Moving from AK to PA for the first time (Scranton: apartments, rentals)

[catnip123]

Hi Everyone,

I got a job offer that requires relocating me from AK to PA this Spring. I know this is a big move. My employer will be assigning me in one of their clients in Clarks Summit, PA. Any suggestions where to get an apartment nearby or within Scranton, PA?

Some of my requirements I am looking into:

Safe neighborhood
Rent: max around $1000/month for 1 bed/1 bath
Washer/Dryer in unit
High-speed internet availability
Parking

I don't mind driving half an hour or an hour to get to work, as long as its safe to live in. I am Asian and this is my first to move out of Alaska, any good suggestion is appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[mikka1]

There are some nice threads in NEPA Section of Pennsylvania forum that you might find interesting. There are also some specific topics on Scranon itself - e.g. Scranton ? ?

From my personal experience for $1000 you can rent something really decent in Scranton area, definitely bigger than 1BR. Also, from the same experience, you will probably have hard time finding a place with W/D in unit already supplied - I can't recall exactly, but I think out of a dozen places I looked at, there were only 1 or 2 with washer/dryer there - most of the places just had hook-ups and you were supposed to bring/buy your own W/D.

I think Clarks Summit area is one of the best areas around by itself - if you plan on working there, I see no big reason not to live somewhere nearby and not in Scranton city (especially if safety is a concern ).

[thecoalman]

Clarks summit itself is nice area. For $1k a month you can rent a small home in this area, if you are going to be budgeting that kind of money you may want to consider purchasing. The housing prices here are low.

High speed internet will be available most places usually through the cable company which is predominantly Comcast. There lowest plan is something like 30/5.

Parking should not be an issue most places and generally speaking most of Luzerne County is going to be one of the safer places in the country. Scranton itself is really not that bad for city of that size. With your budget you won't be looking at anything in the small pockets that can be bad.

[catnip123]

Thank you so much for the quick replies! I am checking out the links you provided mikka1. thecoalman, I will look into house rentals as well. A house might be a better option for me.

Thanks again.

[Wells5]

Are you planning to move your furniture and belongings to PA from Alaska or buy new or used? Most all decent apartments in the area come unfurnished. Also, many apartments, especially the newer ones require that the tenant pay all utilities charges including sewer and water.

I recommend Applewood Acres in Clarks Summit. This is an older but well maintained complex. It is rare that an apartment becomes available but give them a call to check. All utilities are paid but electricity and there are washer/dryer hook ups but the actual machines are not furnished. This is also standard with most apartments. Rents are within your price range.

[catnip123]

Wells5, you are correct. I was looking on some of the available houses/apartments online, only few are available. Buying the needed furnitures might be a better option for me. Applewood Acres seems to have a unit available, I will give them a call. thanks.

[mikka1]

catnip123, I sent you a PM with some pictures from my last year search, maybe it'll be of some help for you to have some idea of what you can get in this area for around $1000. Good luck!

[Moosicman]

I'm getting ready to move out of my apartment building. It is called the North Valley Lofts in Olyphant.

I'd recommend looking at a unit here. Olyphant is about a 15-20 minute drive to Clark Summit. The building is coming up on year 2 in a month or so. It is rather expensive for the area ($925/month), but there is a gym, a nice outside deck, good neighbors, stainless steel appliances, and granite counters.

[catnip123]

Originally Posted by mikka1

catnip123, I sent you a PM with some pictures from my last year search, maybe it'll be of some help for you to have some idea of what you can get in this area for around $1000. Good luck!

thank you, mikka1. you're so helpful.

[catnip123]

Originally Posted by Moosicman

I'm getting ready to move out of my apartment building. It is called the North Valley Lofts in Olyphant.

I'd recommend looking at a unit here. Olyphant is about a 15-20 minute drive to Clark Summit. The building is coming up on year 2 in a month or so. It is rather expensive for the area ($925/month), but there is a gym, a nice outside deck, good neighbors, stainless steel appliances, and granite counters.

This looks good. I will add this on my list. It will be great if I can find a good one just by browsing the Internet. But, I am preparing myself to do house/apartment hunting when I arrive in PA. thanks!