When you are living in your Wilkes-Barre apartment, you are living in a city immersed in Pennsylvania history. This article will give an overview of this lovely city of Luzerne County in Northeastern Pa. for those considering moving here or renting an apartment near-by.
The city of Wilkes-Barre was originally settled in 1769. It is named after its two founders, John Wilkes and Isaac Barre (1806) and from what I gather is the only hyphenated city in the USA. (Just a bit of trivia there!) The city was mainly an industrial anthracite coal town in the late 1800s and early 1900s where it saw a boom in economic wealth during this time. By the 1950s the coal industry had dried up, but the city continued on, though it suffered some bump and bruises along the way. (Agnes flood of 1972 I’m thinking of).
The city has recently been renovated and is quite beautiful. From your Wilkes-Barre apartment you will experience a diverse and dynamic amount of things to do and see. A short drive or walk downtown will take you to a hub of businesses and entertainment.
Recently the R/C Theaters Wilkes-Barre 14 opened on North Hampton Street, along with renovation of the city blocks around it. The $31 million project welcomes over 10,000 visitors each week. Around the corner on Main Street nestled among other shops and stores is a new Barnes & Noble bookstore and cafe. Further along in the city square sits The F. M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, a majestic theater that hosts concerts, plays, and performances by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic.
From your Wilkes-Barre apartment you can visit the lovely historic district of town, where the large houses and mansions of the past still stand beautifully renovated. This neighborhood is located near two great colleges, Wilkes University and King’s College. Many of these incredible homes are now used by the colleges or house business offices. Some remain residential homes or apartments.
Victorian house in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
If art is your thing, you can venture out of your Wilkes-Barre apartment to visit the Wilkes Sordoni Art Gallery, part of the Wilkes University community. The gallery is open daily, regularly has new features, and is free to the public.
If you have children, your Wilkes-Barre apartment may be close to one of the many nice schools in the area’s school district. Two of the three high schools in the district were listed on US News and World Reports Best High Schools list. Private schools and Catholic schools are nearby also.
The city is nestled next to the Susquehanna River and on a day when you want to get out of your Wilkes-Barre apartment and exercise the River Common walking trail is just the ticket. This paved trail leads along the river’s banks, goes through parks and recreation areas, and is a fun and energetic time where you can walk, run, or bike and see the beauty of the valley.
Within a fifteen to thirty minute drive you will find more shopping opportunities in Wilkes-Barre Township where the Wyoming Valley Mall and the Arena Hub shopping centers are located. The Mohegan Sun Arena, the areas largest in-door stadium, features the local Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins hockey team games as well as world-wide concert tours and shows. The Mohegan Sun Casino is a short drive away for gambling and “night-out” fun from your Wilkes-Barre apartment.
To help you find a Wilkes-Barre apartment or home for rent visit Apartmentstolike.com for listings and renters information. For landlords, we welcome your listings and offer free listings for your available rental.
images: Movies 14 picture by Ed Sabol via city-data.com
Wilkes-Barre overview via Event Premium Tickets (hockey tickets!)
Victorian House by Anthony T.P. Brooks via city-data.com
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