Hazleton might not be the first name that pops up when families think about relocating in Pennsylvania, but maybe it should be. More families are making the move here for its affordability, access to nature, and strong sense of community. Movers in US often highlight Hazleton as one of those overlooked places that quietly works well for raising kids. If you’re thinking about moving to Hazleton with kids, there are some key things you should know before you pack the first box. From school options to housing costs to weekend activities, here’s a full picture to help your family settle in smoothly and confidently.
How Much Does It Cost To Live in Hazleton as a Family?
The financial part of family relocation always matters. Movers Hazleton PA are seeing more families coming in thanks to reasonable housing and everyday expenses. The median home price in Hazleton is around $155,000, which is far below the Pennsylvania average and significantly lower than Scranton or Wilkes-Barre. Renting a three-bedroom home often falls between $1,000 and $1,300 monthly. Property taxes are modest, usually around 1.5% of assessed home value. Monthly utilities like gas, water, and electricity typically land between $200 and $250. Groceries and childcare costs are lower here than in many other Pennsylvania cities. If your family is watching the budget, moving to Hazleton with kids could bring more breathing room without sacrificing essentials.
Key costs that shape your monthly budget
Hazleton is budget-friendly for most families, but understanding what you’ll actually pay helps avoid surprises.
- Median home price: $155,000
- Rent for a 3-bedroom home: $1,000–$1,300/month
- Property tax rate: ~1.5% of home value
- Monthly utilities (gas, water, electric): $200–$250
- Internet service: around $60/month
- Grocery and food costs: 10–15% lower than the state average
- Childcare costs: typically $600–$900/month per child
- Car insurance: approximately $100–$130/month
What Are the School Options Like for Families?
Education is a top concern when relocating with children. Best local movers say families looking for strong school options tend to prioritize this early. Hazleton Area School District is the main public school system, serving over 10,000 students. It’s large but known for offering bilingual support, STEM programs, and extracurriculars like band, theater, and sports. Average class sizes are in the low 20s. Several private schools also serve the area, including Immanuel Christian School and Holy Family Academy. Early childhood education is available through programs like Head Start and private daycare centers. Families often mention that while the district is large, its teachers are engaged and responsive, especially for younger students. If you’re moving to Hazleton with kids, school quality won’t leave you guessing.
Education choices that cover all stages of learning
Hazleton has a large public district and several private alternatives, offering flexibility for different learning needs.
- Main district: Hazleton Area School District
- Total students: over 10,000
- Average class size: 20–24 students
- Notable programs: Bilingual support, STEM, arts
- High school graduation rate: around 86%
- Private schools: Holy Family Academy, Immanuel Christian School
- Early education: Head Start programs and local daycare centers
- Extracurriculars: sports, music, theater, robotics clubs
- Parent feedback: high marks for teacher commitment
Which Neighborhoods Work Best for Families with Kids?
Where you live in Hazleton can shape daily life for your kids. US long distance movers recommend quiet, family-friendly areas like West Hazleton, the Heights, and the outskirts near Drums. These neighborhoods offer single-family homes with yards, access to local parks, and nearby schools or churches. West Hazleton combines suburban comfort with walkable streets and access to shopping. The Heights offers more green space and a mix of older and newer homes. Drums is technically outside Hazleton but popular with commuters looking for larger lots and quieter streets. Safety and affordability blend well in these spots. For parents seeking peace of mind and good value, these neighborhoods are strong bets when moving to Hazleton with kids.
Places where families find comfort and community
Certain areas in and around Hazleton offer safe, quiet living with access to essentials like parks and schools.
- West Hazleton: walkable, near schools and shops
- The Heights: older homes, tree-lined streets, quiet vibe
- Drums: suburban feel, bigger lots, good for commuters
- Average home prices in these areas: $160,000–$220,000
How Safe and Connected Is the Community?
No parent wants to feel uneasy about where their kids play or walk to school. Best packing services suggest checking local safety stats before committing. Hazleton has made big improvements in public safety in the past decade. The city now has better street lighting, increased police presence, and active community watch programs. Local events and neighborhood block parties also give residents a chance to meet and stay connected. Many families say they feel comfortable letting their kids bike around the block or walk to the corner store during the day. If you’re coming from a big metro where safety felt like a daily worry, moving to Hazleton with kids might be a welcome change.
How Easy Is It to Get Around as a Family?
Daily commuting is another piece of the puzzle. Best residential movers report that many families choose Hazleton because of how manageable the traffic is. Routes like I-81 and Route 309 make it easy for parents to get to nearby jobs or take weekend trips. Public buses run through town and connect to major stops in Wilkes-Barre and beyond, but most families drive. School drop-offs, grocery runs, and sports practices are quick and easy with minimal congestion. Parking is rarely an issue, even downtown. For families with multiple kids or busy schedules, this ease of movement can be a huge relief when moving to Hazleton with kids.
Getting from place to place with kids is low-stress here
Hazleton’s layout makes everyday transportation easier, whether you’re headed to work, school, or the store.
- Main highways: I-81 and Route 309
- Commute time within town: 10–15 minutes on average
- Easy access to surrounding cities like Wilkes-Barre
- Most families use personal vehicles
- Public transit: HPT bus service with key local routes
What Kind of Healthcare and Child Services Are Available?
Health care access makes a big difference for parents. Best military movers highlight Hazleton’s reliable medical network as a plus for families. Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton provides emergency care, pediatrics, and specialty services. There are also several family medicine clinics, dental offices, and pediatricians with good reputations locally. For urgent care, places like Careworks and MedExpress offer flexible hours. Childcare centers include Little Me Learning Academy and Hazleton Child Development Council, among others. Many offer after-school care, summer programs, and sliding scale fees. If your family needs regular doctor visits or flexible care options, moving to Hazleton with kids won’t leave you short on support.
Health and care services that support busy families
Families in Hazleton have access to full-service hospitals, clinics, and a growing network of childcare providers.
- Main hospital: Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton
- Emergency services available 24/7
- Pediatricians and family doctors throughout town
- Urgent care options: MedExpress and Careworks
- Dental clinics and mental health services nearby
- Childcare centers: Little Me Learning Academy, HCDC
- After-school care available at multiple locations
- Some programs offer sliding scale fees based on income
- Summer camps and child development programs available
What Can Families Do for Fun and Outdoor Time?
Hazleton gives kids plenty of room to move. Moving companies Pennsylvania advise clients to look into local parks and programs before the move. City View Park, Altmiller Playground, and Hazle Township Community Park offer trails, basketball courts, and picnic areas. Can Do Community Park has a splash pad and newer play structures. Nearby, the Pocono Mountains open up even more weekend options for hiking, camping, and skiing. Local leagues for soccer, baseball, and flag football help kids make friends fast. In summer, the community pools and rec center offer swim lessons and fun events. For active families, moving to Hazleton with kids means fewer screens and more fresh air.
What Should You Expect from Hazleton’s Weather?
Climate impacts everything from your daily drive to how often your kids get sick. Families moving here should prepare for four real seasons. Winters can be snowy, with average temps in the 20s and 30s, and snowfalls that require boots and snow days. Summers are mild, rarely breaking 85°F, and offer great chances for outdoor fun. Spring and fall are transitional, with allergy seasons and muddy yards. Heating costs rise in winter, and snow removal is part of life, but houses here are built to handle it. If you’re used to warmer climates, the shift will take adjustment. But for many families, moving to Hazleton with kids is worth the snow for the clean air and beautiful fall views.
What Local Events Help Families Connect?
Feeling at home is about more than a roof and mailbox. Take advantage of Hazleton’s seasonal events and cultural gatherings. Funfest is one of the biggest annual parades and street fairs, full of music, food, and family-friendly booths. The Hazleton Integration Project hosts events year-round to connect new and longtime residents. Youth sports tournaments, school concerts, and farmers markets help new families plug in fast. Local churches and libraries often hold craft days, movie nights, and reading groups for kids. If you want to build friendships fast, these moments make it easier. That’s why so many parents say moving to Hazleton with kids helped them find community faster than they expected.
Community events make it easy to meet new people
Local traditions, school activities, and seasonal festivals give new families a fast way to feel at home.
- Funfest: annual street fair with parades, food, and games
- Farmer’s markets with live music and family booths
- Hazleton Integration Project: events for kids and newcomers
- Public library: weekly kids’ story time and crafts
- Youth sports tournaments held year-round
- School concerts and theater shows open to the public
- Churches and cultural centers host regular family nights
- Fall harvest and winter holiday events are widely attended
- Many events are free or low-cost, open to all ages
How Strong Is the Local Job Market for Parents?
Jobs often shape where families end up long term. Movers advise working parents to research local employment options. Hazleton has a mix of manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and retail opportunities. Employers like Amazon, Hershey, and Lehigh Valley Health Network offer stability and benefits. Average household income is around $54,000, with some families earning more by commuting to nearby towns. The job market here favors skilled trades, customer service, and healthcare workers. For remote workers, affordable housing and strong Wi-Fi make Hazleton even more appealing. If you want a career that balances time with your kids, moving to Hazleton with kids could check all the boxes.
Steady job opportunities support long-term stability
Hazleton offers a mix of blue-collar, healthcare, and remote-work options that help families stay grounded financially.
- Major employers: Amazon, Hershey, Lehigh Valley Health Network
- Key industries: logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, retail
- Average household income: around $54,000
- Commuting access to Wilkes-Barre and Scranton expands options
- Skilled trades are in demand—plumbing, HVAC, electrical
- Customer service and warehouse roles are widely available
- Growing support for remote workers with good internet access
- Work-life balance praised by many local employees
- Job training programs available through Luzerne County services
Why Moving to Hazleton with Kids Might Be the Right Call
If you’re looking for a place that balances affordability, safety, and a sense of belonging, Hazleton could easily make the shortlist. Moving to Hazleton with kids doesn’t require giving up comfort or convenience. In fact, many families say they gained more than they lost. There’s space to grow, schools that support learning, and a tight-knit feel that makes it easier to raise kids without constant stress. Whether you’re coming from a big city or another small town, settling in here feels doable. Movers in US have seen it all, and they know Hazleton isn’t just a pass-through town—it’s a place where families can truly feel at home.