Nanticoke, Pennsylvania is the birthplace of the S.H. Kress stores, the chain of original "five and dime" department stores in business from 1896 to 1981. The town gets its name from Nantego, the name of the Native Americans who moved there in the 1600s.
The 10,465 people living in Nanticoke live about 8 miles southwest of Wilkes-Barre, PA. As is the case with a substantial portion of PA, over half its housing stock falls in the older/historic age range having been built prior to 1940. While this does present challenges to traditional renters, it opens up opportunities for those looking for a more unique living arrangement. Since there is a college located in the city as well as others in surrounding cities, you'll find a good range of places to rent in Nanticoke.
Moving to Nanticoke
From Rocky River to Westwood Avenue and everything in between, you'll quickly learn that the housing market differs from other locations in a myriad of ways. Prior to launching your apartment search, you need to understand the various facets that make this real estate market tick.
The Rental Housing Market in Nanticoke
Of the 4700 homes and apartments in Nanticoke, about 65 percent are single family homes and townhomes, and 35 percent are apartment buildings, complexes and high rises. Since only 60 percent of all of the housing is owner occupied, you'll have a nice selection of places to rent.
Studio apartments are available to those with moderate budgets. Seeking out places like the Cumberland Apartments in downtown Wilkes-Barre could yield great results. The same could be true of one-bedroom apartments in locations like Mayflower Crossing.
Fortunately, two-bedroom apartments are in plentiful supply as well. Yalick Farms in the Dallas area and Heather Highlands in the Pittston area are examples of what you can expect near Nanticoke.
You can expect to find more flexible living arrangements in some of the area's single family dwellings. These opportunities are abundant in areas where there are older homes. Many times, looking through the local classifieds to find the apts for rent section will help you to find those hidden gems.
Nanticoke Neighborhoods
The town covers 3.6 square miles, and is comprised of seven neighborhoods. Each one has a different feel, so it will be important to research them all to determine which one might be right for you.
Lincoln Avenue / S Hanover Street: You'll get a semi-suburban feel from this neighborhood. It's populated by small homes and small apartment buildings, as well as medium-sized homes. This area has a mix of owners and renters. Most of the people in this area drive to work, but a few do walk. Restaurant fare includes Johnny D's, South Philly Steaks, the Madison Vodka Bar & Steakhouse, and South Street Subs & Deli.
Wanamie / Glen Lyon: This area is primarily owner occupied with small to medium homes and small apartment buildings. Places worth noting include Marty's Blue Room, Piestrak's Gun Shop, Kielar Lake, and the Earth Conservancy Yard Waste Compost Facility.
Hanover: This is where Luzerne County Community College makes its home and it is inhabited by both owners and renters. There is a mixture there of medium-sized homes and small apartment buildings.
West Nanticoke: This area is more rural than the others, and is dotted with small homes, small apartment buildings and medium-sized homes. Most of the real estate here is owner-occupied. In terms of attractions, you can visit Moon Lake, Moon Lake Park and Plymouth Reservoir.
E Main Street / Kosciuszko Street: Of all of the neighborhoods, this area is the most urban, lined with small homes, small apartment buildings and medium-sized homes. There is a mixture of owners and renters in this area, many of whom ride the bus to work. If you're looking for pizza in Nanticoke, you can find it in this neighborhood.
City Center: This area is what you would expect in a small town's downtown area. There is room for renters in some of this area's small to medium homes and apartment buildings. The area itself is occupied by a mix of owners and renters. City Center residents have easy access to the Nanticoke Town Square as well as the Susquehanna River.
W Main Street / S. Hanover Street: In yet another urban area of Nanticoke, you'll find small and medium sized homes occupied by a mix of owners and renters. If you need to ride the bus for your daily commute, you'll be in good company in this neighborhood. Available to residents are a number of restaurants including Bonk's Bar & Grill.
Living in Nanticoke
Nanticoke has a mixture of history and community. It's close enough to Wilkes-Barre if you need large city living, and small enough for you to meet and enjoy the other residents. The true benefit of Nanticoke lies in the range of experiences for those living there.