Pennsylvania's Affordable Riverfront Town Combines Budget-Friendliness With Old-World Charm

Pittston, Pennsylvania — a quaint, historic, highly walkable 1.5 square mile town with a population of 7,600 — nestles alongside the east banks of the Susquehanna River, where people are able to relax and enjoy the scenery at Riverfront Park. It also rests on the southern banks of the Lackawanna River. Originally populated by Native Americans who fished those rivers, Pittston was once part of Connecticut and served as the site of Revolutionary War battles before becoming a center for coal mining. Today, Pittston's deep history is reflected in its attractive 19th century architecture. Every January, the Greater Pittston Historical Society commemorates the town's rich mining history, reminding people of this industrial past year-round. 

If this peaceful, small-town vibe sounds appealing, the town also offers cost-effective living. As noted by the Economic Research Institute (ERI), the cost of living in Pittston is 11% lower than the national average and 10% more affordable than in other locales in Pennsylvania. If you prefer renting, you won't spend too much of your income on rent in this town. According to Apartments.com, an average one-bedroom unit costs $506 in Pittston, whereas nationally, the average rent is $1,631 — making Pittston 69% more affordable for renters. If you prefer to buy, Zillow listed the average Pittston home value at $196,373. Compare that to the national average of $360,727, and the savings are clear.

Overall, in Pennsylvania, people can stretch the value of $100 quite a bit. According to GOBanking Rates, affordable prices in the Keystone State mean that $100 translates into $102.50 in purchasing power. In Pittston, groceries are particularly affordable; according to Salary.com, they cost 22% less than the U.S. average. You won't have to spend excessively to drive to grocery stores, restaurants, and outdoor recreation spots here, either. According to the National Business Capital survey for 2025, Pennsylvania ranks ninth on a list of the most cost-effective states to own and operate a vehicle. Indeed, transportation costs are 10% below the national average in Pittston. 

If you're considering a move to Pittston, buying a property there could end up being a smart investment, since the area is primed for a housing market boom. According to GOBanking Rates, Scranton — which is just a hop, skip, and a jump (about 10 miles) from Pittston — is a growing market. August 2023 average home values of $197,599 jumped to $212,287 one year later — that's a 7.43% increase.

There are plenty of leisure activities to keep you busy in this town. If you like to fish and cook your fresh catches, there are 20 types of fish found in 146 fishing spots around Pittston. Not surprisingly, plenty of restaurants serve fish dishes are in the area. You can also enjoy a downtown farmer's market, along with numerous shops and restaurants. While shopping and dining in downtown Pittston, you'll see a statue of John F. Kennedy, commemorating his 1960 visit during a presidential election campaign tour.