We get asked all the time "Which Poconos communities are best?"
So.. We will answer the question.
It Depends.
Yes, it does. Because someone looking for a Vacation Home Community in the Woods for quiet getaways wants something different than a skiing family or a motor boating family or a ... well you get the point.
Let's start with a list of The Best OVER ALL places to live in the Poconos. This will be a subjective hierarchy based upon no other criteria than "Given unlimited $s where would we live"
Here goes:
Here is the legend for the list of amenities in the neighborhoods below:
L = Lake, B = Beach, T = Tennis, OP = Outdoor Pool, IP = Indoor Pool, R =
Restaurant, CH = Club house, G = Gated, GC = Golf Course
Arrowhead Lakes – L(2), B(4), T, OP, CH(2), G
A mostly vacation home neighborhood with lots of amenities for
vacation homeowners and families. Some successful vacation rentals. Many
couples and family vacation homes. Large lakes (2), stream, beaches,
outdoor pool / tennis / picnic area. Gated.
Direct Website for Arrowhead Lakes Real Estate
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Baran Estates - Single family homes on lots.
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Bear Creek Lake L, B
Community has Lake and beach and some community activities. Prices
are higher than the surrounding area as this is the closest vacation
style home neighborhood in the Poconos to the Philadelphia market. Some
retirees, some year around homes owners and some vacation homeowners.
Direct Website for Bear Creek Lake Real Estate
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Big Bass Lake – L(2), B, T, OP, CH, G
One of the larger neighborhood communities in the Poconos. Most homes
are behind gates. Very high percentage of vacation homeowners.
Reasonable number of vacation homes are rented out. 2 large lakes,
professional management, larger than normal, mostly wooded lots (3/4 to 1
acre), lots of amenities inside the neighborhood. Is a little distant
to other Poconos activities (12-15 miles) but some buy here just for
that reason as it tends to be quieter and less crowded.
Direct Website for Big Bass Lake Real Estate
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Blue Heron Lake – L, B, CH, G
An unusual neighborhood. This is a hunting club with small membership
where you must be a member in order to own a home (or when you buy a
home, you become a member.) Members have use of lake, beach, community
clubhouse, hundreds of acres of land for hunting and exploring.
Exclusive and gated. Reasonable fees for the type of ownership.
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Blue Heron Townhomes on Big Boulder Lake - Lake Harmony -A town home community on Big Boulder Lake
with a Lake Harmony, PA address. Access to Big Bould lake with optional
Beach Club with beach, tennis, boat rentals. This maintained community
is within 1/4 mile of Big Boulder ski resort and 1 mile of motor boating
Lake Harmony with Jack Frost Ski area less than 5 miles. Walk to Boulder
Lake Tavern for food and live entertainment.
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Blue Mountain Lake Estates - L, OP, T, CH
Fairly new community of larger and smaller singles and town homes
surrounding a small lake less than 7 miles from the Delaware Water Gap
Bridge. Good for Commuter families and retirees. Some amenities like
outdoor pool, tennis beach and lake activities.There is a section of
single maintained homes ideal for retirees, couples and single owners. A
variety of housing styles. Less than 3 miles to shopping, downtown and
medical offices. Direct Website for Blue Mountain Lake Real Estate
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Brier Crest Woods – L, B
Vacation homes near Big Boulder and Jack Frost ski areas and Lake
Harmony. Community has small lake, beach and a few tennis courts. Low
fees and is convenient to many of the Poconos Activities. Some lots
boarder on State Game Lands. Close to Pocono Raceway.Less than 3 miles
to Big Boulder skiing and the activities and restaurants at Lake
Harmony.
Direct Website for Brier Crest Woods Real Estate
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Buck Hill Falls – T, OP, CH, GC
First the “ouch”.. This is the most expensive neighborhood to live in
in the Poconos Mountains. $12,000 plus in fees (not including taxes)
per year. They also do not allow vacation rentals. So you have to be
able to afford the lifestyle …. if you do…….
Buck Hill Falls is a year-round resort home community with a 27-hole
golf course with a clubhouse, a tennis center with ten Har-Tru courts,
an Olympic-sized outdoor pool, and championship lawn bowling greens.
And
many of the special and cultural activities begun by the early
residents are also still popular. These include an Art Association that
sponsors painting and crafts classes and exhibitions; a nature group
that plans early morning walks among other activities; and the Foxhowe
Association which, since 1925, has sponsored a fascinating series of
weekly concerts, informative talks and other culturally enriching
presentations. Traditional celebrations, such as the Fourth of July
parade, are celebrated every year, as well.
Perhaps the most unique
offering of the Buck Hill Falls community is the Camp Club and other
youth activities programs. For over 70 years this program has offered
music, art, crafts, theater, camping, dance and sports to all the Buck
Hill children from 3 to 15.
Direct Website for Buck Hill Falls Real Estate
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Camelot Forest –
L, T, Trash - Single family detached homes on about 1/2 acre lots. Central sewer, trash and access to a small lake.
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Cobble Creek Estates – T, OP
Sullivan Trail, Tannersville, PA. Established in the 70’s, and still
growing, Cobble Creek represents the true flavor of the Pocono region
with the benefit of nearby shopping, easy access to I-80 and abundant
family recreation areas such as Camelback. Outdoor pool and tennis
courts with paved township roads. Cobble Creek does not allow short term
rentals. Lots in this neighborhood are larger than average .75-1 acre.
Some home suffer from proximity to Rt I-80 noise. Some have stunning
views of Camelback Mountain Ski area.
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Country Club of the Poconos – T, OP
Golf, Clubhouse, Pools in a private community without gates.
community surrounds a public golf course and has convenient restaurant
in the gold club building. Two sections with individual pool / tennis in
each section. Some view lots, central water / sewer. Larger single
homes, town homes and some single patio (maintained) homes.
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Deer Path Village - single family home community near Scotrun PA.
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Delaware Water Gap -
Quaint village on the Delaware River and closest place to live in the Poconos to: New York City and the State if New Jersey.
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Duck Harbor Pond – L
Rather remote motorboating lake in the far northeastern corner of the
Poconos. Distant to shopping, medical, and most Poconos attractions.
This is a get away neighborhood for the motorboating crowd.
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Eagle Lake- L, B, T, OP, CH, G -
Not really in the Poconos, this neighborhood is isolated to the far
western reaches about an hour away from most Poconos attractions. It
does have a large amenity package within the neighborhood with lake,
golf, small ski hill.
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East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 and 18302 -
closest home market to the New Jersey, New York areas.
Direct Website for East Stroudsburg Real Estate
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East Way Community OP -
townhome / condo community in East Stroudsburg, PA
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Elk Lake– L
Lake community in the far northern reaches of the Poconos. Motorboating.
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Emerald Lakes and The Estates at Emerald Lakes, Long Pond, PA 18334 – L, T, OP, CH, IP, Trash, B -
A community of year around and vacation homes with lots of amenities.
Closest lake neighborhood to Camelback Mountain Resort skiing and
waterpark.
Direct Website for Emerald Lakes Real Estate
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Evergreen Lake Estates -
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Fawn Lake Forest – L(2), B(2),
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Fieldstone Estates
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Glen at Tamiment, - T, OP, CH
Gated community on the old Tamiment resort. Single family homes with
central water and sewer. Tennis court, outdoor pool and access to a
fairly large lake for canoes, kayaks and fishing.
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Glenoak Forest – L
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Gold Key Country Club- L(2), B(2), T, CH -
One of the Poconos larger communities near Milford PA. Lakes, beach,
clubhouse with restaurant, tennis. One of the lakes is not man made.
Thus, good fishing.
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Grampas Woods
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Greenwood Acres - Blakeslee PA L, B
Single family home community.
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Hemlock Farms Country Club- L(3), B(4), T, OP, CH, G
One of the largest communities in the Poconos. Complete amenity package.
Pools, tennis, lakes, beaches, churches, fire department, own post
office, internal country club with golf and clubhouse.
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The Hideout – L(2), B(2), T, OP, CH, G
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Hallowood Acres Assoc - L, B
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Hamlet, The - L, T, OP, CH, IP -
Unique neighborhood of 1 plus acre lots surrounded by mostly state
forest with an amenity package superior to any other Poconos
Neighborhood of its size (about 300 owner).
Direct Website for The Hamlet Real Estate
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Hemlock Lake
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Hickory Hills -
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High Country Estates -
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Hickory Run Forest -
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High Mountain Estates =
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Holiday Pocono Assoc. - L, B, Kids play area
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Indian Lake - L
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Indian Mountain Lakes – L, B, T, OP, CH, G
One of the oldest and largest neighborhoods in the Poconos. Gated with 3
lakes. Homes tend to be on the older, smaller size with some newer and
larger sprinkled about.
Direct Website for Indian Mountain Lakes Real Estate
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Indian Rocks -
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Ken-Mar Acres -
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Kettle Creek Estates -
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Knoll Acres -
Year around residences on larger lots in a suburban setting out side of
the town of East Stroudburg. Homes larger and newer than average for the
area.
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LaBar Village - Stroudsburg, PA 18360
55 plus neighborhood within the town of Stroudsburg, PA 18360 with townhomes with garages, and condo flats.
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Lake Harmony =
Village in center of Poconos with motorboating lake and various
communities / neighborhoods. There are also some small stores and
restaurants within the village.
Direct to Lake Harmony Area Real Estate
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Lake Harmony Estates -
Community in Lake Harmony with Lake access to Lake Harmony via community
lakefront lots available for owners and guest to use for access to
motorboating Lake Harmony.
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Lake in the Clouds – L, B, T
Mountain community with wooded lots, lake, beach, tennis and picnic area.
Direct to Lake In the Clouds Real Estate
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Lake Manzanedo– L
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Lake Naomi – L(2), B(4), T, OP, IP, R, CH
Top Poconos neighborhood. Pools, tennis, restaurant, kids camp, clubhouse, fitness center, indoor basketball.
Direct Website for Lake Naomi Real Estate
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Lake of the Pines – L, CH, T
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Lake Valhalla – L, B
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Lake View Estates - CH, Lake, T
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Lake Wallenpaupack
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Lake Watagwa L
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Laurel Woods - At Big Boulder Lake, Lake Harmony, PA
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Lenape Hills -
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Leisure Lands – East Stroudsburg, PA Optional - L, OP, CH
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Locust Lake Village – Pocono Lake, PA L(3), B(2), T, Skiing
A larger than average vacation and retirement community in the center of
the Poconos Mountains 15 minutes to skiing, racetrack and many other
Poconos attractions. Neighborhood amenities include: 3 Lakes, beaches,
beach side snack bar, small clubhouse, small 2 run ski area with rope
tow, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and tennis courts. This neighborhood is
perhaps the most "vacationy" community in the Poconos.
Direct Website for Locust Lakes Real Estate
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Log Cabin Estates
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Maple Lane - Townhomes in a rural setting along Rt 209 between Marshalls Creek and Bushkill PA.
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Masthope Mountain– L, T, OP, R, CH, Skiing -
Community in the far reches of the northern Poconos. Close to the
Delaware River, with complete amenity package of pool, tennis, ski area,
clubhouse.
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Meadow Lake Park - L
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Midlake on Big Boulder - Lake Harmony, PA- L, OP
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Lakefront condo flats on Big Boulder Lake and adjacent to Big Boulder Ski resort.
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Monroe Lake – East Stroudsburg, PA 18302 L, B
Lake community with 80 acre lake, small beach, kids playground. Rustic and in the woods.
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Mount Pocahontas – CH, OP
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Mountain Top Estates -
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Mushroom Farms -
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Northpark Estates
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Northridge At Camelback - Tannersville, PA 18372 - T, OP fitness center.
Mostly vacation home community on Camelback Mountain in the center of
the Poconos, near restaurants, skiing, outdoor waterpark, adventure
park, casino, outlet shopping.
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Northslope Townhomes- East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 OP, T.
Townhomes adjacent to Shawnee Ski resort and close to the Delaware Water Gap Bridge for commuters to New Jersey / New York.
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Oakridge Estates
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Paradise Point -
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Penn Estates – L(2), B, T, OP, G
Large Poconos neighborhood with mix of vacation and year around
residents. Small lots, mostly wooded, Gated and short term rental
friendly.
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Penn Forest Streams -
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Phoenix Estates -
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Pine Creek Estates - larger lots of 1 acre plus mostly wooded. feels more rural than most Poconos neighghborhoods.
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Pinecrest Lake Golf and Country Club – L, B, T, OP, CH
Top Poconos Community with professional management, tennis, beach, lake,
outdoor pool, walking tails near skiing, casino and Pocono Raceway.
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Pine Grove Acres
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Pine Ridge Assoc. – T,OP
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Pleasant Valley Estates -
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Pleasant View Lake L
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Pocono Country Pines
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Pocono Country Place – Tobyhanna, PA - L(2), B(2), T, OP, CH, G
The largest by number of homes in any community in the Poconos. Central
Sewer and water allowes for small lots of 1/4 to 1/3 acre. Lakes,
beaches, tennis, kids play area. Professionally managed with its own
security force. Gated and multi sectional. Each section has its own
amenities, though as a homeowner, you may use all of them.
Direct Website for Pocono Country Place Real Estate
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Pocono Farms East - Not part of Pocono Farms. No amenities.
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Pocono Farms Country Club - L, B, T, Op, R, CH -
Tobyhanna, PA, Large neighborhood with small lake, beach, golf course outdoor pool, Fitness center, and restaurant onsite.
Direct To Pocono Farms Real Estate
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Pocono Forested Acres -
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Pocono Hemlock Assoc.
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Pocono Highland Estates - Tannersville, PA Pocono Township
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Pocono Highland Lake Middle - Smithfield/Price – L
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Pocono Mountain Cliffside - Neighborhood of homes and mobile homes. Generally smaller than average lots.
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Pocono Mountain Lake
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Pocono Mountain Woodland Lake Estates L
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Pocono Springs Civic Assoc – L, OP, CH, G
Large neighborhood and the most remote of any in the Poconos. Has state lands on many sides. Lake and outdoor pool
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Pocono Woodland (Pike)
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Promised Land L, B -
Both a State Park and village area, with both fee simple homes and state forest cabins.
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Pocono Laurel Lake L
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Pocono Mountain Lake Estates (Sec 1,2,3 & 4) – L, T, OP, IP, CH
Mostly Vacation home community with clubhouse, outdoor and indoor pools,
tennis, small lake with beach and kids play area. In the eastern
Poconos near the Delaware Water Gap National park.
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Pocono Mountain Lake Estates (Sec 5,6 & 7)
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Pocono Ranchlands – OP, G
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Pocono Wild Haven - Pond, picnic area
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Promised Land Heights
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Riverside Estates - Western Poconos Community on the Lehigh River.
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Robin Hood Lakes - L
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Robinwood Village – T,OP, CH, L -
55 and over townhome community with outdoor pool and small clubhouse.
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Saw Creek Estates - L, T, OP, IP, R, CH, G, Skiing
One of the Poconos Mountain's larger communities and the one with the
most amenities. Small ski hill, restaurant, indoor outdoor pools,
professional management, gated with internal security.
Direct Website for Saw Creek Real Estate
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Sierra View - Homes on larger lots in the Western Poconos.
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Skytop and Skytop resort – L, T, OP, IP, R, CH, G -
This resort is one of the Grand Old Stone resorts with t
thousands of acres surrounding it. The resort itself is upscale and
iconic. The grounds with golf, lake, gardens, small ski area, indoor ice
skating, kids camp are well kept and generally for guest use only,
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Split Rock – L, T, OP, IP, R, CH, G
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Snow Ridge Village, Lake Harmony PA -
Townhomes and Single Patio Homes adjacent to Jack Frost Ski Area.
Direct Website for Snow Ridge Village Real Estate
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Snowshoe Condo
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Spruce Hill Farms - pond.
Rustic Homes on large 2+ acre lots in the center of the Poconos Resort area.
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Stillwater Estates - B, L
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Stillwater Lakes Civic Assoc - L, B
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Stonecrest Park -
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Stones Throw -
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Stone Row -
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Stroudsburg -
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Summit Pointe - L, P, T
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Sunrise Lakes – L(2), B,OP
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Sun Valley -
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Sunset Estates -
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Tamiment – L, T, OP, CH
Direct Website for Tamiment Real Estate
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Tannersville, PA 18372-
Village centrally located in the Poconos with Camelback resort within
the delivery address for the Tannersville post office. Grocery,
restaurants, hardware, gas, The Crossing Outlet complex and other
services (Dentists, hair salon, state liquor store etc) can be found in
this village.
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The Estates @ Great Bear - G
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The Falls at Saw Creek – L, T, OP, IP, R, CH, G
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The Masters at Great Bear - G.
Estate style homes surrounding Great Bear Golf course. Close to New Jersey to commute to NJ or NY.
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The Oaks -
Townhomes in the city of East Stroudsburg, PA
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The Woodlands -
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The Woods at Mountain Spring Lake -
larger lots and larger homes than most Poconos neighborhoods. Mostly year round primary homes. No Short Term Rentals.
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Timber Hill - OP
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Timber Trails – L, B, T, OP, IP, R, CH
Part of Lake Naomi but with gates and amenity package that is separate.
Lake, beach, pool, tennis, golf and access to the Lake Naomi Clubhouse
with indoor pool, indoor tennis, fitness center, snack bar and more
Direct Website for Timber Trails Real Estate
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Tink Wig Lake - L, B
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Towamensing Trails - L, T, OP, R, CH, ATVs
Larger neighborhood surrounding a lake with outdoor pool, tennis and clubhouse.
Direct Website for Towamensing Trails Real Estate
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Traces of Lattimore – L, B
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Tunkhannock Trails -
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Twin Lake Estates – East Stroudsburg PA
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Twin Lakes – Shohola L, B
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Victoria Heights -
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Village At Camelback– T, IP, CH -
Townhome community on Camelback Mountain adjacent to the slopes.
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Villas at Pine Hill -
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Wagner Forest Park – L(2), B,
Community with 2 plus acre lots, homes with wood or stone exterior.
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Walker Lake Estates – L, B
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Walnut Grove -
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Whispering Glen -
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White Heron Lake – L, B,
Former (and still operating) hunting club with limited membership
sharing 500 acres of woodlands and lake. Closest lake community to New
Jersey in PA. Owners need approval to purchase and rent from community
board. Hunting and fishing on property.
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Wild Acres – L(2), B, T, OP, CH, G -
Larger neighborhood of about 1/2 acre lots surrounding 3 lakes with indoor / outdoor pools, tennis.
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Wilderness Acres – Picnic Area – Stream Large lots of over one acre
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Wild Pines – L, B, T, GC, OP -
Part of Pinecrest Lake Golf and Country Club. Access to lake, tennis,
beach, community restaurant, golf course, fitness center. Wild Pines is
the Golf Course section of Pinecrest. Homes in Wild Pines have central
water and sewer and tend to be larger than homes in the Poconos.
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Winona Lakes – T, OP, IP, CH
Vacation, retirement and year around living on wooded lots with access
to clubhouse with small indoor pool, outdoor pool, tennis and a first
class fishing stream. Winona Lakes (at time of writing) allows Short
Term Rentals however, the community is not really short term rental
friendly as the community rules are somewhat restrictive.
Direct to Winona Lakes Real Estate
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Woodlands Cranberry Assoc.
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Woodledge Village – L, B -
Quiet residential neighborhood of vacation and year around homes around a
medium sized lake with lakefronts, lakeview and second tier lake access
homes.
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Woodloch Springs – GC, R, CH, OP -
Neighborhood developed by Woodloch resort to compliment the resort. Year
around, retirement and vacation homes surrounding a golf course with
clubhouse with outdoor pool. Most people who move here discover this
neighborhood when visiting Woodloch Resort and social activities revolve
around Woodloch resort as both the resort and Woodloch Springs are
somewhat isolated and distant from shopping and town.
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Wyndham Hills -
Larger estate style homes on about 1 acre lots centrally located in a rural section of the Poconos.
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