Help! I have the house picked out just need neighborhood info..... (Wyoming: 2013, crimes)

[HjoAnn]

The zip code 18702, what's the area called? Luzern county? I'm very interested in a house near Carey Ave. & Oak but also concerned about flooding, being it's so near the river. How prone is that area to going under water? Should I listen to those telling me to stay away from it? That is my only fear. Please advise!!

[Riverside4ever]

Buy the cart and then a broken down horse .. You'll be fine ...

[thecoalman]

Oak and Carey St. in Wilkes Barre? The last time that area experienced a major flood was in 1972. The next major flood since then was last year and was above the 1972 level however that area along with most of the Wyoming Valley is protected by a levee system much higher than it was in 1972 which prevented the disaster that occurred in 1972. I don't the specifics for that area and there might have been some minor flooding like basement level. I'll note the height of the levee was just enough.


Having said that the river will flood that house at some point in time but when it does that will be an epic disaster, just taking a guess but a house in that area would probably see second story flooding if it were to flood. A flood of that magnitude could be next week or could be 1000 years from now....

[HjoAnn]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I may just gamble on this!

[auntieannie68]

my only advice---home alarms,windows,doors that lock,and a fierce looking dog-----btw---flooding is the least likely problem there

[HjoAnn]

"but the last flood never touched the second story of homes----(no problem"----no problem for who??!!! I like to stay high & dry. As much as I LOVE the house I think I'll look for higher grounds! Call me chicken-little! Thank you, everyone for your input.

[thecoalman]

I don't know if there is misunderstanding here but the last time that area saw any major flooding was 1972. It would have seen major flooding if it were not for the levee system this last Fall and that flood was greater than the 1972 event. To get flooded you would need an event greater than last year, that will happen but like I said it might happen next week or happen 1000 years from now.

There is no flood in modern times that I'm aware of that big in this area.

[HjoAnn]

This is such a big decision. Buying this house is not like buying a pair of shoes that I can throw in the closet & get another one. I'm weighing all the factors & appreciate everyone's input. I'd take the chance if it was only a little water in the basement. I realize there are no guarantees. Crime? If I have to get a Big Fierce Dog & heavy duty locks & an alarm system, what's the point? We're trying to go up the ladder, not down.....I'll be in town in approximately 3 weeks, walk around & get a feel for the place first hand....decisions, decisions....again, your remarks are very helpful, thanks!

[auntieannie68]

Originally Posted by thecoalman

I don't know if there is misunderstanding here but the last time that area saw any major flooding was 1972. It would have seen major flooding if it were not for the levee system this last Fall and that flood was greater than the 1972 event. To get flooded you would need an event greater than last year, that will happen but like I said it might happen next week or happen 1000 years from now.

There is no flood in modern times that I'm aware of that big in this area.

the area was flooded near the bridge in sept flood of 2011 but it did not reach the second floor nor even cover the first--just local streets nearby--until the local water areas are dredged a bad flood could happen again--remember last years flooding was after only 4 days of steady hard rains----plus this area could use regular cleaning of the storm drains--a thing i doubt will happen under the new budget

[auntieannie68]

Originally Posted by HjoAnn

This is such a big decision. Buying this house is not like buying a pair of shoes that I can throw in the closet & get another one. I'm weighing all the factors & appreciate everyone's input. I'd take the chance if it was only a little water in the basement. I realize there are no guarantees. Crime? If I have to get a Big Fierce Dog & heavy duty locks & an alarm system, what's the point? We're trying to go up the ladder, not down.....I'll be in town in approximately 3 weeks, walk around & get a feel for the place first hand....decisions, decisions....again, your remarks are very helpful, thanks!

while this is not anywhere near inner city crimes--small petty crimes do exsist along carey ave----there are quiet areas in s wilkes barre--behind st theresa's church---also closer to ashley---other wb posters would have better ideas---try looking in forty fort,wyoming,west wyoming,pittston township(area called suscon)hanover township and the bear creek area