Poconos

I am looking into buying a vacation property and one option is The Poconos. I'll probably rent it most of the time so need it to be in an area close to things to do. What are some areas that people vacation in The Poconos and what would you suggest I stay away from?

I have been told from current owners in Coolbaugh Township (AKA Tobyhanna) to stay away from Coolbaugh Township. Frequent complaints regarding Coolbaugh include astronomical real estate taxes (for low value homes), lack of appreciation in property values, lack of quality tenants and high crime (for the Poconos).

yougotme said:
I am looking into buying a vacation property and one option is The Poconos. I'll probably rent it most of the time so need it to be in an area close to things to do. What are some areas that people vacation in The Poconos and what would you suggest I stay away from?

Camelback Mountain is a big destination and a nice straight shot west on Route 80. In addition to the regular trails for skiing and snowboarding, they have an area for snow-tubing for the non-skiers. In the summer they have a large waterpark and they now have a "mountain adventures" park with tree-top courses, zip lines, climbing walls, and some other activities, which is open spring through fall, so they are marketing themselves as a year round destination. Oh, there are also a lot of shopping outlets right before the exit to Camelback too - adds to the traffic, but also another draw for renters.

Other ski areas in/near the poconos off the top of my head: Shawnee Mountain, Big Bear, Jack Frost/Big Boulder, Elk Mountain, Montage Mountain, Alpine Mountain, and Blue Mountain (which I don't think is technically the poconos, but very close). These resorts range from very small/beginnerish to largish (though you're not going to get the New England ski experience, but in return, you're only 1.5-2 hours away from SOMa), and some of the larger ones have the same kind of off-ski-season activities that camelback does. Whichever one is in Scranton (I think Montage) is also right next to an ampitheater which hosts outdoor concerts throughout the year, and Scranton also is the home of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders, the Yankees AAA team. Very nice stadium. Scranton also has a great rail museum.

There are many lakes throughout the poconos - smaller ones which just permit swimming and some non-motored watercraft (think sunfishes and paddle boats), up to Lake Wallenpaupack in the most NE corner of the Poconos which is 13 miles long, covers about 6000 acres, and permits all types of motorboats, sailboats, lots of fishing, etc.; and a variety of other lakes in which allow a variety of activities. Wallenpaupack is also very close to Promised Land State Park, a gorgeous state park with hiking trails, canoeing, swimming.

I'd figure out what part of the poconos you want to be in and find a good realtor. Though getting to any one spot in the Poconos is usually under 2 hours (depending on traffic); moving within the poconos isn't quite so easy, as you're are dealing with back roads, going through small towns, and the like. For example, Camelback is about 95 miles from South Orange and I can get there in an hour and a half. Getting to Lake Wallenpaupack from SO (approx 90 miles) takes me just under 2 hours. But to get from Wallenpaupack to Camelback (which are only about 30 miles apart) will take me an hour at least.

It's a beautiful area. Good luck in your search.

I don't think the Poconos in general is a hot rental market. You'd have to be very careful to buy with access to a ski lodge/ mountain and a lake/fishing/boating for summer. Just a house in the Poconos not attached to those amenities isn't going to attract a lot of renters

Camelback also just opened an indoor waterpark/lodge. You can check out Northridge at Camelback right across from the ski mountain/outdoor waterpark. People enjoy the site immensely and for various reasons: community pool, tennis, Camelbeach, nearby golfing, The Crossings, even Mount Airy Lodge (casino) or just relaxing.

I'm partial to Lake Wallenpaupack.

There was a photo. Now it's gone. Impossible to post here when I'm on my phone.

All great advice everyone! I'm doing some research on my own and looking for a Real Estate Agent. If you know of anyone, please do share. Thanks again.

Another recommendation for Lake Wallenpaupack, best chance for rental income is with lakefront access and a boat slip if possible, or to at least be close to one of the public access beaches. It's still close to several ski resorts - obviously you have a better shot at winter rentals right at the ski resorts, but they probably won't be attractive for summer renters.

My family has had a house there for decades so happy to answer any questions about the area. I have no experience using an agent but have seen signs for George P. Irish out of Hawley forever. Apparently he has great advertising in that I could pull that name out of nowhere based on the shamrocks on his signs.

My dear friend Ben Salinas works in a real estate office in the Camelback/Stroudsburg area. You can reach him at 570-213-5777.