What to know before you move: cost, market timing, who it fits.
If you're considering a move to Old Forge, PA, the most important variables are the local housing market, the cost structure (taxes, insurance, utilities), and how well the city fits your day-to-day life. This page summarizes the housing market read; pair it with the cost of living page for the full picture.
Old Forge is a city in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, with an estimated population of 8,654. It anchors the Scranton–Wilkes-Barre metro area. The median home value in Old Forge is $211,292 as of 2026-04, up 9.8% over the last 12 months. Over the last five years, home values have averaged +10.6% annual growth, with prices at or near the 5-year peak. The composite momentum score is 81 of 100 (Hot). Buyers should expect competition and limited negotiation room in this market.
Prices are still moving up (+9.8% YoY). Inventory tends to be tight in 'Hot' markets — buyers should expect competition and limited negotiation room.
Reasons people move here
- Multi-year compounder: home values up an average 10.6% per year over the last 5 years — sustained, not a one-year pop.
- Trend still working: prices up 9.8% in the last 12 months — buyers are still chasing inventory.
- Affordable AND rising: median home $211,292 with positive recent direction — rare combination most of the country can't offer.
- Held the highs: currently -0.9% from the 5-year peak — this market refused to give back gains.
Things to know first
- Thin housing market: small population means fewer transactions and slower resale. Liquidity risk on exit.
- Local nuance: city-level data smooths over neighborhood differences. School zones, HOA rules, and street-level character matter — visit before deciding.
More about Old Forge
Sources: Zillow ZHVI (home values), Zillow ZORI (rents), US Census ACS + place population. Updated when source agencies publish revisions.