6 Budget-Friendly Towns in The Poconos for Retirees

Despite its unforgettable natural surroundings and charming towns, you might think the Poconos would be expensive all across the board.

The truth is the Poconos is not always expensive. In fact, the area has many great budget options to call home. These towns, with their beautiful natural views, rich history, and close-knit communities, offer an ideal setting for retirees.

Activities like exploring state parks or learning about local culture at heritage spots - you name it, the Poconos have it. Living here does not have to weigh heavily on your pocket. Read on to learn about six budget-friendly towns in the Poconos for retirees.

Honesdale

The quaint town of Honesdale is cradled by the natural scenes of the Poconos. It offers retirees stunning gorgeous sights and peaceful ambiance to enjoy life at a slower pace. Homes in the Poconos are not always cheap, but here, the average house goes for $282,804.

Honesdale also presents quality healthcare. These include the Wayne Memorial Hospital, alongside a variety of general and particular care centers. This guarantees retirees get the all-encompassing medical attention they might need.

The town is known for its friendly nature, making everyone feel at home. Two events that define its heartbeat are the yearly Wayne County Fair and the Honesdale Roots & Rhythm Music & Arts Festival. These fun-filled gatherings create a cheerful atmosphere throughout the town all year round.

For history buffs, the Wayne County Historical Society Museum highlights the area's rich history, including the Delaware & Hudson Canal and American railroad origin.

Irving Cliff also offers scenic overlooks and views of Honesdale, which are ideal for leisurely hikes and sightseeing.

Milford

Milford is a gorgeous town in the northeast corner of Pennsylvania, famous for its old-time charm. It also has an abundance of culture, shown so well at the Hotel Fauchère. Plus, it is surrounded by bounty of nature in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

If you are a retiree looking for affordable housing, homes here go for just over $335,000, lower than the state average.

If you want to stay active with budget-friendly activities, this is your town. You could walk on the Cliff Park Trail or use a small boat to paddle on the Delaware River. There is also Raymondskill Falls, the highest waterfall in Pennsylvania.

Places like the nearby Bon Secours Community Hospital are always ready to help retirees with any health problems they might have. They make sure retirees get all-around medical attention.

Grey Towers National Historic Site, the home of conservationist Gifford Pinchot, offers tours and gardens, while The Columns Museum, housing the Lincoln Flag, showcases local history, art, and Civil War exhibits, providing rich cultural experiences.

Waymart

This option is a budget-friendly, tranquil, quiet town, perfect for retirees who want to avoid the busy city life.

Homes here go for around $283,925 so it is an affordable option post-retirement. Additionally, living near quality medical facilities like Wayne Memorial Health Center ensures that retirees have access to healthcare.

The town presents numerous fun local happenings and get-togethers like the once-a-year Waystock festivity. On top of that, spots such as Wayside Park furnish a locale for open-air pursuits and friendly meet-ups.

The Delaware and Hudson Gravity Railroad Depot, which houses the Waymart Historical Society, offers a glimpse into the town's rich history with various artifacts and exhibits related to the old railroad.

Bethel School, a one-room schoolhouse built before 1872 and operational until 1951, provides insight into the educational practices of the past and is a point of interest for history enthusiasts visiting or living in Waymart.

Stroudsburg

Lying amongst the rolling hillsides, Stroudsburg is packed with outdoor activities to take in. You can do all sorts of low cost activities, like go for a hike, try fishing, or take in the lakes and rivers.

The surrounding nature offers perfect options for people who have kicked up their feet for good and love to spend time outside. Stroudsburg has a convenient location, merely sixty minutes from Allentown and close to places like Philadelphia as well as New York City.

This closeness lets retirees enjoy the peaceful life of a small town while also having a simple route to reach the conveniences and happenings found within buzzing city hubs.

Despite being so close to big cities, homes here go for just under $345,000, lower than the national average.

Stroudsburg is a treasure trove of stories from the past, boasting several museums like the wildlife-focused Schisler Museum and the Pocono Indian Museum. The lively town center is always buzzing with yearly happenings and celebrations, making it a place teeming with culture for its residents.

Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant is a stone's throw from the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Zone. It reveals a sprawling 70,000 acres of nature just waiting to be investigated by trail trekkers, fish fanatics, and boat lovers.

Living in Mount Pleasant is comfy and budget-friendly - on average, homes here will set you back about $171,000. That is $100,000 cheaper than the state average.

The town is also near quality and regarded health center, like Lehigh Valley Hospital-Pocono and St. Luke's Monroe Campus.

Promised Land State Park is a place that's great for active retirees and it won't be expensive either, with 3,000 acres worth of lakes to fish in, trails for hiking or biking.

And then there's Mount Pleasant Vineyards. This spot is perfect if you like guided tours and tasting wine. Plus, it has some remarkable scenery, so even if you don’t like wine, you can still enjoy yourself.

Palmerton

Come for the cheap homes, stay for all the local history. Palmerton is a town flush with history. Places like the Palmerton Area Heritage Center give a strong feeling of togetherness, and the town offers all sorts of things to do for people who love learning about the area's heritage.

Palmerton is home to around 5,000 residents, where retirees particularly appreciate the kindness and helpfulness of the community. And if you ever need a doctor, St. Luke's Palmerton Campus is not far away.

You can find affordable housing here too, with the average house price goes for $247,471, much lower than both state and national averages.

Beltzville State Park lends out fantastic budget options, and you can enjoy catching fish and strolling through nature. In the same area, Palmerton Heritage Center keeps alive stories of the town's important past related to industry in exhibits and get-togethers.

In Conclusion

The Poconos offers an array of affordable and charming towns perfect for retirees. Start the next chapter of your story in towns like Honesdale, Milford, and Waymart.

These places offer more than just cost-effective homes - they are filled with deep-rooted traditions and friendly locals who make you feel like family. Plus, top-notch healthcare services are right within your reach.

While you can have exciting adventures exploring state parks or being part of lively town affairs such as carnivals and fairs, it is easy to see why the Poconos are perfect for those golden years.