12 Best Places To Retire In The Poconos

Pennsylvania has been identified by US News and World Report as one of the best states in the US to retire. Reasons cited include happiness, affordability, the fact that income from Social Security, pension, and retirement accounts are exempt from taxes for those over 60, and quality health care. One of Pennsylvania's best areas where to retire is the Pocono Mountains. Its natural beauty, serene and peaceful environment, and proximity to major cities are all attractive to retirees looking to relocate. Here, we will describe 12 of the best towns in the Poconos in which to retire.

Mount Pocono

Mount Pocono is a small town with a population of just over 3,000, over a quarter of whom are 65 or older. The town is just 90 miles from New York City and about 100 miles from Philadelphia. Per Zillow.com, the median home price there is $235,000, less than the Pennsylvania state average of $266,551. For these reasons, combined with the area's natural beauty, many retirees opt to move to Mount Pocono during their golden years.

Monroe County is full of parks and recreation, and the town of Mount Pocono is no exception. Some of the most popular parks in Mount Pocono include Knob Overlook, from where you can see both New Jersey and New York; Borough Hall Park; Oak Street Park; and Downtown Pocket Park. The Friendly Community Center in Mountainhome, just seven miles northeast of Mount Pocono, provides services and activities for all ages, including senior citizens. St. Luke's Hospital Monroe Campus is just 10 miles down the road in Stroudsburg for medical needs. The Pocono Pony, also known as the Monroe County Transportation Authority, runs public transportation routes that include Mount Pocono, giving greater ease of travel to retirees and others living in the small town.

Lehighton

The natural beauty of Lehighton has attracted many to this small town with a population of just over 5,000, almost 20% of whom are aged 65 and older. Median home prices of $280,000, slightly higher than the state average, are also a draw. This borough in Carbon County is just 117 miles west of New York City, 67 miles north of Philadelphia, and 54 miles south of Scranton, putting the big cities within easy reach.

Lehighton features the Lehigh River, with ample opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, and more. It is also near the 3,002-acre Beltzville State Park, which features activities such as swimming, boating, hiking, and fishing. The Lehighton Senior Center aids seniors and supplies activities on weekdays. Lehigh Valley Hospital - Carbon is right in town and was a 2024 Times News Reader's Choice Winner for Best Hospital. The CT Bus runs through Lehighton, supplying public transportation for those who need it.

Stroudsburg

Called the "Heart of the Poconos," Stroudsburg is home to just under 6,000, almost 28% of whom are age 65 or older. Median home prices in this Monroe County town are a bit higher than the state average, at $333,211. It is 75 miles west of New York City, 102 miles north of Philadelphia, and 42 miles northeast of Allentown. This picturesque small town which blends old-world charm and modern amenities attracts many retirees to move to Stroudsburg.

Stroudsburg's downtown area has been described as historical yet trendy. It is welcoming, with historical buildings such as the Monroe County Courthouse and the Stroud Mansion (circa 1795), independent breweries like Banter's Hard Cider, wineries such as Rowan Asher Winery, and fresh produce at Monroe Farmers Market. The Loder Senior Center entertains those aged 60 and over. Hospitals in Stroudsburg include Lehigh Valley Hospital Pocono and St. Luke Monroe Campus. The Pocono Pony furnishes public transportation for those in need of it through and around Stroudsburg.

Hawley

One of the reasons Hawley seems so hospitable to retirees is that it is a quite small village with a population just over 1,200, over a quarter of whom are age 65 and up. Median home prices in this Wayne County hamlet are higher than the state average, at $301,122. The fact that a large portion of its population consists of seniors, combined with its proximity to New York City (100 miles) and Philadelphia (150 miles), makes Hawley a good choice for retirees.

In addition to the natural beauty found in most towns in the Pocono Mountains, Hawley also has its share of culture. The Ritz Company Playhouse, a local community theatre, has been in business for over 50 years and attracts many visitors to Hawley. The town also has a Community Garden Project, with members including both new and experienced growers. The Robert J. Drake Senior Center in Hawley invites seniors over age 60 to come in and check out their services. The nearest hospital is the Wayne Memorial Hospital, just eight miles down the road in Honesdale. The Wayne County Transportation System provides subsidized transportation for seniors and others in need.

Tannersville

Although its population just under 2,800, with 19% over age 65, Tannersville, in the heart of the Poconos, draws thousands of visitors each year. Median home prices of $332,947 are higher than the state average, but many retirees choose this small town in Monroe County for its natural beauty, abundance of things to do, and proximity to cities (90 miles from New York City, 100 miles from Philadelphia, and 40 miles to Wilkes-Barre).

The Tannersville Cranberry Bog Preserve is a unique part of this mountain community and one of the first nature preserves in Pennsylvania. Hiking, photographing wildlife, and reveling in the area's natural beauty are popular pastimes here. Crossings Premium Outlets also attract savvy shoppers to Tannersville. The Tannersville Senior Center offers programs and activities to seniors over age 60. Lehigh Valley Hospital - Tannersville is slated to open in 2026, but in the meantime, medical care is available at St. Luke's Hospital - Monroe Campus, just four miles away. The Pocono Pony runs public transportation in and around Tannersville.

Palmerton

In the Lehigh Valley, Palmerton, with a population of just under 5,600, is a Poconos gem in Carbon County. Almost 23% of its population is over age 65, and median home prices are an affordable $235,931. With Philadelphia just 80 miles away and New York City about 100 miles away, Palmerton is a top choice for many looking to retire to the Pocono Mountains.

Palmerton is known for its tight-knit, welcoming community with a suburban feel. Its downtown area showcases historical buildings, as Palmerton was founded in 1898, against the breathtaking backdrop of the mountains. The Palmerton Area Heritage Center in town can tell you more about the area's history. The Palmerton Senior Center caters to the town's large senior population with services and activities. St. Luke's - Palmerton Campus delivers short-term, acute care as needed. St. Luke's - Lehighton Campus supplies general medical care just six miles down the road. The CT Bus runs through Palmerton and area towns throughout Carbon County, equipping area residents with public transportation.

Milford

In addition to being a beautiful small town in the Poconos with a population of just over 1,100, Milford is also the birthplace of the American Conservation Movement. Almost 19% of its residents are over age 65, and median home prices average $327,881 in this Pike County town. New York City is 70 miles away, and Philadelphia is 100 miles from Milford. In addition to the obvious attraction of its natural beauty, culture is one big reason to live in Milford.

The Milford Readers and Writers Festival takes place in town each September and attracts visitors and residents to the Milford Theater and Performing Arts Center, where it is held. The Black Bear Film Festival, also in Milford, is held each October and draws seniors, school children, and all ages in between. The Milford Senior Center serves those aged 50 and up with activities and events. Milford Health and Wellness Urgent Care serves the most urgent medical needs, while Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis, New York, is 15 miles away for more serious medical needs. The Short Line Bus runs public transit routes to New York City and other destinations, and the Pike County Transportation Department provides shared ride and medical transportation services for those in need.

Tobyhanna

The peaceful, nature-rich town of Tobyhanna offers the perfect environment for retirees. Its population is just under 8,400, with over 12% of that population over age 65. Median home prices are a reasonable $242,862. This Monroe County town is just 113 miles from Philadelphia and 29 miles from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport.

Tobyhanna State Park's 170-acre lake attracts many nature lovers to the town for fishing, hunting, and other outdoor recreation. The park's over 5,000 acres are popular among hikers and photographers. The Mountain Senior Center in Tobyhanna is open three days a week for those aged 50 and over. The Tobyhanna VA Clinic is available in town for veterans' medical needs. Lehigh Valley Hospital - Pocono in East Stroudsburg is just 25 minutes to the southeast of Tobyhanna for others' medical needs. The Pocono Pony bus line serves Tobyhanna and the surrounding area with public transportation.

Delaware Water Gap

Named for the geological feature where the Delaware River cuts through the Appalachian Mountains, the small town of Delaware Water Gap in Monroe County has under 1,000 residents, 21% of whom are over age 65. Median home prices here are $293,006. Delaware Water Gap is just 53 miles from Newark, New Jersey; 62 miles from New York City; and 71 miles from Philadelphia. Its most famous attraction, to both visitors and retirees, is the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

Portions of this park, consisting of 70,000 acres of hiking trails, fishing, waterfalls, and natural beauty along the Delaware River, are in New Jersey. Delaware Water Gap is the only town in Pennsylvania with full Appalachian Trail through-hiker support and beckons hikers and nature lovers. The town's quaint downtown area includes eateries such as Doughboys Pizza, the Sycamore Grille, and the Apple Pie Cafe. While the town does not have its own senior center, it is served by Stroudsburg's Loder Senior Center, just 10 minutes away. Lehigh Valley Hospital - Pocono is about four miles away when medical care is necessary. The free "River Runner" shuttle bus runs along the Delaware River on Saturdays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The Pocono Pony serves Delaware Water Gap's public transportation needs year-round.

Bushkill

Bushkill, in Pike County, may be best known for Bushkill Falls, a series of eight waterfalls that has been nicknamed the "Niagara of Pennsylvania." This town has a population of just under 8,500, 19% of whom are over 65. Median home prices here are affordable at $253,244, which draws many retirees who want to live among the natural beauty of the area. Also attractive is Bushkill's proximity to cities including Newark, New Jersey (56 miles); New York City (58 miles); and Philadelphia (79 miles).

The majesty of Bushkill Falls, with its four hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty, along with activities such as paddle boating, attract many visitors and relocators to the town. When it is time to eat, diverse choices include Petrizzo's Italian Restaurant, Top of the World Restaurant, and Country Squire Deli. The Bushkill Center for Active Adults presents activities and services for those aged 50 and above. Lehigh Valley Hospital - Pocono is the closest hospital in Stroudsburg, about 12 miles to the southwest of Bushkill. There is no dedicated public transportation in Bushkill, but bus service in Stroudsburg is just 12 miles away.

Lake Harmony

An unincorporated place in Kidder Township, Carbon County, the town of Lake Harmony has a population just under 1,800, with almost 30% of residents over age 65. Median home prices here are higher than the state average, at $372,930. As it is just two hours from both New York City and Philadelphia, those who wish to live in a town in the heart of the Poconos centered around its own lake, and can afford it, may opt to retire here.

Lake Harmony itself is two and a half miles long and supplies opportunities for boating, kayaking, and canoeing. Just 15 minutes away is Hickory Run State Park, with 40 miles of hiking trails and 16,000 acres filled with wildlife. The Lake Harmony Senior Center provides services and activities for older adults. The nearest hospital is Lehigh Valley Hospital - Pocono in Stroudsburg, about a half hour to the east of Lake Harmony. The Pocono Pony transit bus serves Lake Harmony and surrounding areas.

Jim Thorpe

Named after American athlete and Olympic gold medalist Jim Thorpe, this town is home to just over 4,500 people, with just under a quarter of them aged 65 and older. The median home prices of $263,775 in Jim Thorpe are around the state average. The Carbon County village of Jim Thorpe is within easy reach of larger cities such as New York City, which is 117 miles to the east, and Philadelphia, about 83 miles to the southeast. It is easy to see why this town, nicknamed the "Switzerland of America," is a favorite for retirees.

One of Jim Thorpe's most famous attractions is Lehigh Gorge State Park. The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway gives riders a picturesque train ride through the park, showcasing the beauty of the mountains and gorge. Jim Thorpe is also a historic town with Victorian buildings and a rich history. Newcomers should check out the Old Jail Museum and the Asa Packer and Harry Packer mansions. The Jim Thorpe Penn-Kidder Senior Center offers a variety of programs for those aged 60 and over. St. Luke's Lehighton Campus is the closest hospital to Jim Thorpe, just three miles away in Lehighton. For those seeking public transportation, the Carbon Transit (CT) Bus runs fixed routes within and around Jim Thorpe.

Retire to the Mountains of Pennsylvania

Each of these small towns in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains are great options for retirees looking to relocate. Whether you want to live in a small, quiet village like Hawley, or a town that is closer to larger cities, like Bushkill, these Poconos towns offer solitude, natural beauty, and welcoming communities. Relocating to any of these towns may fulfill your retirement dreams.