8 Best Small Towns to Retire in The Poconos in 2024

The Poconos (Pocono Mountains) is a region in Northeastern Pennsylvania known for its beautiful views and large mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountains. To this end, it is the perfect retirement destination for those who love wandering through the woods, paddling down rivers, and sledding down panoramic hills. Plus, this incredibly scenic region provides top-notch accessibility to New York City and Philadelphia. Pocket-wise, Pennsylvania does not tax Social Security benefits and maintains a low flat-income tax rate of just 3.07% for individuals. Still, when seeking a retirement venue, one must consider other factors, including access to healthcare, shopping venues, and the cost of owning a home. Bearing this in mind, discover below the eight best small towns to retire in the Poconos in 2024.

Stroudsburg

Stroudsburg, the county seat of Monroe County, is a town that combines history and nature. Upon arrival, one will first notice the rich culture, evident through rustic buildings, museums, and historic landmarks. The Monroe County Courthouse, Stroud Mansion, and Kitson Woolen Mill are among the most popular. For outdoor lovers, Stroudsburg is close to the Appalachian Trail and provides convenient access to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Seniors can bask in this top-notch recreation spot, with over 60,000 acres of lush forests and spectacular waterfalls.

Lehigh Valley Hospital - Pocono and the highly-rated Saint Luke's Hospital Monroe are in town and ensure a senior can access healthcare in a heartbeat. Out of the town’s 6,000 residents, seniors 65 and above make up 32%. A retiree here, therefore, can easily find a laughing partner. While homes here are listed for $389,900, which is $130,000 more than the state average, this may be a small price to pay for Stroudsburg’s accessibility as New York City is just an 80-minute drive away. Moreover, the town is a 15-minute drive from the biggest snow tubing park in the United States, Camelback Mountain Resort.

Honesdale

The fact Honesdale inspired the popular holiday-themed song “Winter Wonderland” can pique the interest of any potential retiree. Honesdale’s Central Park, the source of Winter Wonderland’s inspiration, is still around; it still provides impetus to life in its sunset years. Central Park hosts the Roots & Rhythm Music & Arts Festival every June, where music and art descend on the town and enliven the atmosphere with memorable tunes, awesome art, and delicious food. Honesdale’s median age stands at 42. Similarly, residents aged 60 and above comprise 30% of its population, promoting a positive social environment for retirees. Honesdale brims with amenities, including restaurants such as Camp Umpy's Bagels & Stuff, which is a nice spot for a hearty breakfast. For medical requirements, the local Wayne Memorial Hospital holds the Outstanding Patient Experience Award for 2024 and is a premier healthcare institute. Homes in Honesdale sold for a median price of $265,000, so retirees won’t have to break the bank to buy their dream home.

Dingman Township

Retiring on the water comes with peaceful views and can turn back one’s biological clock. A retiree may love the fact Dingman Township is close to several beautiful lakes, including Sunrise Lake, Spruce Lake, the walleye-filled Gold Key Lake, and Log Tavern Pond. Thus, boating, swimming, and picnicking are popular in town, with scenic views for company. On the other hand, one can opt to sit the day out with a warm cup of cocoa — restaurants such as Goodies On 739 serve culinary delights worth exploring. Plus, the towering height and hidden caves of Dingman Falls, a sparkling cascade located minutes from town, will tickle the fancy of any outdoor enthusiast. In terms of amenities, nearby towns such as Newton, New Jersey; Sussex, New Jersey; and Stroudsburg — are short drives away (less than an hour) and brim with options. Moreover, with a median age over 40, Dingman Township’s demographics easily meet the social needs of retirees.

Hawley

Hawley is often associated with the Hawley Silk Mill, arguably the largest Bluestone Building in the world. Now repurposed, this historic place today houses the Lake Region Fitness, which ensures retirees are in stellar shape, the Cocoon Coffee House, whose pastries are phenomenal, and the Looking Glass Art Gallery. Plus, seniors in town enjoy teeing away an occasional afternoon at the Cricket Hill Golf Club — or spending a lazy day on Lake Wallenpaupack, one of the state’s largest lakes. While these attractions are open year-round, locals in 2024 can look forward to the Hawley Harvest Hoedown. Taking place in September, it is a world of Poconos fun, with games, vendors, a petting zoo, great food, and live music.

Wayne Memorial Hospital, a recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Patient Experience Award, is just 10 miles away in Honesdale, so residents need not worry about healthcare. For those who decide to settle down in Hawley, homes here are sold for a median price of $262,500. Compared to the state average of $255,500, Hawley is a reasonable destination with plenty of fun activities for retirees.

Waymart

Waymart is a quaint borough that beckons travelers with the second-largest wind farm in Pennsylvania, the Waymart Wind Farm. However, a retiree may love the fact that Waymart is incredibly peaceful, family-oriented, and encircled by swathes of lush forests. While small and with a population of about 1,300, Waymart is just 24 miles from Scranton, which hosts many hospitals, including the award-winning Moses Taylor Hospital. Meanwhile seniors in town love biking, hunting, or boating at the Prompton State Park, which hosts the 290-acre Prompton Lake, a manmade finger lake initially built to reduce flood risks in the area. Also, Merli-Sarnoski Couty Park is a short 15-minute drive and an excellent venue for enjoying the sound of chirping birds, a cool evening breeze, or a refreshing dip. Plus, one cannot miss spots to dine here, such as the Mustard Seed Cafe, which boasts great food and friendly locals. To top it off, the median listing price of homes in Waymart is nothing outrageous; just $268,300. Considering the range of activities and attractions, the price is reasonable for retirees in the Poconos.

Smithfield Township

If a delightful blend of rural and suburban tickles your fancy, Smithfield Township should be on your radar. As it is located next to Stroudsburg, Smithfield Township provides convenient access to outdoor spots such as the Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, Worthington State Forest, and Sunfish Pond, one of New Jersey's Seven Natural Wonders. Besides, you will want to learn something about life by mingling with monkeys, lemurs, and goats at the splendid Pocono Snake & Animal Farm. Retirement here comes with access to a broad range of amenities at East Stroudsburg, including hospitals and shopping venues. With a median age of 44, Smithfield Township is neither wild nor lifeless, just the kind of social rhythm most seniors desire. Still, one of the town’s retirement appeals is its affordability. Homes here are listed for a median price of just $190,000, which is $65,000 below the state average.

Milford

Few people would let pass the chance to retire next to the largest waterfall in the state, the Raymondskill Falls. At Milford, residents can reach the scenic waterfall and its multiple trails within a short walk. Yet Milford offers much more. It is close to the Delaware River, a lovely spot for paddling amid cool waterfront views. It also provides access to the trail-laden Cornelia & Florence Bridge Nature Preserve. When it comes to healthcare, Bon Secours Community Hospital is right next door in Jervis and holds the 2022 Patient Safety Excellence Award. Accessibility is also optimal, and there is a train station at Port Jervis from where one can travel to New York City in less than three hours. The best part is that Milford has a mixed demographic, with 21% of residents below 18 and another 21% above 65. Thus, the possibilities are endless, whether one wants to enjoy the youthful charm of town or relax with the local seniors. The only drawback is that homes in Milford are listed for a median price of $380,000, which is quite expensive.

Jim Thorpe

Named for a Native American sportsman who overcame great obstacles to emerge as one of the greatest American athletes of all time, the town of Jim Thorpe is anything but a well-kept secret. Nestled in the heart-melting Lehigh Gorge, Jim Thorpe often ranks among the most photogenic towns — not just in Pennsylvania but in the entire country. There are plenty of ways to adore the Poconos views, such as the Kemmerer Memorial Park. Named for a local leader in the coal industry, it is a nice, peaceful venue for an early-morning stroll. Similarly, The Mauch Chunk Lake Park features a glittering 330-acre lake and is a fantastic spot for big bass fishing and swimming. Also, Asa Packer Mansion and the Old Jail Museum feel like a step back into a bygone era and provide a glimpse into the area’s dated culture and history.

Concerning healthcare access, the highly-rated Saint Luke's Hospital Carbon will come in handy with well-trained staff and great facilities. If anything isn’t available in town, the Carbon Transit bus service and Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway provide transit to nearby outdoor and urban areas. While homes here fetch a median listing price of $388,900, their median selling price is much lower: just $246,300. Those planning on retiring in 2024 can join in on one of many events in town, such as the chilling Winterfest or the lively Luminary Walk.

The Takeaway

Retirement is something to look forward to. Freedom from inflexible schedules, not knowing what day it is, and getting to any destination on a whim — are things no salary can compensate for. For those who love nature, especially in its raw and spellbinding form, the Poconos can make for an excellent retirement venue. One can be right on the water, close to the woods and lush forests, yet have access to all desirable amenities, including hospitals. For specific recommendations, eye candies such as Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, and Honesdale are all fantastic choices.