The Best Small Town In The Poconos For Seniors
There are two types of retirees or seniors in America. Some want a luxurious lifestyle after retirement, while others want to return to (or experience for the first time) the small-town life. Honesdale, Pennsylvania, is perfect for the latter. People are retiring here for far less than $2,000 a month. For their money, they get a colorful downtown area with all the essentials, attractions, and more. Wayne Memorial Hospital offers thorough medical services. And the outdoors beckon with the Lackawaxen River right in town, the Pocono Mountains, and Prompton State Park a short drive away.
Living In Honesdale
Seniors who do not want to rent can buy a lovely house for an even better price. The median home value in Honesdale in 2026 is $299,295. Home values have risen 4.7% over the past year, yet the house prices are still incredibly reasonable. At the same time, there is not a whole lot of houses for sale, which shows just how much people love living here. As of August 31, 2026, only 8 homes were listed for sale.
Those who want to rent before buying can find a home for an average rental of $1,400 per month. As of October 2, 2026, 18 rentals were available in the area. The average rental cost in Honesdale is at least 30% lower than the country's average.
Finding Medical Care
For seniors, having a hospital nearby is always a major consideration when thinking about where to retire. Wayne Memorial Hospital at 601 Park Street offers more than 30 medical specialties and also caters to emergencies. The community oversees the hospital, which has 98 beds as well as 14 beds for rehabilitation (inpatient). Honesdale is also home to the Ellen Memorial Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center (a nursing home) and the Mountain Laurel Surgery Center, where endoscopies and colonoscopies are done.
Things To Do Downtown
With housing and medical care settled, plenty of fun awaits. Honesdale has its own Central Park, a place where locals like to gather for a day out in the sun. The town also uses the park to host community events, especially during Christmas. Honesdale inspired the song Winter Wonderland, and it is easy to see why when fairy lights are strung up and glitter over the snow come December.
Beyond the park, Honesdale's downtown offers hours of shopping and dining. Maude Alley offers clothing and gifts, while The Cooperage Project hosts a Farmers Market. During Second Saturdays in the summer, seniors can enjoy artwork and live music throughout downtown. Well-known pieces are on display at Basin & Main, a gallery that also houses several other works. Known Grove Books & More is a great stop for second-hand book treasures before heading to Be Kind Bake House for coffee and pastry. For drinks with a difference, seniors can try Runaway Train Brewery or Twisted Rail Tavern.
Events That Bring The Community Together
Seniors who want to get to know their neighbors can get into the swing of things, community-wise, with the Roots and Rhythm event in the summer. Live bands take over downtown during this event, followed by a free concert at the Wayne County Fairgrounds. In October, the town hosts Ghost Tours, which take guests downtown to walk the 'haunted streets.' A Pumpkin Carving Contest and Jail Tales also take place in October. In December 2026, the town will host the YMCA Holiday Craft Fair & Artisan Bazaar and the (CANDLE)LIT Brass Madrigals. The Madrigals will feature the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic Brass Quintet and the Marywood Chamber Singers, singing traditional Christmas carols.
The Stourbridge Line
Honesdale welcomed the first steam locomotive to run on commercial tracks in 1829. It was also home to the headquarters of the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company. The town keeps the railroad alive with the Stourbridge Line, which operates throughout the year. The train takes passengers on a journey through the Lackawaxen River Valley, 'dressed up' according to the season. The Autumn Dinner Train Ride starts in September, and the Runaway Train Beer Oktoberfest Tasting ride runs in October, along with the Pumpkin Patch Express followed by the Wine & Cheese Experience. In December, the Santa Christmas Tree Express welcomes passengers with hot chocolate, a magical train ride, and the chance to buy a Christmas tree from Adam's Hardscape.
The Outdoor Life
Active seniors will be glad to know that Honesdale's location in the Poconos means outdoor adventures galore. The Lackawaxen River flows past the town and is great for fly fishing and kayaking. Irving Cliff and Gibbons Memorial Park offer incredible views of the town and are accessible via a popular hiking trail. Just minutes away, the Lacawac Sanctuary features more than 9 miles of hiking trails that take hikers through woods and wetlands. Prompton State Park is even closer, less than ten minutes away, where visitors can hike around Prompton Lake or take a boat out on the water. Anglers can spend a couple of hours fishing. There are also picnic spots here and lots of space for mountain biking.
Honesdale's Crime Rate
Those considering Honesdale for their retirement will also want to know about the crime rate. In 2026, the town has a Grade A crime rating. The crime rate is 93% lower than in major U.S. cities. The risk of being a victim of violent crime is very low, and it slightly increases when it comes to property theft. Overall, property crime is more prevalent, fitting in with national trends.
Choosing Honesdale
Choosing a place to enjoy retirement is deciding how you want to spend your days. If you want to meet with friends and neighbors at the local coffee hangout or spend relaxing afternoons along a beautiful river, Honesdale has what you need. Add in excellent healthcare, a low crime rate, affordable housing options, and the Poconos, and you have a town where you will fit right in.
