Thinking about a move to Old Forge? Maybe you want a small-town feel with quick access to Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, or you are curious about that famous local pizza. You are not alone if you are weighing charm, commute, and cost of ownership. In this guide, you will learn what daily life looks like, what kinds of homes you will find, and how to decide if Old Forge is a match for your goals. Let’s dive in.
Snapshot of Old Forge
Old Forge is a compact borough in Lackawanna County with a strong local identity and neighborhood feel. It is known across northeastern Pennsylvania for the tradition of Old Forge–style pizza and community events that bring residents together. You will find a walkable core in parts of town, simple residential streets, and quick connections to nearby employment centers.
For civic info, permit questions, parks, and local updates, use the Old Forge Borough website. For a fun slice of local culture, read about the town’s signature pie on Atlas Obscura’s look at Old Forge–style pizza.
Housing in Old Forge
Many homes in Old Forge date from the early to mid 1900s. You will see modest single-family homes like bungalows, Cape Cods, small colonials, and some brick twins or row-style houses. Post-war ranches are common too, while newer subdivisions are less frequent within the borough limits.
Older homes bring character and also project planning. It is smart to budget for updates to roofs, foundations, masonry, plumbing and electrical systems. In vintage homes, plan for lead paint or asbestos evaluations by qualified professionals during inspections.
Buyers often like Old Forge for relative affordability compared with larger metros and for proximity to Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Inventory and pricing follow broader northeastern Pennsylvania trends and can shift with season and mortgage rates. If you want the most current picture, review live market data and speak with a local expert before you make a decision.
Getting around
Old Forge offers direct driving access to regional routes, including fast connections to I-81. Many residents enjoy short drives into Scranton and reasonable access to parts of the Wilkes-Barre area. Commute times vary with traffic and route, so test your drive during normal rush hours.
If you rely on transit, the County of Lackawanna Transit System provides bus service in the area. Check current schedules and route maps on COLTS to confirm service to Old Forge and connections to downtown Scranton or other hubs.
For air travel, the closest commercial airport is Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport. You can review airlines and routes at AVP when planning trips.
Schools and learning
Old Forge is served by the Old Forge School District for K–12 public education. To see current programs, calendars, and enrollment details, visit the Old Forge School District website. For third-party metrics and reviews, you can compare objective data on the Niche district profile.
Nearby higher-education options in the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre area include several colleges and universities. Many residents appreciate the ability to commute to classes while staying close to home.
Dining and local culture
Food is part of Old Forge’s identity. The borough’s pizza tradition draws visitors who want to try different trays and toppings. You will also find family-run restaurants and convenience retail in town, with larger shopping and entertainment options in nearby Scranton and Wilkes-Barre.
Curious about the pizza story? Take a quick tour of the town’s culinary claim to fame through this cultural overview of Old Forge–style pizza. It is a fun way to get a feel for local flavor before you visit.
Parks and outdoors
You will experience all four seasons in northeastern Pennsylvania, which makes local parks and trails a big part of life. Look to the borough for neighborhood green spaces and seasonal events posted on the Old Forge Borough site. For longer walks and bike rides, explore county segments along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.
Day trips to state parks, ski areas, and larger natural areas in the Poconos or Endless Mountains are also within reach. Many residents plan weekend outings around the weather and the season.
Weather and seasons
Old Forge has warm summers, colorful falls, cold winters with snow, and mild to warm springs. Winter weather can be significant some years, so plan for snow removal, heating costs, and storm preparedness. For climate normals and active alerts, consult the NOAA National Weather Service.
Who Old Forge fits
Old Forge can be a great fit if you want a community-oriented place close to Scranton. It suits first-time buyers who value character homes, downsizers who prefer manageable lots, and commuters who want short drives to job centers. If you prioritize tradition and a small-town vibe, the borough’s identity may feel just right.
It may not be the best match if you want high-end nightlife, extensive luxury retail, or brand-new construction within borough limits. Buyers seeking larger lots or a high volume of new builds often look to neighboring suburbs. If you prefer minimal winter chores, keep snow and ice management in mind.
Practical buyer and renter tips
- Verify taxes and past assessments through the county. Start with Lackawanna County’s official site and the assessor’s office resources.
- Plan inspections with an older-home focus. Ask about roofs, chimneys, basements, heating systems, electrical, plumbing, and potential lead paint or asbestos in vintage homes.
- Check flood risk before you bid or sign a lease. Review FEMA flood maps by address at the FEMA Map Service Center.
- Confirm your transit options. If you intend to use buses, review routes and timetables on COLTS for current service.
- Review local rules if you plan to renovate. Permit requirements and processes are on the Old Forge Borough website.
- Budget for winter. Price out snow removal, heating system maintenance, and winter-weather supplies, and keep an eye on seasonal norms from the NOAA National Weather Service.
Pros and tradeoffs
- Pros: Strong local identity, quick access to Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, signature food culture, walkable pockets, and housing that can be more attainable than larger metros.
- Tradeoffs: Many homes are older and may need updates, limited nightlife and luxury retail within the borough, and winter weather that requires planning and upkeep.
Ready to explore?
If Old Forge sounds like a fit, it helps to tour homes, test-drive commutes, and line up your financing and inspection plan. You can also compare nearby neighborhoods to see which lifestyle and housing stock feel right. When you want local guidance on buying, renting, or investing, connect with Luxe Homes Real Estate LLC to schedule an investment or property consultation and start planning your move.
FAQs
How far is Old Forge from Scranton and Wilkes-Barre for commuters?
- Old Forge offers short drives into Scranton and reasonable access to parts of the Wilkes-Barre area, but you should test your route during typical rush hours to confirm times.
What types of homes are common in Old Forge?
- You will find older single-family homes like bungalows, Cape Cods, small colonials, and post-war ranches, plus some twins or row-style houses and limited newer subdivisions.
Does Old Forge have public transit service?
- The County of Lackawanna Transit System operates area routes and connections; check current maps and schedules on the COLTS website to confirm service.
What should I know about Old Forge schools?
- The borough is served by the Old Forge School District; review programming on the district site and objective data on third-party profiles to form your own view.
Is flooding a concern in Old Forge neighborhoods?
- It depends on location and elevation; check the property address on FEMA flood maps and discuss insurance needs with your lender and insurer.
What is Old Forge–style pizza and where can I try it?
- It is a well-known local pizza tradition with many family-run shops in and around the borough, making it easy to sample different takes during a weekend visit.
