That's closer to two hours.

Crime in Wilkes Barre is probably the highest of the cities you listed. Kingston is across the river from Wilkes Barre. Both will have typical small city nightlife.

Dallas is a suburban area, has a fair amount of restaurants and bars and probably the safest one you mentioned.

Scranton is also a typical small city. Has its good areas and bad.

As far as outdoorsy stuff, you can live anywhere in NEPA and find something to do within a pretty short drive. Hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, and if he likes winter activities, skiing, snowshoeing.