Pros and cons of Scranton after 11 years

Kai J. Sep 13, 2025

I've lived in Lakewood for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- The housing market scene is surprisingly good

The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Bugs and humidity in summer

Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..

24 upvotes

tulsapapa2023 Sep 21, 2025

Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Meadowbrook for 5 years. Moved from Miami for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.

**Employment:**
government is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Winters are long and cold. Can feel isolated. And weather can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.

12 upvotes