Pocono Mountains : Pennsylvania

Known as popular tourist and recreational destination, the Pocono Mountains, commonly called “The Poconos”, encompasses a large geographical area in Northeastern Pennsylvania covering over 2,400 square miles. Divided into six regions which includes the scenic beauty of mountains, lakes, and rivers, it has a population of 340,000 and is growing at a rapid pace as more vacationers and retirees are deciding to live here. Although it's a two hour drive, it is considered a commuter community for New York City and northern New Jersey.

The Poconos is home to the Delaware State Forest, seven State Parks, and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area which features 70,000 acres of wilderness. The highest summit, Camelback Mountain, reaches 2,133 feet, and Lake Wallenpaupack is a man-made lake built in 1926. The region is made up of several small towns each offering history, arts, many festivals, and outdoor recreation including hiking, biking, boating, skiing, golfing, and activities for all four seasons. Picture of Pocono Sky as viewed from Mount Pocono courtesy of Wikipedia and XtremeYanksfan22 and picture of Lake Wallenpaupack courtesy of Wikipedia and Matt Sanders, Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/, picture of Overview of Jim Thorpe courtesy of Wikipedia and Smallbones (public domain).

Watch this short Youtube video prepared by Pocono Tourism:

Here is Topretirments.com Mini-Guide to Retirement in Pennsylvania

The Poconos is comprised of a large, four county area, so housing prices will of course vary according to location within the mountains, and the proximity to lakes and rivers. There are cabins and condos that sell under well under $100,000, and single family homes that can reach into the $millions.  Stroudsburg is considered to be in the heart of the Poconos, and Zillow reports the median home value here to be $170,904 in early 2020.

The Poconos has much to offer for those who enjoy the outdoors with hiking, biking, fishing, and canoeing, and the area boasts many State Parks, golf courses and downhill skiing. There are also museums, resorts, casinos, galleries and festivals.

Winter weather, high property taxes

Retirees who want to live in a small town, on a lake, or in a scenic setting would enjoy living here.  There are several small towns from which to choose, and many types of outdoor recreation.  Philadelphia and New York City are close enough for day trips and cultural events.

Tourism drives the economy throughout the Poconos.

The region experiences all four seasons with January's average temperature 29 degrees, and July's average is 72 degrees.  The average annual snowfall is about 50".

The Poconos are made up of several small towns each offering a variety of outdoor recreation, festivals, museums and many restaurants. The area is popular for camping, NASCAR racing, harness racing, casinos, and skiing.

A few of the many towns within the Pocono Mountains include Jim Thorpe, a small town named after one of the nation's greatest athletes, and considered to be one of the prettiest, has an interesting history and features the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway and the world's largest general store; Honesdale is the “Birthplace of the American Railroad” and is home to museums and old-time charm; Lake Wallenpaupack has six public recreation areas along with forests, walking trails, campsites and boat slips, and offers outdoor adventures for every season; Bushkill Falls, the "Niagara of Pennsylvania", is the areas most famous scenic attraction with waterfalls hidden within the Pocono Mountains, and the place for nature hikers; Stroudsburg is located in the heart of the Poconos and is home to the Pocono Mountains Office.  This small historic town is also the seat of Monroe County, and is the commercial hub for the surrounding area.