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."  Later we can go over which place is the Best Place to Live in each category depending on criteria. 

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


Tied for Number one -
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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AND

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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AND


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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Tied for Number 2

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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And

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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Tied for Number 3


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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AND

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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Now .... Just going down the list


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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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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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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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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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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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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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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The Estates @ Great Bear - 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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Hallowood Acres Assoc - L, B
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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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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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Lake View Estates - CH, Lake, T
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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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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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Then, Other top rated neighborhoods:


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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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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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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Duck Harbor Pond – L

Rather remote motor boating 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 motor boating crowd. 
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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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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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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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Greenwood Acres -  Blakeslee PA L, B

Single family home community. 
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The Hideout – L(2), B(2), T, OP, CH, G
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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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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 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 View Estates - CH, Lake, T
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Lake Watagwa L
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Laurel Woods - At Big Boulder Lake, Lake Harmony, PA
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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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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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Midlake on Big Boulder - Lake Harmony, PA-  L, OP
-
Lakefront condo flats on Big Boulder Lake and adjacent to Big Boulder Ski resort. 
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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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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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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 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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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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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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Spruce Hill Farms - pond. 

Rustic Homes on large 2+ acre lots in the center of the Poconos Resort area. 
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Stones Throw - 
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Tamiment – L, T, OP, CH

Direct Website for Tamiment Real Estate
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The Falls at Saw Creek – L, T, OP, IP, R, CH, G
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The Oaks -

Townhomes in the city of East Stroudsburg, PA 
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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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Tink Wig Lake  - L, B
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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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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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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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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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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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Wyndham Hills -

Larger estate style homes on about 1 acre lots centrally located in a rural section of the Poconos.  
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