Hazle Springs, Wilkes-Barre, PA

Hazle Springs Neighborhood Overview

Overview

Hazle Springs is a quiet, primarily residential neighborhood located in the southern section of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Bordered roughly by Hazle Street to the north, the South Cross Valley Expressway to the south, and nestled between the neighborhoods of Miners Mills and Rolling Mill Hill, it offers a suburban feel within the city limits. The area's name hints at its historical connection to the natural springs and streams that once characterized this part of the Wyoming Valley.

The neighborhood's development largely occurred in the mid-20th century, with many homes built to house the families of workers in Wilkes-Barre's then-diverse industrial and commercial sectors. Today, Hazle Springs is known for its stable, family-oriented atmosphere, tree-lined streets, and a strong sense of community. Its location provides easy access to major routes like Route 309 and the Cross Valley Expressway, making commutes to downtown Wilkes-Barre, the Wyoming Valley Mall area, or even further afield relatively convenient.

Housing & Real Estate

The housing stock in Hazle Springs is predominantly composed of single-family homes, ranging from compact Cape Cods and ranch-style houses to larger split-level and two-story dwellings built from the 1940s through the 1970s. Lot sizes are generally generous for an urban setting, offering residents ample yard space. A limited number of duplexes and small apartment buildings can be found on the periphery of the main residential blocks.

Home prices in Hazle Springs are considered moderate and affordable compared to national averages, making it an attractive entry point for first-time homebuyers and young families in the Wilkes-Barre area. The market is primarily owner-occupied, contributing to the neighborhood's stability and well-kept appearance. Recent trends show a steady demand for homes here, with properties often selling at a reliable pace due to the area's reputation for safety and its convenient location.

Schools & Education

Hazle Springs is served by the Wilkes-Barre Area School District. Students typically attend Daniel J. Flood Elementary School, which is located nearby in the Miners Mills neighborhood. For secondary education, students proceed to Kistler Elementary (for middle grades) and then to the modern, consolidated Wilkes-Barre Area High School in nearby Plains Township.

Families in the area also have access to several private and parochial school options in the greater Wilkes-Barre region, including Holy Redeemer High School and various Catholic elementary schools. For higher education, the campus of Wilkes University and the downtown facilities of King's College are a short drive away, while Luzerne County Community College has a campus in nearby Nanticoke.

Parks & Recreation

Residents of Hazle Springs enjoy proximity to several green spaces and recreational facilities. The neighborhood itself features small pocket parks and quiet streets ideal for walking and biking. A short drive leads to the expansive Kirby Park, located along the Susquehanna River, which offers walking trails, sports fields, playgrounds, and pavilions for picnics and community events.

For more structured recreation, the nearby Wilkes-Barre YMCA provides fitness facilities, swimming pools, and youth programs. The neighborhood's location also makes it easy to access the outdoor amenities of the surrounding Pocono Mountains region, including hiking, skiing, and water activities at nearby state parks like Frances Slocum and Ricketts Glen, both within a 30-45 minute drive.

Local Dining & Shopping

Hazle Springs is largely residential, so its commercial offerings are modest but functional. Residents rely on a mix of local businesses and nearby shopping corridors. Along nearby Blackman Street and South Main Street, one can find classic Wilkes-Barre pizzerias, family-owned diners, and casual pubs that cater to the local community. For a wider variety of dining and entertainment, the downtown Wilkes-Barre Public Square area is only minutes away by car.

Daily shopping needs are met at regional grocery stores like Weis Markets and Gerrity's Supermarket located just outside the neighborhood boundaries. For more extensive retail shopping, the Wyoming Valley Mall complex in nearby Wilkes-Barre Township is a major draw, featuring big-box stores, department stores, and a dense concentration of chain restaurants and smaller shops, all easily accessible via the Cross Valley Expressway.

Who Lives Here

Hazle Springs is characterized by a mix of long-time residents, many of whom have lived in the neighborhood for decades, and younger families or professionals drawn to its affordability and peaceful setting. The population is largely working- and middle-class, with strong roots in the Wilkes-Barre area. There is a notable sense of neighborhood pride, with residents maintaining their properties and looking out for one another.

The community vibe is quiet, friendly, and unpretentious. It appeals to those seeking a stable, slower-paced residential life without being isolated from urban amenities. It is particularly attractive to first-time homebuyers, municipal workers, healthcare employees from the nearby Geisinger and Commonwealth Health systems, and faculty or staff from local colleges who value a short commute paired with a traditional neighborhood feel.

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