The Poconos' 8 Best Retirement Towns Ranked
Enveloped by enchanting mountain vistas, the Poconos in Pennsylvania rank among the most relaxing spots in the nation. But not just that. Retirees love it because it provides easy access to both Philadelphia and New York City, two of the biggest cities in the United States. Think of it: The idea of having top-notch amenities and nature’s alluring ambiance is quite an irresistible combination. But which are the Poconos' eight best retirement towns ranked? It is a hard call. However, Jim Thorpe, Milford, and Honesdale all stand a shoulder above the rest. For a complete revelation, discover the Poconos’ eight best retirement towns ranked.
1. Jim Thorpe
Any retiree will love spending her sunset years in Jim Thorpe, a small, storybook town of less than 5,000 residents. People love Jim Thorpe for its eye-catching Victorian architecture, breathtaking natural beauty, and small-town charm. Keep in mind that JT, as Jim Thorpe is called, hosts The Mauch Chunk Opera House, one of America’s most intimate concert venues. On a lazy afternoon, a retiree will want to catch a rip-roaring show here.
Several swanky restaurants front Broadway Street, including cherished names such as Broadway Grille + Underground. To the outdoor enthusiast, the Lehigh Gorge State Park has several scenic trails to explore, as well as sparkling cascades. On health care access, the prestigious St. Luke's Lehighton Campus is just next door in Leighton and is ranked in the top 1% in the nation for providing the highest clinical quality year over year. According to data from Zillow, the median listing price of houses in Jim Thorpe is nothing eye-watering: just $314,783. That is as of February 2025. With a median age of 49.9, this town's social landscape is soft and slow, a rhythm that likely fits the expectations of most retirees.
2. Milford
In a sense, to retire in Milford is to walk in the hallowed footsteps of Gifford Pinchot, celebrated as the nation's first practicing forester. Grey Towers, the arresting L-shaped mansion associated with the Pinchots, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Once in a while, a guided tour here — which comes with incredibly scenic trails — can transform a drab afternoon into a fun and lively experience. Are you a history enthusiast? The Columns Museum of the Pike County Historical Society houses interesting displays, including a 36-star flag stained with the blood of President Lincoln. On the other side, outdoor lovers enjoy access to the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania: the three-tiered Raymondskill Falls. On health care access, Bon Secours Community Hospital is a short drive away in Port Jervis, New York. Other enticing Milford features include a budget-friendly house median listing price of $377,967 and a median age of 33.2, implying a social scene that leans towards the youthful, burblier side of life.
3. Honesdale
Honesdale is fondly called the “Birthplace of the American Railroad.” It is a small, slow-paced town at the confluence of the Lackawaxen and Dyberry rivers, about two hours from New York City. A full-size replica of the first locomotive in the United States to run on commercial tracks is at the Wayne County Historical Society Museum and often attracts visitors from every nook of the country. Sunrise Market is the go-to place for fresh cuts and groceries, and often makes shopping a fun, convenient experience. Outdoor venues that a retiree can access on a whim include Irving Cliff, Gibbons Park (for spectacular views of the city), Central Park, the impetus and setting for the song Winter Wonderland, and Lackawaxen River, which offers several recreational activities. Wayne Memorial Hospital is in Honesdale and is a 2024 recipient of the Outstanding Patient Experience Award. Another feather in Honesdale's cap is its affordability, especially because houses fetch a median listing price of just $296,983. On the social side, the median age is 42.6, a sweet spot between age and youth.
4. Hawley
Do you envision retiring in a town where a river runs through, where the environment is pristine and rustic, and where the neighborhoods are mostly quiet and safe? If so, you better put your bet on Hawley, one of the most underrated towns in the Poconos. You will enjoy easy access to some of the finest outdoor venues in the region, including Pennsylvania Rail Bike, LLC — known for its spellbinding fall foliage. Moreover, a retiree here will love to paddle several lakes, such as Lake Wallenpaupack, a lovely spot for boating and fishing. As if that is not enough, Shuman Point Hiking Trail is a nice place to take a furry friend, especially those that have a thing for water. The median listing price of houses in Hawley is $355,633, admittedly a good bang for the buck. Honesdale, just 15 minutes down the road, hosts the award-winning Wayne Memorial Hospital. Another appealing aspect about Hawley is that residents have a median age of 49.6, meaning retirees constitute a sizeable fraction of the population.
5. Mount Pocono
Mount Pocono is a pretty peaceful place and offers prime relaxation. A retiree here is surrounded by endless outdoor venues, including Pocono Summit Lake, Stillwater Lake ( it is famous for fishing), and the immaculately maintained Mount Pocono Campground, which features clean camp sites and scenic hiking trails. With a median listing price of $322,833, a price point that is hard to beat, Mount Pocono doubles up as a top budget-friendly retirement option. For any medical emergency, St Luke's Hospital-Monroe Campus is a heartbeat away in Stroudsburg. If you think you will feel out of place in Mount Pocono, you are mistaken. Mount Pocono residents have a median age of 47.5, meaning a sizeable portion are empty nesters.
6. Stroudsburg
With its stunning downtown, proximity to the Delaware Water Gap, and world-class hospital, Stroudsburg blends amenities and adventure like few other towns in the region. The Delaware Water Gap is a spellbinding expanse of quiet forests, lush fields, and sparkling waterfalls, meaning a retiree can enjoy an afternoon plunge, an early-morning hike, or a slow and tranquil evening. Other outdoor venues include the well-maintained Hickory Valley Park, the Glen Brook Golf Club (with its cherished Mullally's Clubhouse Cafe ), and the Levee Loop Trail, located at the picturesque Dansbury Park. Keep in mind that you have access to one of the top hospitals in the nation: St Luke's Hospital-Monroe Campus. The median listing price of houses in Stroudsburg is $422,717, implying houses here sell like hot cakes. Finally, Stroudsburg residents have a median age of 41.2; not wild, not boring.
7. Lehighton
The peace of the countryside beckons the worn-out empty nester and promises to bring back the sparkle in the eyes. One of the most exciting things about retiring in Lehighton is that it's right next to Jim Thorpe, where life is one long holiday. You have the Lehigh River, which meanders through the town, the quiet and panoramic ROCK D & L Trail, and the Beltzville State Park, a 3,002-acre park with a trout stream, a white-sand beach, and 15 miles of hiking trails. As for health car, St. Luke's Lehighton Campus has previously been named among America's 50 Best Hospitals. And if you want to retire on the cheap, consider that houses here fetch a median listing price of $252,467. With a median age of 41.1, a retiree has the opportunity to mingle with the young and the not-so-young.
8. Tannersville
A retiree in Tannersville is about two hours from Philadelphia, less than three hours from downtown Manhattan, and slightly over an hour from Allentown, the "Queen City of the Lehigh Valley." Moreover, you have Crossings Premium Outlets for your shopping needs, the Tannersville Cranberry Bog Preserve, one of the first nature preserves in the state, and Big Pocono State Park, whose rolling mountains are sometimes painted in shades of red, orange, and yellow. Considering its location and what it offers, many will find a median listing price of $354,267 justifiable. On health care access, the top-notch St Luke's Hospital-Monroe Campus is doorbell away. Finally, Tannersville residents have a median age of about 41, just where life begins.
What every retiree needs is a tranquil place to rest, green spaces to wind down and clear the mind, and lovely outdoor venues to enjoy beautiful views and keep fit. A shimmering lake on one side; jaw-dropping mountain views on the other. Add this to desirable amenities, including excellent hospitals, and you have a dream retirement destination. However, the truth is that few destinations combine these features like the Poconos, a spellbinding region mostly in Northeastern Pennsylvania. You will find spots such as Milford, the birthplace of the American Conservation Movement, and much more when you visit the Poconos’ eight best retirement towns.
