Ghent, Wilkes-Barre, PA

Ghent Neighborhood Overview

Overview

Ghent is a historic and architecturally distinctive neighborhood located on the northern edge of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. It is situated on a plateau overlooking the city center and the Susquehanna River, providing some homes with scenic views. The neighborhood is bounded roughly by North Pennsylvania Avenue to the west, North Street to the south, and stretches northward toward the Ashley borough line. Its elevated position and cohesive historic character give it a defined sense of place separate from the downtown core.

The neighborhood's history is deeply tied to the wealth generated by the region's anthracite coal industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Developed primarily between the 1890s and 1920s, Ghent was designed as an exclusive residential enclave for coal barons, railroad executives, and other prosperous professionals. This legacy is immediately visible in its streetscapes, which feature grand homes on spacious, tree-lined lots. Today, Ghent is recognized as a local historic district, with many of its properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving its unique architectural heritage for future generations.

Housing & Real Estate

The housing stock in Ghent is predominantly composed of large, single-family homes showcasing a variety of early 20th-century architectural styles. Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival, Queen Anne, and American Foursquare designs are prevalent, often constructed with high-quality materials like stone, brick, and slate. Properties are characterized by generous lot sizes, mature landscaping, and architectural details such as stained glass, wraparound porches, and intricate woodwork. The neighborhood also contains some stately apartment buildings and converted mansions offering multi-unit living.

Real estate prices in Ghent are among the highest in the Wilkes-Barre area, reflecting the historic significance, size, and condition of the homes. The market is primarily owner-occupied, with a smaller segment of rental units in larger homes or apartments. Recent trends show a steady interest from buyers seeking character and space not found in newer developments, though many properties require significant upkeep or modernization. The historic district designation helps maintain architectural integrity but may also involve specific renovation guidelines for homeowners.

Schools & Education

Ghent is served by the Wilkes-Barre Area School District. Students typically attend Daniel J. Flood Elementary School, which is located nearby in the North End neighborhood. For middle and high school, students progress to the district's consolidated secondary schools: Wilkes-Barre Area Middle School and the newer, consolidated Wilkes-Barre Area High School in Plains Township. The district provides standard public education with various academic and extracurricular programs.

In addition to public schools, the greater Wilkes-Barre area offers several private and parochial educational options that are accessible to Ghent residents. These include Holy Redeemer High School, Wyoming Seminary (a prestigious college-preparatory day school in nearby Kingston), and MMI Preparatory School in Freeland. For higher education, the neighborhood is just minutes from Wilkes University and King’s College in downtown Wilkes-Barre, and a short drive from Luzerne County Community College.

Parks & Recreation

While Ghent itself is a residential district with limited public park space, its location provides excellent access to recreational amenities. The neighborhood's wide, quiet streets and sidewalks are popular for walking and jogging, offering a pleasant, hilly route with historic homes to admire. Nearby, the expansive Kirby Park is a major regional asset located just south of the neighborhood along the Susquehanna River. This 52-acre park features athletic fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic pavilions, and scenic riverfront paths.

For more intensive recreation, the River Common, a beautifully landscaped park and trail system connecting Wilkes-Barre and Kingston along the river, is a short drive or walk downhill. The neighborhood's proximity to downtown also provides access to the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts and the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza for concerts and events. The nearby Wilkes-Barre Golf Club, a private course, is also situated on the northern edge of the neighborhood.

Local Dining & Shopping

Ghent is primarily a residential neighborhood with few commercial establishments within its immediate borders, contributing to its quiet atmosphere. However, it is conveniently close to several major commercial corridors. The nearby North Pennsylvania Avenue and the intersection of Mundy Street and Wilkes-Barre Township Boulevard offer a wide array of dining and shopping options just minutes away by car. Residents frequent these areas for national retailers, grocery stores like Weis Markets and Gerrity's Supermarket, and various service businesses.

For dining and specialty shopping, downtown Wilkes-Barre is a short drive down the hill, featuring an evolving mix of restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. Popular local establishments like Cork Bar and Restaurant, Bart & Urby's, and the newly revitalized Public Square are easily accessible. The neighborhood's sense of seclusion is thus balanced by its proximity to convenient retail and a growing downtown food scene, offering the best of both worlds for residents.

Who Lives Here

The population of Ghent is a mix of long-established families, professionals, and community leaders who value historic preservation and architectural beauty. Many residents have deep roots in the Wyoming Valley and take pride in maintaining the neighborhood's historic homes and gardens. The community vibe is one of quiet dignity and stability, with a strong sense of privacy and neighborly respect rather than overt communal activity. It attracts those who appreciate a suburban-like setting of space and greenery while remaining intimately connected to the city.

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