9 Best Places To Call Home In The Poconos In 2026

Living in the Poconos does not have to come with resort-town prices. Each of these communities has a median home sale price below Pennsylvania's median of around $330,000, according to 2026 housing data. This is combined with access to some of Pennsylvania’s biggest draws, such as Lake Wallenpaupack, Lehigh Gorge State Park, and the sweeping views of Mount Pocono's Knob Overlook. Hickory Run State Park, located near White Haven, is even home to a National Natural Landmark. These nine communities make a strong case for turning a Pocono getaway into a permanent address.

Mount Pocono

Mount Pocono is one of the more convenient communities in the Poconos for those who want mountain living but with plenty of things to do close to home. Housing remains relatively affordable while residents have access to attractions without leaving the area. The Knob Overlook is a local spot with views across the Pocono Plateau. Yankee Run Nature Preserve offers a place to explore local woods and enjoy the great outdoors. Pocono ATV Tours offer guided off-road adventures, and Big Screen Escapes give retro-themed escape rooms for a great indoor activity. Mount Airy Casino Resort is another popular entertainment option. With affordability, year-round activities, and more, Mount Pocono is a great option for full-time residents.

Jim Thorpe

Known as the "Switzerland of America", Jim Thorpe combines mountain scenery with one of the most distinctive historic downtowns in all of Pennsylvania. Here, life revolves around the Lehigh River and the surrounding mountains. Get some fresh air and explore Lehigh Gorge State Park and hike or bike along the gorge, followed by a scenic ride aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. Locals love the downtown for its historic shops, restaurants, and attractions, including the Old Jail Museum that explores the area's 19th-century history and connection to the Molly Maguires. Although this is a popular tourist destination, Jim Thorpe offers a small-town atmosphere, making it a beloved place for locals to settle down.

Lehighton

Lehighton is a great option for buyers who want to live somewhere a little more practical while staying close to the beautiful mountains. Outdoor recreation is a big deal here. Beltzville State Park offers opportunities to go swimming in a beautiful lake, boating, fishing, hiking, and plenty of places to go picnicking. The D&L Trail follows historic Delaware and Lehigh Canal paths and is a great spot for a walk or bike ride. Those who live here can enjoy white water rafting or kayaking on the Lehigh River. This is all while still being close to Jim Thorpe, offering even more activities to enjoy.

Palmerton

Palmerton is a wonderful choice for home buyers who want mountain scenery and plenty of outdoor recreational activities, all while keeping the housing costs relatively low. The borough sits near the Lehigh Gap, giving residents easy access to the Appalachian Trail and D&L Trail. Blue Mountain Resort is just outside of the town and gives lots of outdoor options, including skiing, snow tubing, and other seasonal activities. In town, enjoy Palmerton Borough Park, offering walking areas and recreational facilities. Here, the compact downtown, lower home prices, and closeness to the Blue Mountains make it an appealing Southern Poconos alternative to some of the more expensive areas.

Honesdale

Honesdale offers a great balance of affordability, history, and access to the northern Poconos. The historic Main Street offers plenty of locally owned businesses, restaurants, and historic architecture, while the Wayne County Historical Society Museum gives visitors a look at the area's railroad heritage. For a scenic and themed excursion through Lackawaxen River Valley, board the Stourbridge Line. Irving Cliff offers an elevated view over town, while nearby Prompton State Park gives plenty of opportunities to enjoy hiking, boating, and fishing. With a fun downtown and plenty of outdoor recreational activities, there is plenty to do, but with a real sense of community, making Honesdale a great place to live.

Hawley

Hawley is located along the Lackawaxen River near Lake Wallenpaupack, giving residents one of the best combinations of lake activities and small town charm in the Poconos. In the summer, residents can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and kayaking on Lake Wallenpaupack, the region's huge 5,700-acre reservoir. A great spot is The Hawley Silk Mill, an 1880s industrial building that has turned into an area providing shops, businesses, and cultural attractions. Bring the whole family to Bingham Park, where there's plenty of open space, athletic facilities, and playgrounds. In Hawley, you're also not far from the Wallenpaupack Lake Trail, which offers even more outdoor recreational activities. Here, residents can enjoy historic character and water activities, all with relatively attainable home prices, making it a great option.

White Haven

White Haven is a good choice for anyone who prefers a quieter mountain town setting and loves the great outdoors. Here, residents will have access to Lehigh Gorge State Park, where there are plenty of hiking and biking trails available. Nearby Hickory Run State Park has even more outdoor activities, as well as Boulder Field, which is a National Natural Landmark. The Lehigh River allows fishing, paddling, and other water activities. White Haven is an ideal option offering affordability and location between the Poconos and Lehigh Valley, making it a great choice for buyers who want both nature and value.

Weatherly

Weatherly is one of the most budget-friendly communities on the list and is surrounded by wooded mountains, making it an ideal outdoor option. It provides easy access to outdoor destinations throughout Carbon and Luzerne counties. Residents can explore nearby Lehigh Gorge State Park and hike portions of the D&L Trail. Eurena Park and other nearby recreational areas provide even more outdoor water activities. Although Weatherly may not have the tourism appeal of some of the other areas, like Jim Thorpe or Tannersville, this can be a plus for residents wanting a quieter, more affordable mountain community.

Pocono Lake

Pocono Lake offers a different version of Pocono living, with wooded residential neighborhoods, private lakes, and easy access to some of the region's most popular outdoor attractions. Residents can spend time at nearby Tobyhanna State Park, a 5,440-acre park offering plenty of hiking, boating, and swimming options. The Thomas Darling Preserve at Two-Mile Run offers a two-mile loop through a rare glacier wetland complex, perfect for hiking or wildlife viewing. For those wanting to support local spots, Hanna's Farm Market is perfect, offering locally sourced cheese and produce. If you're looking for a wooded home in a recreational setting without paying the prices found in some of the Poconos' most sought-after resort communities, this could be a great option for you.

Finding a place to call home in the Poconos all depends on what kind of lifestyle you're dreaming of. Jim Thorpe and Honesdale are highlighted with historic downtowns, while Lehighton and Palmerton offer great value near plenty of major outdoor attractions. Mount Pocono and Pocono Lake give access to year-round recreational activities, while White Haven and Weatherly may appeal more to buyers looking for a quiet community and lower housing costs. And if you're looking for lakefront living, Hawley may be the perfect spot. The Poconos are one of the state's more compelling regions for buyers looking for scenery, recreation, small-town character, and affordability.