Why Do People Move to the Poconos?
People relocate to the Pocono Mountains for many different reasons, but a handful come up again and again.
More Space
For buyers coming from the more densely populated parts of New Jersey and New York, the ability to have a larger yard, a wooded lot, or even several acres is often the single biggest draw.
Access to Nature
Forests, lakes, mountains, streams, and wildlife aren’t something you have to drive hours to experience here — they’re part of everyday life.
Outdoor Recreation
Residents have convenient access to hiking, skiing, snowboarding, boating, fishing, kayaking, golf, cycling, hunting, and plenty more — often just minutes from home.
Four Distinct Seasons
The Pocono Mountains offer a genuine four-season lifestyle — summer lake days, spectacular fall foliage, snow-covered winters, and spring hiking, all in the same community.
Location
The Poconos offer a genuine mountain environment while remaining connected to the Lehigh Valley, northern New Jersey, and the greater New York metropolitan area — close enough for regular trips or a realistic commute, far enough to feel like a different world.
Variety of Housing
You’ll find everything from traditional in-town neighborhoods and downtown homes to lakefront properties, gated communities, golf-course homes, cabins, luxury estates, and homes on wooded acreage — often within a short drive of one another.
So, Where Is the Best Place to Live in the Poconos?
One of the most common questions I hear is: “Where is the best place to live in the Poconos?” There isn’t one correct answer. The better question is: “Which part of the Poconos best fits the way I want to live?” Here are several areas worth understanding as you start narrowing things down.
Living in Stroudsburg, PA
Stroudsburg offers one of the more traditional small-town environments in Monroe County. Its downtown includes restaurants, shops, professional services, and community activities, while Interstate 80 and Route 33 provide convenient regional access. For someone who likes the Poconos but doesn’t necessarily want an isolated mountain setting, Stroudsburg is an excellent area to explore. See real local pricing, schools, and lifestyle details in the full Stroudsburg guide →
Living in East Stroudsburg, PA
East Stroudsburg combines residential neighborhoods, access to Interstate 80, East Stroudsburg University, and proximity to the Delaware Water Gap. Its eastern Monroe County location also makes it worth considering for people who regularly travel toward New Jersey. See real local pricing, schools, and lifestyle details in the full East Stroudsburg guide →
Living in Tannersville, PA
Tannersville sits near one of Monroe County’s major shopping and recreation corridors. Residents have convenient access to Route 611, Interstate 80, shopping, restaurants, and attractions including Camelback Mountain. It’s worth exploring for buyers who want Pocono recreation without being far removed from everyday conveniences. See real local pricing, schools, and lifestyle details in the full Tannersville guide →
Living in Mount Pocono, PA
Mount Pocono sits near the center of many Pocono attractions and provides access to shopping, restaurants, and surrounding residential communities. It can be a useful starting point for buyers who want a more central Pocono location. See real local pricing, schools, and lifestyle details in the full Mount Pocono guide →
Living in Tobyhanna, PA
The Tobyhanna area contains numerous residential and private communities and provides access to outdoor recreation as well as major regional employers, including Tobyhanna Army Depot. Housing and community characteristics vary considerably throughout the area, which makes property-specific research especially important here. See real local pricing, schools, and lifestyle details in the full Tobyhanna guide →
Living in Cresco and Canadensis
Cresco, Canadensis, and the surrounding areas offer a more rural, wooded Pocono experience. These locations tend to appeal to buyers who prioritize privacy, natural surroundings, and a quieter lifestyle. See real local pricing, schools, and lifestyle details in the full Cresco guide or Canadensis guide →
Where Should You Live in the Poconos?
Instead of searching for a universally “best” community, start with your own priorities. This isn’t a ranking — it’s a starting point.
| If You Want… | Areas or Property Types to Explore |
|---|---|
| Downtown restaurants and services | Stroudsburg / East Stroudsburg |
| Convenient access toward NJ | Eastern Monroe County |
| Shopping and recreation nearby | Tannersville / Route 611 corridor |
| A lake-community lifestyle | Pocono private and lake communities |
| Golf | Pocono golf communities |
| Wooded acreage and privacy | Rural Monroe County townships |
| Skiing and mountain recreation | Areas surrounding major Pocono resorts |
| No HOA | Properties outside private communities |
| Community amenities | Planned and private communities |
Two buyers with identical budgets can be happiest in completely different parts of Monroe County. If you’d like help figuring out which column fits you — or want to dig into the details before deciding — read Thinking About Moving to the Poconos? for how to approach the decision, or see the full Living in the Poconos guide for the bigger picture on the region, the economy, and the real cost of living here.