Known as the “Pioneer City,” Carbondale is a historic borough nestled in Lackawanna County, approximately 20 miles north of Scranton. Founded in 1851, this area was the site of the first deep-underground coal mine in the United States. Here, locals will find residential pockets surrounding local shops and restaurants located along Main Street. Hiking trails and nearby Lackawanna County parks make enjoying the outdoors easy, but residents can also find indoor recreation at the Greater Carbondale YMCA, a nonprofit community center that offers a wide range of fitness and education programs. Students can attend schools in the Carbondale Area School District or the Lakeland School District, which Niche rates C-minus and C, respectively.
20th-century homes in hilly landscape
Many homes here can be found on planned street grids situated along hilly topography. A large portion of residences in Carbondale were constructed in the early to mid-1900s, with the median build date being 1940. Locals will find single-family homes bearing farmhouse- and traditional-style architecture, such as white panel siding, brick chimneys and colorful gabled roofs. There are also a handful of residences with Queen Anne-style architecture, featuring prominent bay windows and round corner towers. The median price of homes in this area is $160,000, but some four-bedroom homes can sell for more than $220,000.
There is an abundance of 19th and early 20th century houses in Carbondale, PA.
Raised houses in Carbondale, PA.
You will also find mid-century styles like this ranch homein Carbondale, PA.
A Queen Anne style home in Carbondale, PA.
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Carbondale YMCA and nearby parks
Residents can find both indoor and outdoor recreation at the Greater Carbondale YMCA, a nonprofit community organization where members can enjoy fitness classes, aquatic facilities and wellness amenities like massage chairs. The YMCA also offers youth programs that range from sports teams to science clubs. Approximately 4 miles away is the scenic Merli Sarnoski Park, which spans 840 acres and features playgrounds, a campground, 15 miles of hiking trails and a lake where visitors can swim and fish.
Children play at West Side Park in Carbondale, PA.
Kids playing on the soccer field at West Side Park in Carbondale, PA.
Taking a break at the playground at the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail in Carbondale, PA.
Skating at the Carbondale Skate Park in Carbondale, PA.
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McDonnell's Restaurant in business for more than 40 years
Many of Carbondale’s local shops and restaurants can be found along Main Street, including McDonnell’s Family Restaurant. “McDonnell’s has been around for years and serves great all-American food,” says Jessica Pratt, a librarian at the Carbondale Public Library. Residents can also grab award-winning hoagies and sandwiches at Steve & Irene’s, a hoagie shop that’s been in business for more than 40 years. For groceries, locals can head to Weis Markets, which also offers pickup and delivery options.
McDonnell's Restaurant has been serving customers in Carbondale, PA since 1969.
McDonnell's Restaurant in Carbondale, PA is known for its eclectic decor.
Practicing at Valley Lanes in Carbondale, PA.
Nearby Weis Markets is a convenient place for groceries in Carbondale, PA.
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Pioneer Nights community celebration
One of the most popular yearly events honors the community's “Pioneer City” nickname. “In August we have Pioneer Nights, which features lots of community vendors and events like antiques in the park,” Pratt says. Located in historic Carbondale, locals can enjoy Pioneer Nights activities including obstacle courses, cornhole, face painting and more, while also celebrating the area’s long history.
Served by two school districts
Students in Carbondale can go to public schools within either the Carbondale Area School District or the Lakeland School District. Primary school students might head to Carbondale Elementary, rated C-minus, or Lakeland Elementary School. Students in grades seven through 12 can attend C-rated Carbondale Area Junior/Senior High School or Lakeland Junior/Senior High School, rated C-plus.
Carbondale Elementary School in Carbondale, PA has 689 students in grades PK -6.
The Carbondale Area Jr/Sr High School in Carbondale, PA has 765 students in grades 7-12.
Football is central to student life at Carbondale Area Jr/Sr High School in Carbondale, PA.
Lakeland JR/Sr High School in Scott Township, PA is ranked 328th within Pennsylvania.
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Quick access to U.S. Route 6
Although downtown Carbondale and some residential areas are walkable, Carbondale as a whole is considered to be car dependent. Public transportation is provided by the County of Lackawanna Transit System, which operates a fixed bus route that connects to Scranton and has multiple stops throughout Carbondale and the surrounding areas. The Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport is just under 25 miles away using U.S. Route 6, which commuters have easy access to.
Highway 6 is the main artery that connects Carbondale, PA to Scranton and beyond.
Major player in the 1800s coal mining industry
Established in 1851, Carbondale was also known as the “Pioneer City” and helped propel the American Industrial Revolution as a major player in the coal mining industry. One of the area’s most notable successes was the Delaware and Hudson Gravity Railroad, which was built in 1829 and remained in operation until 1899. Locals can find pieces of history at the Carbondale Historical Society and Carbondale City Hall, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
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