Taylor, Scranton, PA

Taylor Neighborhood Overview

Overview

Taylor, officially a borough, is a distinct and historic community located in the northeastern corner of the Scranton metropolitan area in Lackawanna County. It is geographically situated between Scranton proper to the west and Old Forge to the east, with the Lackawanna River forming part of its southern border. The neighborhood's identity is deeply rooted in its industrial past, having been founded in the late 19th century and named after Moses Taylor, a prominent financier of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad, which was central to its development.

Today, Taylor maintains a strong sense of community independence while functioning as a residential suburb of Scranton. Its character is defined by tight-knit, tree-lined streets, a mix of modest post-war homes and older architectural styles, and a proud, blue-collar heritage. The commercial heart of the borough is anchored along Main Street (US Route 6), which provides essential services and local businesses for residents, fostering a self-sufficient atmosphere distinct from downtown Scranton.

Housing & Real Estate

The housing stock in Taylor is predominantly composed of single-family homes, including a significant number of classic Lackawanna County "double-block" homes (duplexes), as well as Cape Cods, ranches, and older Victorian-era houses. This variety offers a range of options, from more affordable starter homes to larger, multi-unit properties. The overall aesthetic is residential and well-established, with many properties featuring mature landscaping and modest lot sizes.

Real estate in Taylor is notably affordable compared to national averages and remains one of the more budget-friendly areas within the Scranton region. The market is a mix of owner-occupied homes and rental units, with the duplex-style housing contributing to a higher-than-average percentage of renters. Recent trends show steady, modest demand driven by the area's affordability and convenient location, though prices have not experienced the sharp increases seen in some other Pennsylvania markets.

Schools & Education

Taylor is served by the Riverside School District, which also encompasses the neighboring borough of Moosic and parts of Old Forge. Students attend Riverside Elementary School (located in Taylor), Riverside Middle School, and Riverside Junior/Senior High School. The district is generally well-regarded for its community focus and extracurricular offerings, particularly in sports and the arts, providing a cohesive educational pathway from kindergarten through graduation.

For private and parochial education, residents have access to several options in the greater Scranton area, including traditional Catholic schools. Higher education opportunities are close by, with Lackawanna College's main campus in Scranton and other institutions like the University of Scranton and Marywood University within a short driving distance, offering both academic programs and community enrichment events.

Parks & Recreation

Taylor offers several community-focused recreational spaces. The most prominent is the Taylor Community Park, a central hub featuring athletic fields, playgrounds, walking paths, and pavilions for picnics and gatherings. It serves as the venue for community events, little league games, and casual outdoor recreation. Additionally, the borough maintains smaller neighborhood playgrounds and recreational areas, such as the park at the former Taylor Memorial Pool site.

For more extensive outdoor activities, residents are just minutes from the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, a multi-use trail system perfect for walking, biking, and running that connects to Scranton and other riverfront communities. The nearby Pagnotti Park in West Scranton and the expansive McDade Park (home of the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour and the Anthracite Heritage Museum) are also easily accessible, providing a wide range of historical and natural exploration.

Local Dining & Shopping

Taylor's commercial life is concentrated on Main Street and along Keyser Avenue. Dining options reflect the area's strong Polish and Italian heritage, with beloved, long-standing establishments like Coney Island Lunch, known for its Texas wieners, and family-owned pizzerias and diners. For a classic neighborhood pub experience, spots like the Taylor Beer Deli are local institutions. The borough also has a growing number of Latin American eateries, showcasing the community's evolving demographics.

For shopping, residents rely on a mix of local businesses and nearby national retailers. Main Street features essential services such as pharmacies, hardware stores, and small specialty shops. Grocery needs are met by a Gerrity's Supermarket, a popular local chain. For larger retail shopping, the Viewmont Mall corridor and the Shoppes at Montage in Moosic are just a few minutes' drive away, offering big-box stores, department stores, and a wider variety of chain restaurants.

Who Lives Here

Taylor is characterized by a deeply rooted, multi-generational population with strong family and community ties. Many residents have lived in the borough or the greater Scranton area for decades, creating a stable, close-knit social fabric. The demographic is predominantly working-class and middle-class, with a high percentage of residents employed in local trades, healthcare, education, and service industries. There is a palpable sense of pride in the community's history and resilience.

The neighborhood attracts individuals and families seeking an affordable, no-frills place to live with a strong sense of identity, convenient access to Scranton's employment centers, and good highway connectivity via I-81 and I-476. It is a practical choice for first-time homebuyers, multi-generational families living in duplex-style homes, and those who prefer a quieter, more self-contained community atmosphere compared to the busier downtown Scranton neighborhoods

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