Save This 7 Bedroom c.1900 Pennsylvania Fixer Upper – The Castle Auction

Auction

A rare chance to own a sprawling c.1900 Pennsylvania fixer upper! Offering 7 generous bedrooms and rich historic detail waiting to be uncovered, this major fixer-upper project is tailor-made for visionary buyers looking to restore a breathtaking piece of architectural history.

The Pros

1. High Housing Affordability & Budget-Friendly Living

   • Accessible Entry Point: Median home prices in Scranton city proper sit around $180,000 to $195,000, significantly below the national average. Buyers can find historic multi-story craftsman, brick, and Victorian-style single-family homes at accessible entry points.

      

   • Cost of Living: Everyday expenses—including utilities, groceries, and services—are generally lower than in major East Coast metropolitan areas.

2. Strategic Location & Commuter Access

   • Tri-State Proximity: Scranton sits at the intersection of several major highways (I-81, I-84, I-380, and the PA Turnpike/I-476).

   • Major Metro Commutes: Downtown New York City is roughly 120 miles east (about a 2-hour drive), while Philadelphia is about 125 miles south. This makes it an attractive base for hybrid remote workers or regional commuters.

3. College Town & Healthcare Hub Presence

   • Higher Education: Scranton hosts several institutions, including the University of Scranton, Marywood University, and Lackawanna College, bringing student energy, cultural programming, and research facilities to the area.

   • Medical Access: Serves as a primary medical center for NEPA, anchored by the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine and regional health networks (Geisinger, Allied Services, and Lehigh Valley Health Network).

4. Abundant Mountain & Outdoor Recreation

   • Pocono Access: Nestled right near the Pocono Mountains, residents enjoy quick access to skiing, snowboarding, and water parks (Montage Mountain is located directly on the edge of town).

   • Trails & Parks: The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail runs directly through the city for walking, running, and biking, while nearby state parks (like Nay Aug Park within city limits and Pinchot State Forest nearby) offer extensive hiking and green space.

5. Rich History & Cultural Identity

   • Famous for its anthracite coal-mining legacy (highlighted at the Steamtown National Historic Site and the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour), historic downtown architecture, and annual cultural events like the massive St. Patrick’s Parade.

The Cons

1. Pennsylvania Tax Structure & Local Rates

   • Property & Income Taxes: Local property taxes in Lackawanna County can be relatively high compared to the overall purchase price of the homes. Pennsylvania also allows municipalities and school districts to levy local Earned Income Taxes (EIT), which adds to the overall tax burden for working residents.

2. Underperforming & Mixed Public School Ratings

   • The Scranton School District has historically faced financial challenges and generally posts standardized testing scores and state academic proficiency ratings below state averages.

   • Alternative Options: Families often look toward adjacent suburban school districts in Lackawanna County (such as Abington Heights or North Pocono) or local parochial/private schools.

3. Aging Infrastructure & Blight

   • Like many historic Northeast industrial cities, Scranton has an aging infrastructure footprint. Drivers frequently navigate worn roads and pot-holes during freeze-thaw cycles, and certain neighborhoods deal with deferred maintenance on older housing stock.

4. Variable Safety & Neighborhood Specifics

   • Overall crime statistics sit near or slightly below national averages for mid-sized cities, but safety metrics vary noticeably by neighborhood. Established residential sections (like Green Ridge, East Mountain, and Minooka) are generally regarded as quiet and safe, whereas other central or post-industrial pockets see higher rates of property crime.

      

5. Winter Weather & Gray Days

   • Winters in NEPA feature cold temperatures, significant snowfall, and extended periods of overcast skies. The valley geography can also trap clouds and damp weather through late winter and early spring.