Perhaps you’ve toyed with the idea of building a vacation home, permanent home, or retirement get-away in the Poconos—but you have some questions about the area. Here are 10 common questions and answers about the Poconos region.
- How big is the Poconos Mountain region? There are four Pennsylvania counties (Carbon, Monroe, Pike, and southern Wayne) that make up the Poconos region and it encompasses an area of about 2,400 square miles. The Delaware River and Delaware Water Gap border the region on the east. The Wyoming Valley and the Coal region form the western border, while the Lehigh Valley is the southern border.
- Where does the name “Poconos” come from? “Poconons” is a Native American (Minsi or Munsee) word meaning “Creek Between Two Hills.”
- A lot of people have heard about Lake Wallenpaupack, but are there other lakes in the region? Although Lake Wallenpaupack is the largest (and best known) lake, there are approximately 150 lakes scattered throughout the region.
- The Poconos are well known for resorts, but what if you’re looking for something else? But if you’re looking for something more intimate and quaint, you might want to check out some of the smaller towns and villages in the area (such as Jim Thorpe) and spend an evening or two in one of the many Bed and Breakfast establishments in the region. If that appeals to you, check here for some Poconos-area B&Bs and country inns
- How many people live in the Poconos? The current population is approximately 340,300. The population of Monroe County is listed at 165,058— the majority of which reside in and around Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg, and Mount Pocono.
- Are the Poconos really a “commuter” region for New York City and northern New Jersey? There’s no doubt that there are large numbers of people who do make that commute. Depending on traffic, it can take up to two hours. That might be a bit lengthy for a daily commute. On the other hand, it’s not a bad drive if you want to get into the City for a show or to visit friends and relatives.
- How high are the Poconos Mountains? The highest summit in the area is Camelback Mountain, which tops out at 2,133 feet above sea level. The lowest elevation of 350 feet above sea level is found in Pike County.
- What kinds of activities are there in the Poconos? The region is a true year-round activity area that features camping, racing, water sports, fishing, skiing, gambling, indoor and outdoor water parks, hiking, and much more. Download our free Poconos Area Activities Guide for more details.
- If you want to build a new home in the Poconos (rather than buy an existing home) where can you find property? Liberty Homes builds in six beautiful Poconos communities. You can check them out here. We also have an onsite realtor who can help you find other properties in the region.
- What’s the cost of living like in the Poconos? According to Sperling’s Best Places to Live, Mount Pocono comes in at a cost of living of about 93 (100 is average for the U.S.). By comparison, Allendale, NJ has a cost of living index of 184.
Those are some of the common questions about the Region. What would you like to know about living in the Poconos?
