Most guides to “things to do in the Poconos” are written for people visiting for a weekend. This one is written a little differently — for people trying to decide whether, and where, to actually live here. The outdoor lifestyle is one of the biggest reasons buyers move to Monroe County in the first place, so it’s worth understanding what’s actually here, not just as a tourist, but as a resident who’ll use it year-round.
Below is a starting point for four of the region’s biggest draws, each with its own dedicated guide.
Skiing & Winter Sports
Six ski areas fall within or just outside Monroe County — Camelback, Blue Mountain, Jack Frost, Big Boulder, Shawnee Mountain, and Ski Big Bear. See the full skiing guide →
Golf
From resort courses to municipal options, Monroe County has a genuinely deep bench of golf — several tied directly to the towns covered in our living guides. See the full golf guide →
Delaware River Activities
Rafting, kayaking, and canoeing along the Delaware Water Gap is one of the region’s signature experiences — and a real lifestyle draw for buyers considering river-adjacent towns. See the full river activities guide →
Attractions & Entertainment
From Mount Airy Casino Resort to Kalahari’s indoor water park, the Poconos have real, year-round entertainment beyond the outdoors. See the full attractions guide →
Why This Matters If You’re House-Hunting
Every one of these activities is tied to a specific place — and that place matters when you’re choosing a home. Buyers drawn to skiing tend to look hardest at Tannersville; golfers often gravitate toward East Stroudsburg or Mount Pocono; river lovers frequently want to be near Shawnee-on-Delaware or the Delaware Water Gap. If you haven’t already, start with Living in the Poconos for the region-wide picture, and the individual town guides linked from there for specifics on each community.
Curious which town actually fits the lifestyle you’re picturing? Let’s talk it through — or start browsing listings near the activities that matter most to you.