Possible move from Mass to NE Pennsylvania (Scranton, Wilkes-Barre: hardwood floors, transplants)

[wendyf]

Hi,
We're comtemplating a move from Framingham, MA (30 mins outside Boston) to North Eastern PA. Possible locations we're looking at are Mt. Cobb, Throop, Honesdale or Moosic.

We would be looking at a new construction home under $350K. Is this doable?

Any thoughts on these locations? We have children so schools are important (elementary level). My husband may be working in the Carbondale area. Would also like to be within a decent distance to any lakes.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Wendy

[winnie]

We live in Shohola, pike county, about 45 minutes from Carbondale.

I have a 1400 sq foot, brand new stick built, hardwood floors, home that was 240K. It is on .6 acres in a lake community.

The school district is awesome. The taxes area awesome too. We are 20 miles from Hawley, which has a zoo, Lake Wallenpaupuck sp? and Jet Skiing and beach activities.

Property generally gets cheaper as you head west of here.

You may want to look at Tafton and Hawley. Both nice towns as is Shohola.

[wendyf]

Thanks for the info. I'll check out the three towns you mentioned.

[ScranBarre]

$350,000 will get you a very luxurious home here in the Scranton area. Some newer developments to look into include Stonefield Estates and Windsor Hill, both in Mount Cobb, as well as the next phase of Harmony Hills in Moscow. I'd highly-recommend the Mount Cobb/Elmhurst/Moscow area to anyone considering potential relocation to the region. This area, while just fifteen minutes south of the Scranton area via I-380, offers breathtaking scenery, wildlife, and many newer homes generally on an acre of land (including larger parcels in Windsor Hill, just off of Route 348). It is also home to the North Pocono School District, which is often in contention with Abington Heights as being the best public school district in the metro. I think this area, including the municipalities of Elmhurst, Jefferson Township (Mount Cobb Area), Moscow, Covington Township (Daleville Area), Madison Township, and Roaring Brook Township (Closest to Scranton), is a great bet for relocation.

You also mentioned Throop. While a nice, friendly small town in the "Mid-Valley" area between Scranton and Carbondale, Throop doesn't have much in the way of new construction, so I'd write off this town if you were solely interested in a development setting. Moosic has two primary housing developments---Glenmaura is a neighborhood of hundreds of homes and townhomes on Montage Mountain generally starting at $350,000 (Top end of your budget), with many homes going into the seven-figute category. Greenwood Estates, just south of the Scranton city limits, is another new neighborhood with great downtown convenience and more reasonable pricing ($250,000-$300,000 range).

Honesdale, while being "Mayberry at its finest" with its quaint downtown and Victorian architecture, is FAR from urban essentials, so only consider a move here if you're okay with a 40-minute drive to Scranton for malls, big-box stores, nightlife, etc.

I'd also like to recommend some of the newer developments in the Pittston area, my hometown, to you. Check into developments such as Quail Hill in Dupont, with prices ranging from $300,000-$500,000, excellent views, and a location midway between Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Also look at Blueberry Hill Estates in Duryea ($225,000-$325,000 range), Paradise Park in Avoca (New Lots available), and Ledgeview in West Pittston. The area is served by both the Wyoming Area and Pittston Area School Districts. As a recent alumnus of Pittston Area, I can tell you that the school is much better than its shoddy reputation. I had excellent teachers; Low SAT achievement was mostly in part to the lack of preparation of many of my peers, who were indoctrined by their parents that athletics are more important than academic achievement. I'm a product of Pittston Area, and I'm proud to say I have a much better grasp of the English language than many ADULTS on City-Data!

Overall, my picks would be:

1.) North Pocono Area (Mount Cobb, Moscow, etc.)
2.) Pittston Area (Pittston, Dupont, Avoca, West Pittston, etc.)
3.) Moosic/Old Forge

If you want to be technical, the Clarks Summit (Abington) area just northwest of Scranton is the current "hot-spot" for new transplants, but it's currently dealing with sprawl-related issues such as traffic concerns, high taxes, school overcrowding, and cookie-cutter neighborhoods. I wouldn't recommend it very highly.

Best of luck to you, and welcome to PA (Possibly?!) ;o)

[ScranBarre]

Sorry! I totally skipped over the "working in Carbondale" portion of your message! In this sense, I'd definitely pick Mt. Cobb for you. It's just barely in the excellent North Pocono School District, but it's closer to Carbondale for an easier commute. I just assumed you were working in Scranton (as most locals do), since Carbondale is more of a "bedrooom community." My apologies! ;o)

[wendyf]

Scranton,
thanks so much. I've been reading past replies from you in this area and it looks like you're a pretty seasoned Pennsylvanian. I'm glad you replied and I'll be looking into your suggestions as well.

Thanks again
Wendy

[sreinc]

I grew up in this area, moved to Sudbury, MA in 1987 then to Cape Cod (New Seabury/Mashpee, MA Area) in 1991. In 2000 I moved back here to raise my daughter, now 18 and 13. I lived in the Mt Cobb area for about 15-18 months. It is quiet, however the police department is part time - (6pm to 11 PM)!!!!!! I would try the Honesdale area, Waymart, Greenfield, Clarks Summit. These would give you a quiet area, closeness to Carbondale and the closeness to the lakes that you have shown an interest. The scrantontimes. com and careerlink. com would be able to show you job info. [URL REMOVED] would show you properties in the area and nces.ed. gov/ccd/schoolsearch/ will give you all the information that you may desire on school districts. Good luck.

[wendyf]

Great! Thanks for the info. I appreciate it.

[VALLEYGURL]

well i thinkk you should try throop or olyphantt bcuz they are both pretty quiet townss && alott of ppl

[jimlatch]

HI my name is how are you,we move from minnesota to pa 4 yeras ago.we lived in mt cobb, it beautifull.Shcool is great our son gose there.Close to all shopping area.the lake is about 25mins drive. Close to all hightway.