Are you thinking of moving or relocating to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania? Would you like to know what the quality of life is like living in Wilkes-Barre?
Travis reports in this review:
Weather | | How much crime? | | What are the neighborhoods like? | | What are the people like? | Summer was pretty humid and hot (as one would expect from summer lol); but the concrete and blacktop makes it worse. Winter wasn't too bad, average snowfall; but nothing outside of what someone living in the Northeast should expect from Winter. Whilst I lived there hurricane Irene struck, which lead to quite a bit of flooding. Despite one particular hurricane, Wilkes-Barre is not known for hurricane activity. | | I personally did not experience any criminal activity; however it's common knowledge that Wilkes can be a rough/dangerous place. A woman who lived next-door to my grandma was robbed at gunpoint, break-ins/shootings are relatively common place in certain parts of town, however the names of those particular streets escape me at this moment. | | What I felt was the best part of WB, had to be South Main St. In one little 1.25 mile stretch, Wilkes offered anything someone could need. From grocery stores, to restaurants, sporting goods stores, a movie theater, as well as a center of performing arts. To my knowledge there are not many houses on South Main, so I cannot tell you what the houses looked like as I do not remember. However all races/classes of people frequent the busy streets of South Main.
As with every town, Wilkes had it's bad points as I alluded to in my previous question. However, having never ventured into those parts of town, I cannot supply any street names or what state the homes were in. | | Like most cities, Wilkes is very accommodating. Everyone from single well educated men to elderly hippies will find solace in the surprisingly quiet chaos . There are arcades and parks for young children to frequent and socialize with friends at, as well as a cinema. It's also interesting in the summers because there are a lot of different groups that come to WB for whatever reason and it changes up the ratio of younger to older. | Downtown Area | | Restaurants | | Schools | | Single life | The aforementioned South Main Street offers quite a few shopping destinations, such as Barnes and Noble bookstore. However, the prime jewel for shopping in Wilkes has to be the Wyoming Valley Mall, with roughly 120 stores, the WVM surely offers a little something for everyone. | | A small diner known simply as Abe's offers a selection of food that while far from gourmet, is very pleasant. Famed for their hot dogs, Abe's also serves everything from hamburgers, to wraps, cheese steak, daily soups, and personal pizzas. | | I personally never experienced public schooling in Wilkes Barre; however my brother and sister did, to their displeasure. In particular, my younger sister griped about the attitudes and general lackadaisical nature of classmates, as well as teachers. A main point for concern would have to be the security of public schools.
One day, I had to go pick up my brother and sister from Myers High School. I thoroughly expected to have to sign in at the main office or something of that regard. That is not what I encountered however, no desk or security at the front door, nothing at all; I simply strolled in through the front door. Not a soul paid me a second glance as I wondered the hallways looking for the main office. If someone with malicious intent had been in my shoes, there would be nothing standing in the way of tragedy. | | With numerous bars and nightclubs, most notably the Wilkes Barre Hardware Bar and Evolution Nightclub, singles should have no issues meeting someone or just having a good time. | Noise | | town comparison vs. | | Best hospital | | Tourist attractions | As with most cities there is an excessive flow of traffic throughout most of Wilkes-Barre With the nearby Scranton-Wilkes Barre Airport; the sound of planes isn't uncommon. | | Scranton and Kingston are two neighboring towns to Wilkes-Barre. While I have some rudimentary knowledge of Scranton, I lack any useful knowledge of Kingston. While far from it's heyday and smaller than the Wyoming Valley Mall, the Steamtown Mall is a serviceable place for one's shopping needs and one of the primary reasons to visit Scranton. I'd have to say, despite my limited knowledge of Scranton it is likely a safer/better place to live as opposed to Wilkes barre based solely from it's more widespread area and drastically lower crime rate. | | Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, while viewed in a most positive light than Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, is far from praised. I personally never visited it, however a few friends of mine did and they had numerous negative comments, including but not limited to, incompetent physicians, rude nurses, and a unsanitary environment. | | Kirby Park, a pristine, peaceful, and very well maintained park is a sure-fire place for relaxation, solace, or just a fun day out with family and/or loved ones. | General comments | | | | | | | By my experience, Wilkes was a busy, enthusiastic town; full of energy.
Busy - Always hustling and bustling about as if people had someplace to be. Even if I didn't have anywhere to be the town just makes you want to walk fast!
Enthusiastic - There are always town events going on such as the Farmer's Market or some this or that-day parade!
Full of Energy - Speaks for itself! People seem to have more energy! | | | | | | |
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