7 Best Towns In The Poconos For Retirees

Any empty-nester looking for a laid-back spot to spend the golden years will instantly fall in love with the Poconos in Pennsylvania. Although there is much to be said about the region’s enchanting outdoor beauty, all the lush forests and sparkling lakes, the Poconos’ proximity to two of the biggest cities in the United States is such an underrated feature. You can paddle a glimmering lake in the morning and dash to downtown Manhattan for a hearty brunch. Also, compared with other popular retirement destinations (think of Florida), the Poconos is an unbelievably cheap region. Most towns have median home prices that range from $200,000 to $400,000. But what are the best picks? Starting with Tannersville, the following are the 7 best towns in the Poconos for retirees.

Tannersville

Although small and often overlooked, Tannersville is among the best retirement spots in the Poconos. With shopping venues such as the Pocono Premium Outlets, Tannersville is a little Paris in Pennsylvania. Notable outdoor venues around Tannersville include the Tannersville Cranberry Bog Preserve, one of the first nature preserves in the state. Also, you have access to Camelback Mountain, the largest ski area in the Poconos. And perched atop this majestic landmark is the Big Pocono State Park, whose rugged scenery often leaves outdoor adventurers completely blown away.

For healthcare access, the highly rated St Luke's Hospital-Monroe Campus is a blink away in Stroudsburg. In May 2025, the median listing home price in Tannersville was $370,700, a price point that many consider a steal because of the town’s range of offerings and amenities.

Milford

Milford is a quaint, family-friendly town with a storybook downtown, multiple festivals that bring people together (such as the Milford Readers & Writers Festival), and neat, peaceful neighborhoods. From here, downtown New York is about an hour and a half, meaning you can access world-class cultural attractions in a heartbeat. Residents enjoy the quiet beauty of the Delaware River Highlands and lots of other outdoor attractions, including the Delaware River itself, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and the Milford Knob Trail, from where one can catch a spectacular view of the town.

Bon Secours Community Hospital is down the road in Port Jervis, while the award-winning Newton Medical Center is just about 25 minutes away. The median listing home price in Milford was $370,000 in May 2025, a price point within a reasonable range of the statewide median of $325,000.

Jim Thorpe

Jim Thorpe is affectionately called the "Switzerland of America." If you have a thing for stunning scenery and outdoor beauty, few towns in America come close. Nestled along the picturesque Lehigh River in eastern Pennsylvania's scenic Pocono Mountains, retirement here comes with lots of nature-themed adventures. No wonder Jim Thorpe draws hordes of tourists every year. You will love the town's extraordinary Victorian architecture, one of America’s most intimate concert venues (The Mauch Chunk Opera House), and the Lehigh Gorge State Park, a vast, swoon-worthy place mostly known for its stunning waterfalls, including the treacherous Glen Onoko Falls. Another worthy mention is the Dimmick Memorial Library, a cozy place to curl up with a book or get some work done.

For healthcare, Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital, just about five miles away in Lehighton, accepts Medicare patients. According to data from realtor.com, the median listing home price in Jim Thorpe was $365,000 in May 2025, a decent bang for the buck, especially considering what the town offers.

Honesdale

Another fantastic spot to retire in the Poconos is Honesdale, a small, calm community about 40 minutes east of Scranton. Honesdale is mostly known as the birthplace of the American railroad, a heritage it is still proud of. The swoon-worthy landscape of Honesdale Central Park, one of the best spots in town to relax and sip beautiful views, inspired the nationally famous song, Winter Wonderland. Irving Cliff, another exceptional outdoor venue to take note of, is visible from the park. Keep in mind that you have doorstep access to the Lackawaxen River, a nice waterway to float down when the weather permits.

In Honesdale, expect to find small businesses, cute, family-owned restaurants, and Wayne Memorial Hospital, which first opened its doors in 1920. The best part is that in May 2025, the median listing home price in Honesdale was $299,900, significantly below the statewide median.

Hawley

Hawley is positioned at the northeastern tip of Lake Wallenpaupack, a stunning man-made reservoir with over 50 miles of uninterrupted shoreline. You will find a landscape that is enchantingly pristine and pastoral, the kind that you rarely chance upon in America. A retiree will enjoy the chance to mingle with eagles, deer, turtles, beavers, and several other wild animals at the Pennsylvania Rail Bike, which offers the unparalleled thrill of electric railbiking. The route spans about 10 miles and runs along the picturesque Lackawaxen River.

As the name implies, Harmony In The Woods is not some enclosed space made of brick and mortar, but a rustic performance venue set outside in nature, surrounded by trees, where you can catch a variety of performances, from jazz to folk. To keep your muscles well-toned, Shuman Point Hiking Trail is a lovely place to wander through, especially with all the ferns, dense woods, and deer. In May 2025, the median listing home price in Hawley was $377,000.

Mount Pocono

The thing about retiring in Mount Pocono is that you are surrounded by what feels like endless water parks, shopping centers, and fantastic hiking trails. Talking of hiking trails, Devil's Hole Trail is an out-and-back trail near town that features beautiful woodlands and old historic ruins. There is the Fieldstone Farm Trail Loop as well, a short but sweet hike on the banks of Tank Creek. Other outdoor pleasure spots include Pocono Summit Lake and Stillwater Lake, which spans over 315 acres.

For any medical emergency, St Luke's Hospital-Monroe Campus is closeby in Stroudsburg. It has been ranked top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety, among other awards. To cap it all, the median listing home price in Mount Pocono is $319,500, an attractive price point, especially considering it is below the statewide median.

Lehighton

If you cannot fathom retiring in the soot and chaos of Everytown, America, Lehighton offers the peace of the countryside and a soothing, laid-back ambiance that any retiree will find therapeutic. The Lehigh River flows through the town and adds a layer of rustic charm to an already beautiful spot. Also, the panoramic D&L Trail teems with several sites to feast your eyes on and redefines beauty in a uniquely spectacular way. Taking the same cue, Beltzville State Park spans more than 3,000 acres and provides a delightful range of outdoor adventure opportunities. This is especially because it has a trout-rich stream, a lovely beach to explore, and several miles of hiking trails.

For healthcare, St. Luke's Lehighton Campus is a respected name in medical circles and has previously been recognized by national healthcare awards. Finally, the town's median listing price of $397,000 is fairly reasonable, especially if you focus on the tons of value it comes with.

The Takeaway

If you have a thing for misty forest strolls, a refreshing bath in a sparkling lake, or simply nature’s quiet beauty and peaceful ambiance, you will find the Poconos an incredible place to retire. Pennsylvania’s northeastern wilds boast some of America’s most heart-melting natural landscapes, the kind of beauty that tones the muscles and makes the cheeks glow with the soft energy of fresh mountain air. Moreover, you will be close to New York City and Philadelphia, two of the continent’s biggest cities. The best part is that the Poconos is way cheaper than several locations in the Northeast.