeastern Pennsylvania. Located between the two cities of Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, the area offers affordable living, a tight-knit community, and access to the Pocono Mountains. It's a great spot for nature lovers and those seeking a slower pace of life without sacrificing amenities.
🏡 Where to Live
Popular Areas for Controllers
- Scranton – Revitalized downtown, affordable apartments, restaurants and bars.
- Moosic – Very close to AVP, newer developments and shops.
- Old Forge – Small-town feel, famous for its pizza.
- Clarks Summit – Suburban, great schools, ideal for families.
- Wilkes-Barre – Larger city feel, shopping, riverfront district.
🚗 Commute Times to AVP
- 5–10 min: Moosic, Avoca, Dupont
- 10–20 min: Scranton, Old Forge, Pittston, Clarks Summit
- 20–30 min: Wilkes-Barre, Dallas, Mountain Top
🎓 Top School Districts
- Abington Heights SD – Clarks Summit area, very highly rated.
- Dallas SD – Great for families northwest of the airport.
- Wyoming Valley West – Serving parts of Wilkes-Barre area.
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
🌲 Outdoors
- Explore the Pocono Mountains – hiking, skiing, rafting
- Montage Mountain – Skiing in winter, waterpark in summer
- Steamtown National Historic Site – rail museum and train rides
- Lackawanna River Heritage Trail – biking and running
🎭 Arts, Sports & Culture
- Mohegan Sun Arena – concerts and Wilkes-Barre Penguins hockey
- Circle Drive-In Theatre – seasonal movies and events
- Scranton Cultural Center – theater, comedy, and music
✈️ Nearby Airports
- AVP – Wilkes-Barre/Scranton: Full-service regional airport
- ABE – Lehigh Valley Intl: ~1.5 hours southeast
- EWR – Newark Intl: ~2 hours east for international travel
💰 Cost of Living
- Home prices: Median ~$170,000 in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area
- Rent: 1BR ranges $850–$1,200/month
- Utilities: Lower than national average
- Taxes: PA state income tax is a flat 3.07%
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Cold and snowy – prepare for icy roads
- Spring: Rainy, mild, good for wildflowers
- Summer: Warm and green, temps in 70s–80s°F
- Fall: Beautiful foliage, cool and crisp
🚇 Transportation & Traffic
- I-81 provides easy access to most towns
- Minimal traffic congestion in the region
- Public transportation is limited – a car is essential
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Geisinger Community Medical Center – Scranton
- Wilkes-Barre General Hospital
- Multiple urgent care centers throughout the region
🫂 Community & Social Life
- Small-town feel with welcoming locals
- Lots of seasonal events, parades, and fairs
- Close-knit aviation and controller community
🍽️ Dining & Local Favorites
- Old Forge Pizza – known as “Pizza Capital of the World”
- Cooper’s Seafood House – local favorite and landmark
- Backyard Ale House – Scranton pub with great atmosphere
- Local diners, bakeries, and Italian food spots are everywhere
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Moderate volume – mix of commercial, GA, military ops
- Seasonal weather shifts can bring snow and IFR
- Great first facility with a supportive team environment
📦 Moving Tips
- Winter can impact move-in – avoid January if possible
- Clarks Summit and Moosic are great short-term rental areas
- Use Facebook groups like “NEPA Housing” to find listings
❓ FAQs
- Is it affordable to live here?
Yes – low cost of living compared to most areas. - Do I need AWD?
Helpful in winter but not required – just good snow tires. - Is there much to do?
Yes! Especially if you enjoy nature, small-town charm, and local eats.