Old Forge, Scranton, SC

Old Forge Neighborhood Overview

Overview

Old Forge is a distinct, densely populated borough located just south of the city of Scranton in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. While politically separate, it is deeply intertwined with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area and is often considered part of the greater Scranton community. Historically, Old Forge was a hub for anthracite coal mining and silk manufacturing, industries that shaped its tight-knit, blue-collar character and built its grid of residential streets.

The neighborhood's identity is famously tied to its culinary claim to fame: Old Forge is widely recognized as the "Pizza Capital of the World." This title stems from its high concentration of family-owned, often multi-generational, pizza restaurants that serve a unique style of rectangular "tray" pizza. This focus on food and family defines much of the local culture, creating a strong sense of community pride and tradition that persists even as the area's industrial base has evolved.

Housing & Real Estate

The housing stock in Old Forge is predominantly composed of classic Northeastern row homes, duplexes, and tightly packed single-family homes, reflecting its history as a walkable community for industrial workers. Many homes feature traditional architectural details like front porches and are built on modest lots. There are also some larger, detached homes on the borough's perimeter and newer developments on former industrial land.

Real estate in Old Forge remains relatively affordable compared to national averages, attracting first-time homebuyers and families seeking value. The market is a mix of owner-occupied and rental properties, with a significant number of multi-unit buildings. Recent trends show steady demand due to the borough's central location, established infrastructure, and lower price point, though inventory can be limited as homes often stay within families for generations.

Schools & Education

Old Forge is served by its own independent school district, the Old Forge School District, which is a point of local pride. The district includes the Old Forge Elementary Center (grades K-6) and Old Forge Junior/Senior High School (grades 7-12). The compact size of the district allows for a close-knit educational environment where students often receive significant individual attention, and community support for school sports and activities is very strong.

For higher education and specialized programs, residents have easy access to institutions throughout the Scranton area, including Lackawanna College, Penn State Scranton, and the University of Scranton. The borough's public library also serves as an educational and community hub, offering programs for all ages and supporting lifelong learning within the neighborhood.

Parks & Recreation

Old Forge offers several community-focused parks and recreational facilities. The central gathering space is the Old Forge Park and Pool Complex, which features athletic fields, a playground, and a popular public swimming pool—a major social hub during summer months. The borough also maintains smaller neighborhood playgrounds and basketball courts, ensuring green space is accessible within the dense residential layout.

For more extensive outdoor recreation, residents are just minutes away from major regional assets. The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail runs nearby, offering miles of paved trails for walking, running, and biking. Furthermore, the borough is a short drive from the Pocono Mountains, providing easy access to hiking, skiing, boating, and other seasonal activities, blending urban convenience with proximity to nature.

Local Dining & Shopping

Dining in Old Forge is synonymous with pizza. Legendary establishments like Arcaro & Genell, Revello's, and Ghigiarelli's draw visitors from across the region for their distinctive "Old Forge-style" pizza—a thick, chewy crust, sweet sauce, and a blend of cheeses served on rectangular trays. Beyond pizza parlors, the borough boasts classic Italian restaurants, family-owned diners, and corner bars that serve as neighborhood institutions, emphasizing hearty, traditional fare.

For shopping, Main Street and South Main Street form the commercial core, featuring a mix of small, independent businesses, salons, and convenience stores. While larger retail chains and grocery stores (like Gerrity's Supermarket) are located in adjacent commercial corridors in Taylor or Moosic, Old Forge maintains a strong "shop local" character where residents support long-standing neighborhood businesses and personal service is the norm.

Who Lives Here

Old Forge is characterized by a deeply rooted, multi-generational population with strong family and ethnic ties, particularly to Italian and Eastern European heritage. The community vibe is authentic, unpretentious, and fiercely loyal. Residents share a strong sense of hometown pride, often centered around the school district, local sports teams, and the borough's unique pizza culture. It is a place where neighbors know each other and community events are well-attended.

The neighborhood attracts working-class and middle-class families seeking affordability and a tight-knit community atmosphere. It also draws individuals who value proximity to Scranton's employment and entertainment options while preferring a more self-contained, traditional borough lifestyle. While younger generations may move away for opportunities, many maintain strong connections and often return, perpetuating the cycle of family and tradition that defines Old Forge.

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