wheres should I retire?
You are here: Home > Pennsylvania > Carbon County

Retirement Living In Carbon County - Pennsylvania


Jump to: Area, Characteristics, Cost, Amenities, Climate, Demographics, Housing, Assistance

Area Description

Our History

Carbon County (2012 population 65,006) was created on March 13, 1843, from parts of Northampton and Monroe Counties. Its name refers to its deposits of anthracite coal. Jim Thorpe, the county seat, was originally incorporated on January 26, 1850 as the Borough of Mauch Chunk, an Indian name meaning “bear mountain.” It was renamed in 1954 for Jim Thorpe, the famous Indian athlete who is buried there.



Carbon County was the home of the first railroad in America that was built on any large scale. The “Switchback” railroad, as it came to be known in its glory days, was originally designed to carry coal. The Switchback led a long and active life. It was first a coal carrier and then solely a tourist attraction. In the 1930’s, the railroad carried its last passengers.



The County

Located in northeastern Pennsylvania, approximately 90 miles west of New York City and 90 miles northeast of Philadelphia, the County is bordered on the north by Luzerne County, on the east by Monroe County, on the west by Schuylkill County and on the south by Lehigh and Northampton Counties. The northern and eastern portions of the County are part of the Pocono Mountains region of the Commonwealth.



The population of the County grew from the early nineteenth century through the 1920s, fell with the declines in the anthracite coal industry through the early 1960s, and has been growing again since then. At the current time, the County is experiencing growth in population and industry primarily related to the westward movement of the East Coast metropolitan area. In the last several years, the growth has been primarily due to the growth of the Pocono Mountain region with the opening of the last portion of Interstate 78 into Pennsylvania, opening up a second and faster direct route into the New York metropolitan area from eastern and central Pennsylvania.



Carbon County is composed of 23 municipalities, each with its own municipal government. The county has 5 school districts and a county wide technical school. Carbon County, covering over 500 square miles, is known for its scenic mountains and rivers. Over 2/3 of the county is State Game Land & State Park Land. The attractive rural landscape attracts thousands of visitors each year to a county rich in heritage & history. The county boasts of its quality of life and it attracts both families and businesses to our region.

Includes Cities/Towns: Albrightsville, Aquashicola, Ashfield, Beaver Meadows, Bowmanstown, Jim Thorpe, Junedale, Lake Harmony, Lansford, Lehighton, Nesquehoning, Palmerton, Parryville, Summit Hill, Tresckow, Weatherly.

Region Characteristics



Area Amenities

Things to Do, Recreation & Fitness


    What We Make, Is What You Use
So many things that you and the world use are manufactured right here in Carbon County… from socks to polymers to fire engines and everything in between.




595Many Industries Call Us Home
Carbon County is home to various-sized businesses in industries, such as: retail, health care and fitness, beauty, agriculture, law, technology, manufacturing, creative & marketing, real estate, construction and tourism.



518You Want Adventure, We’ve Got It
Carbon County boasts plentiful natural resources, breathtaking views and a diverse topography. Possibilities for optimal outdoor adventures are endless…whitewater rafting, boating, swimming, skiing, tubing, snow shoeing, biking, hiking, skirmish, hunting, fishing, camping…parks, natural attractions, fairs, festivals & more.


519The Perfect Place to Visit & Relax
Need a little R&R? Come plan your stay! Enjoy scrumptious cuisine, great retail therapy, our relaxing beaches and resorts and the most charming and cozy overnight accommodations. We have something for everybody!

Cultural Activities


Arts & Recreation

The Arts:

When it comes to the arts and historical culture, Carbon County is home to the Mauch Chunk Opera House, Mauch Chunk Historical Society & Museum, Penn’s Peak concerts, various art galleries and museums and more.



Recreation:

Picturesque Carbon County boasts a diverse topographical landscape from mountains to rolling hills and farmland to forests, beaches, lakes, rivers and streams. Opportunities for various forms of outdoor recreation are plentiful. Carbon County offers something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Public transportation



Medical Facilities





What Will The Climate And Weather Be Like If I Retire In Carbon County, Pennsylvania?

For those of you that retire in Carbon County, you will enjoy warm summers, a cool fall, a cold winter and a temperate spring!

Winter temperatures are cold with averages in the upper 20's and highs in the upper 30's. Nights are cold with lows in the upper 10's. Expect some rainy days in the winter. Assume a few days of snow with a lot of days with snow remaining on the ground so you can enjoy some winter skiing!

If the weather in the spring is too cold for the outdoors, enjoy some indoor activities in Carbon County such as a movie, a visit to a museum, dining, nightlife or some shopping. Spring temperatures are cold with averages in the upper 40's and highs in the upper 50's. Nights are cold with lows in the mid 30's. Expect a lot of rainy days in the Spring, great for a day of shopping in Carbon County!

Summer temperatures are mild with averages in the upper 60's and highs in the low 80's. Nights are cool with lows in the upper 50's. Expect a few days above 90°. Humidity may feel "sticky" with muggy evenings. Expect some rainy days in the summer.

If you retire in Carbon County, you can look forward to fall weather activities such as biking on a bike path, hiking, enjoying a walking path and more! Fall temperatures are cool with averages in the low 50's and highs in the low 60's. Nights are cold with lows in the upper 30's. Expect some rainy days in the fall.

Monthly Temperature Ranges

 Month  Low  Avg  High
 Jan  16 F°  25 F°  35 F°
 Feb  18 F°  28 F°  39 F°
 Mar  25 F°  36 F°  47 F°
 Apr  35 F°  47 F°  59 F°
 May  45 F°  57 F°  70 F°
 Jun  54 F°  66 F°  78 F°
 Jul  59 F°  70 F°  82 F°
 Aug  57 F°  69 F°  81 F°
 Sep  49 F°  61 F°  74 F°
 Oct  38 F°  50 F°  62 F°
 Nov  31 F°  41 F°  51 F°
 Dec  21 F°  30 F°  39 F°

Monthly Average # of Hot and Cold Days

 Month  Days Greater Than 90 F°  Days Less Than 32 F°  Days Less Than 0 F°
 Jan  0  29  3
 Feb  0  26  1
 Mar  0  24  0
 Apr  0  11  0
 May  1  2  0
 Jun  2  0  0
 Jul  4  0  0
 Aug  3  0  0
 Sep  1  1  0
 Oct  0  9  0
 Nov  0  18  0
 Dec  0  27  1

Rain & Humidity

 Month  Rainfall  Rainy Days  Humidity
 Jan  3 "  11  18 %
 Feb  3 "  9  19 %
 Mar  4 "  10  24 %
 Apr  4 "  11  34 %
 May  5 "  12  46 %
 Jun  5 "  11  57 %
 Jul  5 "  10  61 %
 Aug  4 "  9  60 %
 Sep  5 "  9  54 %
 Oct  4 "  9  42 %
 Nov  4 "  10  32 %
 Dec  4 "  10  22 %

Snow

 Month  Snowfall  Snow On Ground Days  Snowy Days
 Jan  12 "  17  6
 Feb  11 "  15  4
 Mar  7 "  8  3
 Apr  2 "  1  1
 May  0 "  0  0
 Jun  0 "  0  0
 Jul  0 "  0  0
 Aug  0 "  0  0
 Sep  0 "  0  0
 Oct  0 "  0  0
 Nov  1 "  1  1
 Dec  6 "  8  3


Natural Disaster Areas


Cost of Living for Carbon County, PA

Carbon County, Pennsylvania cost of living for Housing, Healthcare, Transportation, Taxes, Utilities, etc.:

 Cost of Living

Demographics

Race

Religion

Political Party

Age

Senior Housing Options

Carbon County Real Estate


Are you looking to relocate your home residence or business? Are you thinking about purchasing a vacation home or investment property? These Carbon County real estate professionals can help you discover why Carbon County is the perfect place to start or move your business, get away or put down some roots.

Senior Assistance in Carbon County, PA

Carbon County, Pennsylvania offers the following assistance for seniors:

What Job or Volunteer Opportunities Does Carbon County Offer For Retirees?

There are many opportunities through our organization and throughout the county for seniors to find employment and volunteer opportunities.

Additional Information

Visitor Information

Relocation Information


Back to: Area, Characteristics, Cost, Amenities, Climate, Demographics, Housing, Assistance

     





Disclaimer Privacy Contact Us