Established in 1862, the borough of Dunmore, Pennsylvania, spans close-in suburbs just outside of downtown Scranton. The greater Scranton area is in the middle of Northeast Pennsylvania coal country, so Dunmore’s character tends to be rustic and down-to-earth. This character is reflected in the slew of independent businesses and modest homes that line the residential streets. It’s what keeps people staying in the borough. “All of our communities are tight-knit,” says local Realtor Michelle Valvano of Classic Properties, who has lived in the area for 20 years. “There are generations of families still in the area, and some people stay or move back here because of that.”
A view of the neighborhood with Moosic Mountains along W Drinker Street in Dunmore is stunning.
Farmhouse duplexes allow for a close-knit community in Dunmore.
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Scattered hometown locales around the borough
Tidy sidewalks frame Dunmore’s zig-zag grid of streets, allowing residents to easily walk to the collection of local businesses, stores and eateries scattered around the borough. “There are a few franchises, but the rest of the businesses are independently owned, with family-based restaurants," Valvano says. "You see people walking to them all the time around Dunmore.” The borough’s down-to-earth, rustic vibe is showcased at restaurants like The Dunmore Bucktown Diner, which serves plates of biscuits and gravy in a relaxed setting. Patrons of country-themed Chaplin's Honky Tonk Restaurant and Saloon wear their best denim and cowboy boots for line dancing.
Riccardo’s Market continues the legacy of a family-run business that began with an Italian immigrant who sold produce from a horse-drawn cart in the 1940s. Today, many visit Riccardo’s for groceries before picking up prescriptions across the street at DePietro’s Pharmacy. Jerry's For All Seasons, which originated in Dunmore when its namesake began selling flowers and plants in his mother's grocery store in the 1980s, is a popular destination for locals looking for patio furniture and plants. It also features a café and bakery, a gift shop, and a boutique for home décor.
Chaplin's Honky Tonk Restaurant & Saloon is the place to be for residents in Dunmore.
Stop in at Bucktown Diner in Dunmore for a delicious bite to eat for breakfast.
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Modest homes on gridded residential streets
Dunmore's single-family and multi-unit housing comprises of Colonial Revival and foursquare architecture, with farmhouse influences blended in. Larger home sizes make Dunmore one of the more desirable boroughs in Lackawanna County. “Houses here are a little grander,” Valvano says. “There’s a lot of old charm to them because they have original woodwork or stained-glass windows.” Prices in Dunmore vary greatly depending on the state of the property. Townhouses and smaller split-level styles may list between $149,000 and $225,000, while classic foursquare and Colonial Revival styles range from $231,000 to $585,000.
Large farmhouses with wrap-around porches are a staple in Dunmore revealing its rustic past.
Clean cut hedges and landscaping outline this updated farmhouse in Dunmore.
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Strong academics in Dunmore’s own school district
Dunmore students may start their education at Dunmore Elementary School, which serves Kindergarten through sixth grade and receives a B-minus overall grade from Niche. Seventh graders through seniors attend C-plus-rated Dunmore Junior/Senior High School. Though many kids attend these public schools, they may also enroll in Holy Cross High School, a private Catholic school located centrally in Dunmore. Those seeking post-secondary education can take classes at the nearby Penn State Scranton campus along the borough’s northern edge or at the private Marywood University.
Northeast Scranton Intermediate School serves many communities in Dunmore, PA.
Dunmore Junior-Senior High School serves with excellence in the Dunmore area.
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Plenty of recreational opportunities around Dunmore
Parks and recreational spaces aren’t hard to come by in Dunmore. Many households are members of the Greater Scranton YMCA, using the facilities for swimming, running and working out. The center also hosts programs for children and families, including afterschool programs, camps and youth leagues for kids to stay active. At the Sherwood Youth Association Park, a playground and splash pad keep tots engaged, while the adjacent sporting fields are ideal for soccer and outdoor play. An additional playground and jungle gym are found at St. Anthony’s Memorial Park, as well as basketball courts and baseball fields. More baseball games are at play at McHale Park – located right next to the Dunmore Borough Community Center - home of the Dunmore Little League. The Community Center hosts community events, including summer programs for kids and preteens. A handful of churches and houses of worship also put together community gatherings and functions, such as town picnics and holiday celebrations.
The playground at Dunmore Civic Center Park stands out with large play structures children love.
The Scranton YMCA is the best place to get exercise and have childcare in Dunmore.
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A crossroads of 3 interstates offers convenience
Interstate 84, Interstate 81 and US Route 6 converge in Dunmore, providing residents with easy access to neighboring communities. The borough is conveniently located roughly 2 hours from Philadelphia and 3 hours from New York City.
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