Blakely, Pennsylvania

Blakely, Pennsylvania rests at an elevation of 802 feet, just 7 miles outside of Scranton in Lackawanna County.  Considered a "borough", Blakely is a predominately rural area located within the massive Scranton-Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area.  This dynamic community abides in a breathtaking valley along the mighty Lackawanna River.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Blakely was home to 7,027 residents in the year 2000.  Lackawanna County holds a total population of 213,295.  Nearly 19% of the citizens live and work in Blakely, while others travel to nearby areas such as Scranton and Wilkes-Barre for employment.  Commuting workers have a mean travel time to work of 19.4 minutes.  Major employers in the area include Allied Services, Mid-Valley Hospital and Proctor & Gamble. In 2000, median incomes for Blakely residents averaged $35,308, while the median income for a family was $48,385. The unemployment rate in Blakely is four percent.

Lackawanna County is in northeastern Pennsylvania, situated approximately 117 miles from New York City and 132 miles from PA's capital city, Harrisburg.  Located within two distinct geological regions, Lackawanna County, PA shares characteristics of both the Appalachian Plateaus and the Appalachian Mountain section of the Valley and Ridge province.  The "Anthracite Coal Region" is the more common name for the Valley and Ridge section. The Moosic Mountain Range forms Lackawanna County's eastern border and West Mountain Range of the Poconos forms the western border.  The Lackawanna River flows throughout the valley in between the two mountain ranges.

Scenic Lackawanna County comprises nearly 460 square miles and features a temperate climate with boundless mountain ridges, valleys and lush green forests.  The spectacular views of the region's natural splendor lure day-trippers and vacationing families each year.  Additional attractions of interest include Aylesworth Park, the Electric Trolley Museum, Lackawanna Coal Mine at McDade Park, PNC Field and Stadium on Ice, Merli-Sarnoski Park and Sno Mountain.  Blakely, Pennsylvania, with its charming downtown area, generally attracts those looking for a nostalgic respite from fast paced city living.

Blakely's prospective students live in a terrific public school district with fourteen colleges and universities within 40 miles from which to choose.  Scranton is home to the nearest facilities for higher learning.  Campuses there include Marywood University, the Penn State Worthington Scranton and the University of Scranton.  Additional choices within a reasonable driving distance include Johnson College, Lackawanna College, Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, and SUNY Binghamton lies across the state border in New York.  Nearly 20% of Blakely residents hold a Bachelor's or higher degree, while 81% of the population of the age of 25 years old have a high school diploma or higher.

Blakely, Pennsylvania affords its residents an unparalleled quality of life, which offers the absolute best of both worlds.  Low rates of crime, top-notch educational and career choices, along with excellent health care facilities make Blakely a community where people feel fortunate to live.

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