8 of the Friendliest Towns To Retire In The Poconos
The Pocono Mountains have long been renowned for their natural beauty; however, in recent years, they have also gained recognition as one of Pennsylvania’s most welcoming places to retire. Located in northeastern Pennsylvania, the Poconos is a 2,500-square-mile region that offers beautiful mountain towns surrounded by over 260 miles of hiking trails, 170 miles of rivers, and 150 lakes.
Retirees are provided with numerous ways to stay active, from fishing at Beltzville State Park to catching a live show under the stars at Harmony in the Woods. While the views are truly amazing, the communities throughout the region are what make the Poconos special. These eight towns in the Poconos provide a sense of community with food pantries, senior and community centers supporting residents.
Cresco
In the northern part of the mountains, surrounded by scenic landscapes, charming shops, and community support, is the forested village of Cresco. Senior citizens are given access to local resources, such as a new senior center at the Barrett Administration Recreation Complex, providing community and support services and activities. Browse local antique shops, such as Mountain Home Antiques, for bargains and one-of-a-kind items.
Take a class at the Friendly Community Center, a place that seeks to provide affordable community-based services and programs created for socialization, wellness, and learning. Classes offered are for all ages and include chair yoga, meditation, line dancing, and Mah Jongg. The center also hosts fundraisers and events such as an Estate & Treasures Sale Fundraiser and the more recent Pennsylvania Flower Show Bus Trip.
Stroudsburg
Located near the Delaware Water Gap, Stroudsburg offers seniors a place to relax and feel supported during retirement. A premier senior living community in the area is Asbury Grace Park, providing personal care, independent living options, free daily fitness classes, and other exceptional amenities and support services.
For a Nostalgic feel, catch a live show at the Sherman Theater, a 1920s performing arts venue for local musicians. The theater hosts Stroudfest, a free annual community event seeking to unite the community through celebration, art, and music. A particularly notable non-profit in the area is Breast Friends of Pennsylvania, a system of support to help cancer patients, survivors, and their families. The organization also provides resources and hosts events in support of its mission.
Lehighton
Along the banks of the Lehigh River sits the town of Lehighton, filled with a rich history and friendly people. Lehighton Senior Center provides programs such as fitness classes, arts and crafts, and educational workshops to promote well-being and community connections among older residents. Spend the day outdoors at Beltzville State Park, a 3,002-acre green space that features 15 miles of hiking trails, picnic spots, a sandy beach for relaxing, and a beautiful stream filled with trout.
Head over to the Mahoning Drive-In Theater, a 1948 old-fashioned single-screen theater located outside playing vintage films. A great support system in the area is the St. Peter’s Community Resource Center, providing assistance to people in need, helping individuals with everyday items, and offering a space for other non-profits to operate.
Jim Thorpe
The historic town of Jim Thorpe features a range of extraordinary architecture and interesting cultural attractions. Seniors can find a wealth of supportive services as well as access to museums, parks, and other interesting year-round activities. The Jim Thorpe/Penn-Kidder Senior Center is a great place for seniors to socialize, offering activities like Bingo, line dancing, and card games.
There are also many museums throughout town, such as the 1861 Asa Packer Mansion Museum, offering tours of the grounds, with senior discounts available. Attend a show at the Mauch Chunk Opera House, a Victorian venue that hosts live music and events. Show support for local artists by attending the Jim Thorpe Independent Film Festival, held at the opera house, showcasing the works of filmmakers across all genres.
Honesdale
Known as the "birthplace of the American railroad," Honesdale is a place where retirees can engage in senior-friendly activities in a community-focused atmosphere. The Earl J. Simons Senior Center offers activities, programs, weekly meals, and bus trips each year to various destinations. During the warmer months, head over to the Wayne County Fair, a place where family fun and entertainment take center stage.
At the fair, visitors can participate in contests, watch rodeos and monster truck events, and explore a wide-range of vendors. Honesdale is home to the Cooperage Project, an organization that creates opportunities bringing individuals together for various events to create a deeper sense of community. Residents can volunteer or attend one of their events, such as Main Street Farmers Markets, Senior Gatherings, or Acoustic Bluegrass Jams.
Milford
The charming river town of Milford, located near the upper Delaware River, is an ideal place for seniors seeking a quiet place to spend their retirement. The Belle Réve Senior Living retirement home offers residents’ meaningful activities and supportive care. Those looking to stay active can take a class at Jen Murphy Fitness, providing senior fitness classes, Silver Sneakers, available both in-person and online.
Walk amid a picturesque estate at the Grey Towers National Historic Site, featuring a large green space and an 1886 French Chateau-style mansion. The site hosts various fundraisers on the grounds such as the Candlelight Dinner at the Finger Bowl, raising support for the Grey Towers Legacy Scholarship Program. Another great place near Milford is the Hemlock Farms Conservancy, which organizes fundraisers and educational activities directed towards environmental conservation in the area.
Hawley
Located on the Lackawaxen River, the small town of Hawley, Pennsylvania, is a great leisure destination, perfect for retirees. Take part in activities such as walking groups and health and wellness programs at the Robert J. Drake Senior Community Center. Watch an outdoor show at Harmony in the Woods, a performing arts theater that hosts a diverse mix of music, dance, comedy, and plays. The venue is always looking for volunteers to help support the local arts scene.
Food lovers unite during the Chili and Wing Cookoff, an event featuring live music, raffles, and delicious food, with proceeds going towards Settlers Care Foundation. Throughout the year, attend one of the Hawley Fire Department’s events. This volunteer-run organization that helps keep the community safe, hosts annual flea markets, fundraisers, and model train shows.
Palmerton
One of the region’s most stunning turn of the century towns, Palmerton, Pennsylvania, offers rich history, beautiful parks, and friendly residents, making it an idyllic place for retirement. The Palmerton Senior Center is a focal point of the town for retirees, providing seniors access to activities, classes, and programs to residents 60 and over. During the warmer months, the Palmerton Memorial Park remains busy, providing a place where residents can go swimming and relax.
Play a couple rounds at the Blue Shamrock Golf Club, a public course made for every skill level that also provides amazing views. Additionally, the club has been known to host various charity tournaments such as the annual golf tournament of the Schuylkill-Carbon Marine Corps League that donated to organizations that support those who have served.
Community Strength in the Poconos
Tucked away in nature, away from the big cities, the towns in the Poconos are rooted in community strength and solidarity. It is also a place where you know your neighbors, where people look out for one another, and are never too busy to have a conversation. Whether attending a volunteer fire company carnival, the Wayne County Fair in Honesdale, or support groups such as Breast Friends of Pennsylvania in Stroudsburg, retirees in the Poconos are given meaningful ways to support one another, volunteer, and connect during their later years.
