Old Forge Apartment Renter's Guide
Old Forge Apartment Renter's Guide
Overview
Old Forge, Pennsylvania is known by locals (and pizza aficionados) as the pizza capital of the country, thanks to its proliferation of pizzerias, all of which sell the famous regional white cheese pizza.
Old Forge may sound like a historic tourist attraction filled with costumed reenactors, but it's actually a small borough that covers about 3
Old Forge, Pennsylvania is known by locals (and pizza aficionados) as the pizza capital of the country, thanks to its proliferation of pizzerias, all of which sell the famous regional white cheese pizza.
Old Forge may sound like a historic tourist attraction filled with costumed reenactors, but it's actually a small borough that covers about 3.5 square miles with a population of 8,313, according to the 2010 census. What is important, however, is that it's the pizza capital of the world -- at least, according to fans of the Italian treat. This distinction was bestowed upon the town thanks to its popular Old Forge Style white piazza; a regional favorite, it begins with a mixture white cheeses layered on a thick, crispy crust that's topped with olive oil and rosemary leaves. Another reason for the title is that Main Street is literally (and overwhelmingly) lined with pizza joints. In fact, the local sport here is taste-testing, so if you love pizza -- and, honestly, who doesn't? -- you've found the perfect place to call home. Outside of pizza, this former textile/coal mining town is also home to quite a few famous singers, including movie and opera stars Alan Jones and Paul Plishka, and country star Rosalie Allen. The waters of nearby Lackawanna River must be good for the vocal cords. Old Forge is the kind of town where you'll see historic buildings on Main Street, and folks relaxing and enjoying an ice cream (or more likely, a slice of pizza) in the park, even during working hours.
Moving to Old Forge
Old Forge is located just off Interstate 81, so it's easy to get to by car or moving van. If you don't like slushy, icy roads, plan to move in the early fall, late spring or summer, because the area gets lots of snow during the winter months.
Property Rentals in Old Forge
Planning to search for apartments or a home for rent? Before you leave, you can use an online apartments locator to streamline your search. A locator will give you info on prices and sizes, and will also clue you into all bills paid or pet friendly apartments as well.
The Essentials
Be ready with your identification (driver's license, state ID cards or passport) and a proof of employment in the form of pay stubs or letters. Some apartment complex managers also ask for references, so compile a list of phone numbers from willing friends before you leave. Also, be prepared to have your credit history checked, especially if you're looking for an apt to rent. Otherwise, you don't need to share much else except some friendly conversation with your future landlord.
Neighborhoods
For such a small borough, Old Forge has several identifiable residential neighborhoods that are especially popular with renters. Many of the area's homes were built in the early-to-mid 20th century, but they're well-maintained, sturdy and weather-proofed, in addition to being vintage-pretty. Here are a few places to begin your search:
Main Street: In the center of town, Main Street has a number of lovely older homes for sale and rent just outside the business section, so you'll be within walking distance of all those pizza parlors.
Austin Heights: Located in the northwest part of town, this pedestrian friendly area is home to large, beautiful mid-century multi-level homes, some of which come up for rent occasionally.
Bush Patch: In this west part of town, you'll find large, affordable mid-century homes -- check the neighborhood for rentals. It's convenient to a number of stores, including Rite Aid and Ace Hardware.
Sibley: This attractive northwest area is a popular (and bike friendly) residential district, with a number of homes built in the mid-1930s-1970s, all beautifully maintained. It's close to Curry Donuts.
Condo and Apartment Complexes in Old Forge
1st Street (Moosic): Located just outside of Old Forge in Moosic, you'll find the Moosic Apartments, where you'll find spacious 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom apartments for rent, and condos for sale. It's close to conveniences such as Oak Hill Self Storage, Terry's Diner and Bitty Bill's Italian ice shop.
Milwaukee Ave: In the 600 block of Milwaukee, you'll find beautiful, spacious luxury condos for rent, all with modern, fully-equipped kitchens. This area is close to the commercial district, where you'll find all the familiar stores you need.
Living it Up, Old Forge Style
Winter Advisory
It gets cold here in Old Forge -- not bone chilling, but cold enough to invest in some winter gear. January highs peak at around 33, with lows around 18 or below, and the area gets around 45 inches of snow a year. That means having your snow boots and mittens handy! To balance it out, July highs are only around a pleasant 82. Old Forge is easy to get around by bike, and you can also take the bus anywhere, courtesy of the County of Lackawanna Transit System (COLTS).
Pizza Time
Ready for pizza? Folks here don't bar hop, instead they pizza hop down one end of Main to the next. A few locals' favorites are Arcaro and Genell, which has a magnificent handmade red and white Old Forge Style pie. Another favorite is Revello's, which has pies so good, they're shipped all over the country. To wash down all that cheesy goodness, stop by Dooley's Pub, which has a fun Irish atmosphere and a great beer selection.
Stuff to Do
It may not sound like it, but locals do more than just eat pizza around here. To burn off those calories, they hang out at Miles Street Community Park (Susquehanna Ave), which has basketball courts, a baseball field and a lovely picnic area. You can also pay a visit to the Old Forge Wall of Honor, a site commemorating local military veterans.
Old Forge is just 14 minutes from the big city of Scranton, so it's well worth a drive to the Electric City Trolley Station and Museum, where you'll find fantastic antique trolley cars -- make sure you stay for a trolley ride. There's also the Steamtown National Historic Site, where you can spend the day among real antique steam engine trains.
Old Forge may be tiny, but it's got a big hold on the hearts of foodies around the world. There's a gentle, unhurried vibe here that's mighty attractive, especially to those who are sick of fighting for the subway during rush hour. All this, plus some of the world's best pizza. Does it get any better?