Pocono Lake is defined by its lake communities — private, often gated associations built around lake access, rather than a traditional downtown. If a lake lifestyle is part of what’s drawing you to the Poconos, here’s what living in Pocono Lake is actually like.
New to the idea of the Poconos generally? Start with Living in the Poconos: The Complete Guide, or compare Pocono Lake to Stroudsburg.
What Makes Pocono Lake Different
Pocono Lake is built around private lake-community associations, many of which include amenities like beaches, docks, and clubhouses reserved for residents — including well-known communities like Arrowhead Lake and Locust Lake Village. This makes it especially popular with buyers looking for a second home or vacation-rental property, alongside full-time residents who value the lake lifestyle year-round.
Housing in Pocono Lake
Housing here is largely tied to specific lake community associations, which can each have their own fee structures, rules, and amenities — an important detail to research property by property. Based on local MLS/PMAR data for the 18347 zip code, Pocono Lake’s average sale price over the trailing 19 months (Jan 2025–Jul 2026) has been $338,836, with a March 2026 snapshot of $309,763 — tracking close to the Monroe County-wide average, with noticeably less month-to-month swing than some of the county’s smaller or more rural markets, consistent with a larger, steadier base of lake-community sales.
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%, and many lake communities also carry their own association dues on top of that. 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. Pocono Lake sits further from the I-80 corridor than towns like Stroudsburg, so commute distance to New Jersey or the Lehigh Valley is longer — a factor to weigh carefully if you’re not planning to work primarily from home or locally.
Everyday Life
Life in Pocono Lake centers on the water — boating, swimming, and community events tied to the specific lake association you’re part of. Commercial amenities are limited locally, with residents typically driving to Mount Pocono, Tannersville, or Stroudsburg for larger shopping and services.
Who Pocono Lake Fits Best
Pocono Lake tends to suit buyers specifically drawn to a lake lifestyle, whether as a full-time residence, second home, or vacation-rental investment. If a shorter commute or walkable downtown amenities are a priority, Stroudsburg or Mount Pocono are likely better fits. See Best Places to Live in the Poconos for the full comparison.
Thinking About Pocono Lake?
I work throughout Monroe County, including Pocono Lake’s private lake communities. If you’re weighing Pocono Lake against other parts of the Poconos — or want help understanding a specific association’s rules and fees — I’d be glad to walk you through it. 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. Figures are approximate and change over time — contact us for current, property-specific numbers.