Scranton, Pennsylvania
Once a coal mining town, Scranton was known as the Anthracite Capital of the World. The city has long shed its rugged image, and has grown to be one of the largest cities in Pennsylvania with a population of approximately 72,225. People moving to Scranton find its history, scenic location and promising economy to be very attractive. With more and more people discovering what this vibrant city has to offer, Scranton moving companies never get tired of making sure that newcomers immediately feel at home.
Economy:
In the early 1990s the city found itself in the peculiar position of simultaneously emerging from a 40-year decline while having to file what amounted to a bankruptcy petition with the state. The loss of its manufacturing base and nearly half its population without an accompanying reduction in city services forced The Pennsylvania Economic League in 1992 to develop a three-year plan to rescue Scranton from insolvency.
By the late 1990s, hundreds of millions of dollars were being spent on development projects and surveys rank the city highly as a desirable place to live and locate a business. Today, the professional services, health, education, retail, and tourism industries are the basis of the economy. Scranton is traditionally linked with Wilkes-Barre, the seat of neighboring Luzerne County, and is conveniently located near some of the Northeast's finest ski slopes and the beautiful Poconos Mountains.
History:
Scranton was formerly inhabited by the native Lenape tribe, from whose language "Lackawanna" (or "le-can-hanna", meaning "stream that forks") is derived. Settlers from New England came to the area in the late 18th century, establishing mills and other small businesses and the village was named Slocum Hollow. It was Isaac Tripp, known as the first settler, who built his home in 1778 and house still stands in the Providence section of the city as a testament to this era. Scranton was incorporated as a city in 1866. The nation's first successful, continuously-operating electrified streetcar (trolley) system was established in the city in 1886, giving it the nickname "The Electric City". By 1890, three other railroads had built lines to tap into the rich supply of coal in and around the city, including the Erie Railroad, the Central Railroad of New Jersey and finally the New York, Ontario and Western Railway (NYO&W).
Tourism:
Scranton welcomes visitors any time of the year, in every season. In summer, Sno Cove and the waterslides at Nay Aug Park provide relief from the sweltering heat of the sun. The mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania are best seen during fall. Skiing, snowboarding and ice skating are just some of the activities that wintertime in Scranton offers. Springtime is the best time to visit the city’s historical attractions such as the Lackawanna County Coal Mine, the Steamtown National Historic Site, and the Electric City Trolley Station and Museum. Shoppers can also treat themselves at Scranton’s Downtown Shopping District or at one of four premier malls and outlet centers. Restaurants catering to all appetite, palate and budget also abound throughout the city.
Colleges/Universities:
• University of Scranton
• Lackawanna College
• Johnson College
Interesting Facts:
• Scranton was recently ranked by Forbes Magazine as the 30th fastest- recovering city in the United States. This ranking was based on U.S. Office of Management and Budget’s statistics.
• Scranton is home to the Houdini Museum. Established in 1988, the museum pays tribute to magic’s greatest legend.
• Jason Miller, an actor and a playwright, was raised in Scranton. He was widely recognized for his role as Father Damien Karras in the 1973 horror film “The Exorcist.” A bronze bust of Miller, commissioned by the city of Scranton, was unveiled in 2008.
Helpful Links:
• Scranton Real Estate
• Scranton Storage Facility
• Scranton Insurance
• Scranton Dental Offices
• Scranton Moving Guide