10-Year Market Analytics (2016–2026 outlook)

Price trajectory (index): The regional house price index for the Scranton–Wilkes-Barre area rose strongly over the last decade, reflecting broad appreciation through and after the pandemic upcycle.

Current average home value (city): Citywide typical values hover in the mid-$190Ks and have trended up year-over-year heading into 2026, with many well-priced listings going pending in roughly 2–3 weeks.

Median price per square foot (conversion to m²): Recent readings near ~$109 per sq ft translate to ~$1,173 per m² (1 sq ft = 0.092903 m²). Use this for quick apples-to-apples comparisons across renovations and layouts.

Neighborhood Overview (the short list to know in Scranton)

Below is a focused look at four city neighborhoods you’ll encounter most when shopping—and which we recommend spinning out into dedicated pages: Downtown, Green Ridge, Hill Section, and West Scranton. To round out context on “cheapest vs. most expensive,” we also note where the city’s higher and lower averages tend to cluster.

Price landscape at a glance

*Averages shown as directional guidance from recent market snapshots; values fluctuate and should be validated against current comps.

Most expensive pockets (city): East Mountain and West Mountain frequently show higher neighborhood averages—driven by larger homes, elevation, and quieter streets. Green Ridge often follows closely.

Most affordable pockets (city): Downtown, Providence, Hyde Park, and South Side commonly publish lower averages—useful for starter budgets or value-add strategies when renovation scope is clear.

Safety & Livability Snapshot

Citywide crime statistics place Scranton around the middle tier by U.S. urban standards. For families prioritizing safety, nearby suburbs like Clarks Summit often rank among the safest in the Scranton area. As always, compare micro-locations, talk to neighbors, and review recent incident maps before you buy.

At the neighborhood level inside the city, buyer perception of safety often correlates with upkeep, lighting, and owner-occupancy. Resident feedback and local guides consistently describe Green Ridge as quiet, tidy, and family-oriented; the Hill Section similarly draws praise for its residential character near hospitals and colleges. Downtown’s activity level is rising with new restaurants and events, but like many small downtowns, it can vary block-by-block late at night.

Micro-Guides to the 4 Featured Neighborhoods

1) Downtown Scranton

Who it fits: first-time buyers who want walkability; downsizers who prefer elevator buildings; hybrid workers commuting a few days a week.

Housing: converted lofts, classic rowhomes, and compact single-families; some mixed-use buildings with upstairs apartments.

Price tone: lowest of the four; recent averages orbit the low-$160Ks, with outliers for renovated lofts.

Lifestyle: Farmers markets on Courthouse Square, theatre and concerts, new coffee shops—easy to live car-light.

Watch-outs: HOA health for condo buildings, noise near venues, and block-to-block variability.

2) Green Ridge

Who it fits: move-up buyers wanting architectural character; remote workers who value quiet streets; owners seeking yard space.

Housing: historic singles (many with original woodwork), roomy colonials, and some multifamily conversions.

Price tone: upper-mid for Scranton; recent averages near the high-$190Ks and trending up.

Lifestyle: Pocket parks, local bakeries, and a “village” feel minutes from Downtown; well-kept lawns and porches are the norm. Resident feedback frequently highlights tidiness and neighborliness.

Watch-outs: Older homes may need electrical/plumbing modernization; budget for roofs, windows, and masonry.

3) Hill Section

Who it fits: medical staff and academics (close to Geisinger CMC, University of Scranton), buyers who love porches, and investors seeking duplexes near campuses.

Housing: late-Victorians, foursquares, and multis with rentable upstairs units; hillside topography with treed streets.

Price tone: mid-market; averages around the mid-$180Ks in recent snapshots.

Lifestyle: Walkable to hospitals and the university; leafy residential blocks; good options for house-hacking.

Watch-outs: Parking on steeper streets, winter maintenance, and careful screening of student-adjacent rentals.

4) West Scranton (ZIP 18504)

Who it fits: budget-savvy buyers wanting garages and yard space; investors hunting value and rent yield.

Housing: capes, ranches, and traditional singles; many blocks with driveways, garages, and larger lots.

Price tone: value play; ZIP 18504 shows average values in the high-$180Ks with healthy sales volume.

Lifestyle: Quick access to I-81 and shopping corridors; community fields and neighborhood diners.

Watch-outs: House-by-house condition variance—build an inspection/repair cushion into your budget.

Where is the Cheapest vs. Most Expensive Housing?

• Cheapest: Downtown, plus pockets of Providence, Hyde Park, and South Side often show lower average values—appealing for first-time buyers and light-to-moderate rehabs.
• Most expensive (city): East Mountain and West Mountain tend to command higher averages, followed by Green Ridge—driven by larger homes, elevation, and a quieter, single-family character.

Demand Drivers You’ll Feel in 2026

Scranton offers big-city adjacency at small-city prices, drawing remote and hybrid workers who want space. City values track well below coastal alternatives yet continue to appreciate. Median $/sq ft ~ $109 (≈ $1,173/m²) and short pending times signal multiple-offer risk on move-in-ready listings. University and healthcare anchors stabilize rents and buyer demand; logistics corridors (I-81/I-84/I-380) support blue-collar employment and in-migration from pricier counties.

Pricing Benchmarks & Conversion (2026-ready)

1. Citywide average value (typical home): mid-$190Ks.
2. Median $/sq ft (Redfin-style benchmark): ~$109 → ~$1,173/m².
3. Neighborhood anchors: Downtown ~$164K (lowest of the four); Green Ridge ~$199K (upper-mid); Hill Section ~$187K (mid); West Scranton (18504) ~$189K (value/mid).

Note: Index-based typical value estimates are excellent for trend and relative comparisons but do not replace an appraisal or a comp set for a specific property.

Buyer Playbook (2026)

• Define your neighborhood “fit”. Porches and leafy streets near hospitals/colleges → Hill Section. Historic charm and tidy blocks near cafés → Green Ridge. Garages and bigger lots under $200K → West Scranton. Car-light living and loft vibes → Downtown.
• Underwrite with $/m². Scranton’s ~$1,173/m² anchor simplifies comparisons across finishes and layouts; adjust ±15–25% for renovated vs. dated stock.
• Stress-test safety & rentals by block. Citywide grades help, but decisions are block-level. Cross-check recent sales, code violations, and talk to neighbors; nearby Clarks Summit is a safer-feeling alternative for some buyers.

Who Buys in Scranton (2026 snapshot)

First-time buyers escaping down-payment hurdles in big metros; remote/hybrid professionals seeking a home office and weekend access to NYC/Philly; small-scale investors targeting duplexes/triples near hospitals and the university, or cosmetic flips in West Scranton and South Side; and downsizers leaving large suburban homes for Downtown walkability.

Final Word for 2026 Buyers & Sellers

Scranton is still in the sweet spot: attainable prices, diverse housing stock, and a decade-long appreciation trend that remains intact even as monthly data wiggles. If you’re buying, tour fast and write clean. If you’re selling, lean into presentation—fresh paint, lighting, exterior touch-ups—and price to the last three comps, not to aspirational outliers. For investors, underwrite conservatively off the $1,173/m² benchmark and prioritize blocks with stable owner-occupancy and easy access to healthcare and campus employment.

This page is intended as a market overview, not appraisal advice. Always verify with current comps, inspections, and professional counsel before purchasing.