West Scranton Real Estate Xyntra
West Scranton Real Estate – Market Overview and Homes for Sale 2026
West Scranton, historically known as one of the city’s working-class strongholds, is a neighborhood that combines affordable homeownership, community resilience, and growing investor interest. Stretching across ZIP code 18504, the district offers wide streets, detached homes with garages, and proximity to major routes, making it a practical choice for families, commuters, and landlords seeking solid rental yields.
While Green Ridge and Hill Section often capture attention for their prestige, West Scranton stands out for its value proposition — a large inventory of single-family homes at prices 10–20% below the city average, with strong appreciation potential and improving infrastructure.
10-Year Market Overview (2016–2026)
Over the past decade, West Scranton has shifted from a stagnant post-industrial submarket to one of Scranton’s most dynamic residential zones. Price appreciation accelerated after 2020, driven by urban spillover, remote work migration, and increased investor attention in the affordable housing segment.
| Year | Average Home Value (West Scranton) | Average $/sq ft | Equivalent $/m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $118,000 | $68 | $732/m² |
| 2018 | $131,000 | $75 | $807/m² |
| 2020 | $145,000 | $83 | $893/m² |
| 2023 | $176,000 | $99 | $1,065/m² |
| 2025 | $188,800 | $104 | $1,119/m² |
Between 2016 and 2025, property values in West Scranton grew by roughly 60%, with the strongest gains recorded between 2020–2023. The median price per square meter now stands at ~$1,119/m², slightly below the city average but rising faster than downtown values.
Housing Stock and Buyer Profile
West Scranton offers the most diverse housing mix in the city — from classic capes and ranches to multi-unit homes ideal for investors. The neighborhood’s defining traits are affordability, larger lots, and a prevalence of detached homes with garages or driveways — a rare find in Scranton’s denser districts.
| Property Type | Typical Size | Average Price (2026) | Primary Buyer Segment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family Homes | 130–190 m² | $170,000–$210,000 | Families, first-time buyers |
| Duplexes & Triplexes | 180–260 m² | $190,000–$250,000 | Investors, owner-landlords |
| Renovated Ranches | 120–150 m² | $160,000–$200,000 | Retirees, downsizers |
| Fixer-Uppers | 140–200 m² | $120,000–$160,000 | Flippers, entry-level buyers |
Over 35% of recent transactions in West Scranton were made by investors, signaling growing confidence in long-term rentability and neighborhood recovery potential.
Infrastructure and Local Amenities
West Scranton’s location provides easy access to Interstate 81, Route 11, and the Cross Valley Expressway, making it one of the city’s most commuter-friendly neighborhoods. The area also benefits from a full complement of schools, shopping options, and community services.
- Education: West Scranton High School and Prescott Elementary serve the district; multiple parochial schools nearby.
- Healthcare: 10 minutes from Geisinger CMC and Moses Taylor Hospital.
- Shopping: Key corridors include South Main Avenue and Luzerne Street with supermarkets, pharmacies, and local diners.
- Parks: Connell Park, McDade Park, and West Scranton Little League fields provide outdoor recreation.
- Transit: Daily bus routes connect to downtown and industrial parks.
Infrastructure improvements since 2020 — particularly resurfaced roads and upgraded lighting — have improved accessibility and public perception of safety.
Safety and Livability
West Scranton historically faced moderate crime levels, but recent years have seen notable improvement. According to Niche 2025 safety reports, the neighborhood’s rating rose from C– to B–, aligning with growing owner-occupancy and investment renovation efforts.
- Safer areas: Streets west of Keyser Avenue and near West Scranton High School.
- Moderate areas: Older industrial-adjacent blocks near Luzerne Street.
- Improvement zones: Pockets under active housing rehabilitation by local investors.
Community policing initiatives and neighborhood associations have reduced incidents of property vandalism and improved lighting in key corridors, increasing confidence among buyers.
Market Trends and Investment Insights (2025–2026)
West Scranton’s affordability makes it a magnet for both first-time buyers and real estate investors. It offers one of the strongest rental yields in Scranton and is less exposed to speculative price swings compared to higher-end districts.
- Median sale price (2026): ~$189,000.
- Average price per m²: ~$1,119/m².
- Average time on market: 22 days for updated homes, 35–40 days for dated stock.
- Rental yield: 7–8% annually — highest in the city.
- Homeownership rate: 57%, with steady year-over-year growth.
- Renovation ROI: 85–95% for kitchens, bathrooms, and siding upgrades.
Compared to Scranton’s east-side neighborhoods, West Scranton provides a more grounded entry point into homeownership while offering healthy returns for investors. The market outlook for 2026 points to continued appreciation in the 4–6% range.
Why Buy in West Scranton in 2026
Key Advantages:
- Affordable pricing with strong upside potential.
- High rental demand and reliable yields.
- Proximity to major highways and employers.
- Growing owner-occupancy and neighborhood renewal.
- Larger lot sizes and garage availability uncommon in downtown.
Challenges:
- Some housing stock requires modernization.
- Block-by-block variation in upkeep and curb appeal.
- Limited new construction supply.
In short, West Scranton in 2026 represents Scranton’s most accessible path to homeownership and investment — where families can find value, and investors can secure steady returns. With rising prices but still affordable inventory, the district continues to mature into one of the city’s most balanced markets.