Scranton, PA Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Scranton, PA: What You Need to Know

Scranton is the seat of Lackawanna County in northeastern Pennsylvania. It’s called the Electric City for its pioneering work in establishing the first electric streetcar system in America.

Local History

The area used to be known as Unionville, Slocum Hollow, and Harrison before it was named Scrantonia, and then Scranton in 1851. The city was named after George W. and Selden T. Scranton, the brothers who established the Lackawanna Iron and Coal Company in 1840. It was a successful venture that led to a rolling mill, a nail factory, and a steel-rail works by 1850. In 1886, Scranton introduced a trailblazing streetcar system that’s operated entirely by electric power.

Job Opportunities

Scranton is the anchor of the Scranton metropolitan area, which includes the cities of Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton, and covers seven counties. The region has attracted manufacturers, call centers, research institutions, and transportation and warehousing companies for its lower business costs compared with other areas in the American Northeast. Top employers in Scranton and Lackawanna County include Allied Services Foundation, the Pennsylvania state government, Community Medical Center, University of Scranton, Bank of America, and Prudential Insurance.

Schools and Higher Education

The University of Scranton, a Jesuit university, is the largest of six institutions of higher education in the city. It was founded as Saint Thomas College in 1888. The university has 5,286 students, and it offers 67 bachelor’s degree programs and 34 master’s degree programs. College-age residents have a lot of choices in the region, with 214 universities within 100 miles of Scranton. In primary and secondary education, there are 16 public schools with an enrolment of 9,881 students under the Scranton School District. Top-ranked schools include William Prescott Elementary School and West Scranton High School. 

Cost of Living

A city like Scranton (population: 76,653) can help keep your wallet full, thanks to a cost of living rate that’s 4.4% lower than the national average. Food and housing are also inexpensive – 22% and 44% lower than the national average, respectively. The median gross rent is $782, while the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,110. Also, Pennsylvania’s 3.07% income tax rate is the lowest among states with a flat tax. The state collects 6% to 8% in sales tax.

Know Your Neighborhoods

Scranton is nestled in a beautiful valley. Residents love their scenic surroundings, safe environment, and diverse population. Fifty percent of all city residents rent. Families looking for top-notch public schools are better off in suburban communities such as Clarks Green and Dallas, known for their above-average schools.