Towanda, Pennsylvania

Towanda, Pennsylvania establishes its borders along the magnificent Susquehanna River, deep in the heart of the Endless Mountains.  The name "Towanda" originated from local Native American Indians who found the striking region an ideal place to perform their sacred burial ceremonies.  There is also a township named Towanda in Bradford County.

Located 60 miles outside of Scranton and 80 miles northwest of Wilkes-Barre, Towanda holds a centralized location with advantages for both business and residential interests.  The population peaked in 1900 with 4,663 residents and according to Census 2000 data, the population in Towanda was 3,024.  Further census data showed the median household income in the borough as $35,814, while the median family income in the borough was $41,884.  The unemployed percentage rate of 3.2% falls below the PA State average.

Incorporated as a borough in 1828, Towanda, PA began as a primarily industrial community.  In its early years, Towanda was the center of the region's lumber industry and produced additional wares via its dye works, foundries, machine shop and silk mills.  Currently Towanda serves as the center of commerce and seat of Bradford County, where agricultural pursuits, including dairy farms, play a major role in the prosperous economy.  Towanda is home to Osram Sylvania's largest factory, which affords ample employment opportunities for the area's residents.  The facility, situated on 65 acres, also houses a specialized laboratory and the headquarters for the Chemical & Metallurgical Products division. Nearly 50% of the population live and work in Towanda Pennsylvania.

Although many communities in the region lost everything in the widespread fires of the 1800's, Towanda fortunately escaped the devastation.  Today, Towanda Pennsylvania features a wide array of beautiful Victorian Architecture in both the commercial and residential districts.  Many of these lovely structures hold a listing on the National Register of Historic Places.  Towanda also offers a quaint downtown area complete with unique shops and several dining choices.  The area's rich Native American history exists on display at several sites in the area, such as Towanda's own Bradford County Museum.  Additional places of interest in Bradford County, PA include the Farm Museum in Troy and the Tioga Point Museum in Athens.

Towanda, PA has its own source of excellent medical care via Memorial Hospital Inc., with three additional major medical centers within a half-hour's drive.  There are two airports within 45 miles of Towanda.  These are the Elmira/Corning Regional Airport and the Greater Binghamton/Edwin A. Link Field.  Towanda is home to the Northern Tier Career Center, which serves the higher learning needs of the immediate area.  Several additional colleges and universities, such as Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, exist within a reasonable driving distance.  Just across the New York State border are the campuses of SUNY at Binghamton, Cornell University in Ithaca and Corning Community College.  At the primary and secondary education levels, Towanda offers excellent public and private schools from which to choose.

Towanda, Pennsylvania with its spectacular vistas and meandering country roads, shines from its place in the enchanting Endless Mountains.  Access to ample opportunities for recreation, coupled with a dynamic educational scene and pro-business environment, provides a well-balanced lifestyle with something for everyone.

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