Effort is one of Monroe County’s quieter, more rural communities — less recognized by name than Stroudsburg or Tannersville, but a real option worth knowing about, especially for buyers focused on value and space. Here’s what living in Effort is actually like.

New to the idea of the Poconos generally? Start with Living in the Poconos: The Complete Guide, or compare Effort to Stroudsburg.

What Makes Effort Different

Effort is a small, unincorporated community within Chestnuthill Township, without the commercial center or name recognition of towns like Stroudsburg or Mount Pocono. For buyers prioritizing value and a quieter, more rural setting over walkability or built-in amenities, Effort is worth serious consideration.

Housing in Effort

Housing in Effort tends toward standard residential developments and rural properties. Based on local MLS/PMAR data, Effort’s average sale price over the trailing 21 months (Jan 2025–Sep 2026), weighted by the number of sales each month, has been $345,142 across 148 closed sales, running about 3% below the Monroe County-wide average of $356,659 over the same period — tracking close enough to be a solidly representative option for the broader county market. The most recent reported month (September 2026) came in at $307,857 across 7 sales, about 17% below the county’s September figure, consistent with that pattern.

Schools and Commute

As with the rest of Monroe County, effective property tax rates run above the Pennsylvania state average — commonly cited around 2.4%. Pennsylvania’s flat 3.07% income tax rate can meaningfully offset that difference for buyers coming from New Jersey or New York — see the full breakdown in the Living in the Poconos guide. Effort’s location is somewhat removed from the I-80 corridor, so if a short commute toward New Jersey or the Lehigh Valley is a priority, it’s worth mapping the specific drive time from any property you’re considering.

Everyday Life

Effort is quieter and more residential than Monroe County’s commercial hubs, with fewer local amenities close at hand. Residents typically drive to Brodheadsville, Stroudsburg, or Mount Pocono for larger shopping, dining, and services.

Who Effort Fits Best

Effort tends to suit buyers prioritizing value and a quieter, rural setting over walkable downtown amenities or a short commute. If daily convenience and walkability matter more, Stroudsburg or Mount Pocono are likely better fits. See Best Places to Live in the Poconos for the full comparison.

Thinking About Effort?

I work throughout Monroe County, including Effort’s quieter, value-oriented properties. If you’re weighing Effort against other parts of the Poconos, I’d be glad to walk you through the specifics. Start browsing listings, or get in touch directly to talk it through.

Sources: MLS/PMAR (Pocono Mountains Association of Realtors) sales data, U.S. Census data on Monroe County municipalities, SmartAsset and Ownwell property tax analyses. Averages are weighted by the number of homes sold each month, so busy months count more than slow ones. Figures are approximate and change over time — contact us for current, property-specific numbers.