Real estate values have greatly appreciated since 2003 with residential properties appreciating 32% since and multi-families appreciating 51%.

Scranton and Lackawanna County are on the right track of growth once again. The Scranton Times just reported that the Scranton School District is growing at 200 students per year! That means there will be greater future business opportunities.

The Greater Scranton area has also begun to diversify its tastes in other cultures. There are now multiple ethnic organizations and events including the Latin Festival held at the Riverfront Sports Complex which estimated a turnout of about 2,000 people!

Restaurants and bars are opening much more than in the past. Here again it is evident by the diversity of restaurants including Thai, Mexican, Brazilian, Spanish, Indian, and the Soup Man (popularized by Seinfeld)!!

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees take the field each summer at Lackawanna County Stadium on their new playing surface: GRASS!!

Montage Ski Area is now Sno-Mountain Ski Area!!! Major investments are in the making to make the former Montage Ski Area a larger drawing, year-round regional attraction.

A New Medical College will come to Lackawanna County (perhaps, Scranton). The State of Pennsylvania has issued a check for $30,000,000 towards the commencement of this great and historic project!!

The Shoppes at Montage opened a new $50,000,000 lifestyles shopping center in Moosic which includes such retailers as Chico's, Ann Taylor Loft, New York & Company, The Children's Place, and Yankee Candle.

The McDade Terminal at the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre/Avoca International Airport was recently renovated and has the New look of a modern airport. Fully wireless and upgraded, this multi-million dollar project has only begun and there is still room to expand!!

The Scranton Cultural Center has continued to increase its visibility by hosting the best that Broadway has to offer. Some of this year's lineup include Mamma Mia, The Producers, Aida, Hairspray, and Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance. The Philharmonic's four annual performances are second to none with Composer Lawrence Loh leading the way!

The Greater Scranton area's appreciation of the arts was further enhanced by the construction and completion of the state-of-the-art Mellow Theater at Lackawanna College.

The Greater Scranton area's business infrastructure continues to improve with the Newly constructed Medallion and Casey Parking Garages; the continued success and presence of the Business Incubator in helping businesses reach new heights; the Hilton Hotel and Conference Center and the newly renovated Radisson Hotel have helped to re-energize Scranton as the commercial center of NEPA.