You’ve probably seen the sign. The one with the black and white tower, the "Welcome to Scranton" slogan, and maybe a certain fictional regional manager standing in front of it. But if you actually want to find the place on a map, looking for Dunder Mifflin isn't going to get you very far.
Honestly, people ask where is Scranton Pennsylvania more than you'd think. It's one of those cities that feels like a character in a story, but it’s a very real, very gritty, and surprisingly beautiful corner of the Keystone State.
Finding Scranton on the Map
Scranton sits in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania. It’s the heart of Lackawanna County. If you’re looking at a map of the East Coast, find New York City and Philadelphia. Now, draw a triangle. Scranton is the northern point of that triangle, tucked away in the Lackawanna River valley.
It’s about 120 miles northwest of New York City. That’s roughly a two-hour drive if the traffic on I-80 behaves itself (which, let’s be real, it rarely does). From Philadelphia, you’re looking at about 125 miles north.
The geography here is dramatic. Scranton isn't flat. It’s surrounded by the Moosic Mountains to the east and the West Mountain to... well, the west. The city itself is built into these hills. You’ll find yourself driving up a 15-degree incline just to get to a grocery store. It gives the place a rugged, old-world vibe that you don't get in the sprawling suburbs of the Midwest.
The Neighbors
Scranton doesn't exist in a vacuum. It’s the biggest player in a string of towns that run through the valley.
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- Wilkes-Barre: The "sister city" about 20 miles south.
- Pittston: Right in the middle, famous for its Tomato Festival.
- Old Forge: Just south of Scranton, and if you call yourself a foodie, you have to know this place. It’s the "Pizza Capital of the World." No, seriously. They have their own style—rectangular trays, "cuts" instead of slices, and a crust that’s somehow light and crunchy at the same time.
Is it in the Poconos?
This is the big debate. If you ask a travel agent, they might say yes. If you ask a local, they’ll probably scoff.
Technically, Scranton sits on the western edge of the Pocono Mountains. While the "true" Poconos are usually associated with resorts, lakes, and honeymoon cabins in Monroe County, Scranton is the urban anchor for the region. You can be in downtown Scranton one minute and, fifteen minutes later, you’re at the base of Montage Mountain ready to ski or at a trailhead in a state park.
It’s the best of both worlds. Sorta.
The "Electric City" Identity
Why do people call it the Electric City? It’s not just a cool nickname. In 1886, Scranton became the first city in the United States to have a successful, continuously operating electric trolley system. This was a massive deal. Before cars were a thing, these trolleys were the lifeblood of the valley.
You can still see this history today. The Electric City Trolley Museum is right downtown, and they even run excursions on the old tracks. It’s a literal connection to a time when Scranton was one of the wealthiest cities in the country.
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Anthracite Roots
You can't understand where Scranton is without understanding what’s under it. Coal. Specifically, anthracite coal. This stuff is the "black gold" of PA—harder, cleaner-burning, and much rarer than the bituminous coal found out west.
The entire city was built on coal money. The massive stone churches, the ornate Lackawanna County Courthouse, and the grand architecture of the University of Scranton were all funded by the mines.
If you want to feel what that was like, you can go to the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour. They literally drop you 300 feet down into an old slope mine. It’s cold—53 degrees year-round—and it’s a sobering reminder that the city’s foundation is built on the backs of miners who spent their lives in the dark.
Getting There and Staying There
If you're planning a trip, Scranton is surprisingly accessible.
- By Air: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre International Airport (AVP) is located in Avoca. It’s a small, easy-to-navigate airport that connects to major hubs like Charlotte, Chicago, and Newark.
- By Car: I-81 is the main artery. It runs right through the center of the city. You also have I-476 (the PA Turnpike) and I-84 nearby.
- By Bus: Martz Trailways and Greyhound have regular routes. There's been talk for years about restoring a direct passenger train line to New York City, but for now, you’re stuck on the highway.
What to Actually Do
Most people come for The Office tourism. They want to see the "Penn Paper" building or get a drink at Cooper’s Seafood House (which is a real place and actually looks like a giant pirate ship).
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But there’s more.
- Steamtown National Historic Site: Even if you aren't a "train person," the scale of these steam locomotives is mind-blowing. It’s a massive park dedicated to the era of rail.
- Nay Aug Park: This is the city’s crown jewel. It has a gorge, waterfalls, and a treehouse that offers a view of the entire valley.
- The Dining Scene: It’s not just pizza. Scranton has a deep-rooted Italian and Polish heritage. That means incredible pierogies, kielbasa, and some of the best pasta you’ll find outside of Philly.
Why Location Matters
Scranton is currently seeing a bit of a revival. Because it’s relatively close to NYC and Philly but has a much lower cost of living, "super-commuters" and remote workers are moving in.
It’s a city with layers. It’s a place that knows it’s seen better days, but it’s also a place that refuses to quit. It’s tough. It’s friendly. It’s a bit rough around the edges, but that’s the charm.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're looking to visit or move, here is how you should handle it:
- Check the Weather: NEPA winters are no joke. We get "lake effect" snow and "nor'easters." If you're visiting between December and March, bring a heavy coat and boots.
- Book a Tour: If it's your first time, do the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour and Steamtown in one day. They are right next to each other in McDade Park.
- Eat Local: Skip the chains. Go to Glider Diner for breakfast or Coney Island Lunch for a "Texas Wiener."
- Navigation Tip: Don't trust your GPS blindly on the smaller mountain roads in the winter. Some of those "shortcuts" are basically vertical goat paths. Stick to the main routes like North Main Ave or the Central Scranton Expressway until you know the terrain.
Scranton is more than just a setting for a sitcom. It’s a hub of American industrial history located at the crossroads of the Northeast. Whether you're there for the history, the hiking, or just a tray of Old Forge pizza, you'll find that the "Electric City" still has plenty of sparks left.