MONROE COUNTY
County Offices
One Quaker Plaza
Stroudsburg 570-517-3400
www.monroecountypa.gov
Chamber of Commerce
556 Main Street
Stroudsburg 570-421-4433
www.greaterpoconochamber.com
Just 90 miles from Philadelphia and 75 miles west of New York, panoramic Monroe County stretches across 611 miles of rural terrain, rolling hills, and farmland in eastern Pennsylvania. Cradled in the heart of the beautiful Pocono Mountains, Monroe County is experiencing rapid growth and development. In spite of this brisk rate of expansion, county and municipal planners are determined to preserve the region’s appealing sense of identify and community spirit.
Long known for its scenic wonders, the county is bounded on two sides by rolling rivers. The Delaware River forms the eastern border and Lehigh River runs along the northwestern border. Brodhead Creek, McMichaels Creek, and Pocono Creek are other major waterways that enhance the region’s picturesque landscape. Home construction and tourism are both major industries in this pristine corner of Pennsylvania that is dotted with attractive residential development and vacation or resort amenities. Dubbed “the honeymoon capital of the world,” the county excels in first-rate hospitality amenities.
Services
The Pocono Medical Center in East Stroudsburg anchors the healthcare facilities and services in Monroe and Pike counties, providing state-of-the-art medical, diagnostics, and surgical advancements close to home. Licensed for more than 200 beds, the center is managed by the Pocono Health System and provides comprehensive care that meets every need from childbirth to life-threatening illnesses and injuries. The Pocono Health System operates a number of subsidiaries that enables it to better serve a regional population. Among them are the Mountain Healthcare Center, Dale & Frances Hughes Cancer Center, the ESSA Heart & Vascular Institute, the PHS Professional Center, the PMC Learning Institute, the Center for Women’s Well Being, and the Pocono Ambulatory Surgery Center. The medical center also maintains an immunization registry that was the first of its type in Pennsylvania. Other hospitals within the region include those in Easton in the Lehigh Valley, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre.
Newcomers to Monroe County will discover a complete range of educational opportunities that begin with quality public and private schools from preschool through 12th grade. Students of all ages are able to pursue a higher education close to home in public institutions that offer career and vocational programs, continuing education, two-year programs, four-year degrees, and graduate studies. The Monroe Career & Technical Institute in Bartonsville offers a variety of adult evening classes. In fact, the daytime and evening enrollments are nearly equal. The Monroe campus of Northampton Community College is located in Tannersville, offering credit and non-credit courses. The main NCC campus is located in Bethlehem, although the college has expanded its reach by opening a number of off-campus centers in Monroe and other counties.
Self-described as “a small university with great ambition,” East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania is part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. With an accessible and friendly campus that provides the interactive atmosphere of a private college, ESU offers more than 60 undergraduate degree programs and several graduate certification programs. Nearly 6,000 students are actively engaged in the university’s schools of Arts and Sciences, Professional Studies, Health Sciences, and Human Performance. Other colleges and universities are available in the nearby Lehigh Valley and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metropolitan areas. Among them are the University of Scranton, Lehigh University, Muhlenberg College, Moravian College, Allentown College, Marywood College, Wilkes University, Penn State University, Kings College, and Bloomsburg State University.
Lifestyle
Breathtaking natural beauty is the hallmark of Monroe County, where luxurious resorts that cater to vacationers contrast with tranquil family-oriented communities that excel in quality of life. Situated in the northeastern corner of the Pocono Mountains, this region is dotted with sparkling lakes, traversed by rushing streams and creeks, and surrounding by spectacular mountain vistas. Hiking, camping, biking, fishing, hunting, whitewater rafting, golfing, and a full array of winter sports are common pastimes. However, the county’s peerless reputation for outdoor enjoyment and adventure around the four seasons is balanced by a growing arts and cultural community.
East Stroudsburg University introduces a world of youthful talent and first-rate cultural amenities to the region, home to groups and ensembles in dance, drama, and music. Local, regional, national, and international talent is showcased at the university’s Fine and Performing Arts Center—home to the Smith McFarland Theatre and a smaller black-box studio theater. Those who appreciate the visual arts will want to check frequently with ESU’s Madelon Powers Gallery for upcoming shows and events. The Pocono Arts Council is located in Stroudsburg and maintains a mission of building community through culture. The ARTSPACE Gallery is operated by the council as a cooperative center for the display and encouragement of artistic expression. The historic Sherman Theatre is nestled in downtown Stroudsburg, showcasing a variety of live performances.
Nearby points of interest for residents of Monroe County include the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Bushkill Falls, the Cranberry Bog, Big Pocono State Park, Gouldsboro State Park, Camelbeach Water Park and Ski Area, Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, and Tonyhanna State Park. High-speed thrills and NASCAR action are available at the International Pocono Raceway, which includes a first-rate campground for a truly relaxing experience. Factory outlet shopping is another favorite pastime, although many of the county’s retail treasures are locally owned shops that are tucked away in charming hamlets and boroughs. Historical tours, museums, and historic sites bring the past to life in this long-settled region. The housing selection is diverse and attractive, blending vibrant new construction with yesterday’s elegant architecture for a full range of home styles, sizes, price ranges, and settings. For a vacation lifestyle 365 days out of the year, few places can rival Monroe County and the Pocono Mountains.
Barrett Township, Coolbaugh Township, Paradise Township
Barrett Offices
570-595-2602
www.barretttownship.com
Coolbaugh Offices
570-894-8490
www.coolbaughtwp.org
Paradise Offices
570-595-9880
www.paradisetownship.com
Chamber of Commerce
570-421-4433
www.greaterpoconochamber.com
The rural townships of Barrett, Coolbaugh, and Paradise provide a welcoming atmosphere surrounded by rural beauty. Although Barrett Township is sparsely populated, throngs of vacationers and seasonal visitors can swell the population on any given day. Villages include Cresco, Mountainhome, Canadensis, Buck Hill Falls, and Skytop. Cresco serves as the location of the offices for the Paradise Township offices. Tobyhanna is the leading community in Coolbaugh Township, home to a regional attraction: the railroad tour of the top of the Poconos. This region provides easy access to borough amenities within a small-town setting that is so appealing to families. Recreational sites include federal and state land, although lush parks are available locally. Amenities include fishing ponds, playgrounds, picnic pavilions, walking trails, supervised programs, sports facilities, and a new skate park
Chestnuthill Township, Tunkhannock Township
Chestnuthill Offices
570-992-7247
www.chestnuthilltwp-pa.gov
Tunkhannock Offices
570-646-3008
www.longpondpa.com
Chamber of Commerce
570-421-4433
www.greaterpoconochamber.com
Part of the East Stroudsburg metropolitan area, Chestnuthill township stretches over 37 square miles to provide a panoramic setting for residential development. The township’s location at the “West End” of the Pocono Mountains has resulted in the popular annual West End Fair—an anticipated celebration for more than 85 years. Neighboring Tunkhannock Township with its government offices in Long Pond expands the options for lovely homes, country estates, and close-knit neighborhoods are complemented by natural and developed recreational areas. Chestnuthill Township Park provides bicycle and walking trails, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, charming gazebos, a sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, shuffleboard, and bocce ball courts. Regional amenities include the cultural and entertainment attractions in East Stroudsburg, which is also home to East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania.
East Stroudsburg
Municipal Offices
570-421-8300
https://eaststroudsburgboro.org
Chamber of Commerce
570-421-4433
www.greaterpoconochamber.com
The well-developed borough of East Stroudsburg provides an array of amenities and services to a regional population. This “college town” has transformed from its former days as the county’s industrial center into a hub for state-of-the-art services. The borough is home to the two largest service institutions in Monroe County, East Stroudsburg University and the Pocono Medical Center. East Stroudsburg also offers respected private schools covering elementary to high-school levels. The university enriches the community intellectually and culturally, presenting a combination of national and collegiate talent at its fine art center. Many structures from the past have been artfully integrated into modern life. Historic Sherman Theatre draws regional audiences, and the former 1864 Dansbury railroad station now serves as a restaurant filled with historic displays. Local parks provide a long list of recreational facilities and amenities including a community pool.
Hamilton Township
Municipal Offices
570-992-7020
www.hamiltontwp.org
Chamber of Commerce
570-421-4433
www.greaterpoconochamber.com
Anchored by the community of Sciota, Hamilton Township covers nearly 40 square miles. Sciota is also home to one of the township’s premier historic sites, the Old Mill at Sciota. The original log mill may have built as early as 1729, replaced in 1800 by the present structure. Highly sophisticated for its time, the mill only ceased operations as late as 1954 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The Crossings Premium Outlets in Tannersville, nearby East Stroudsburg’s state university and major hospital, a community college campus, and regional cultural attractions ensure a high quality of life. Beautiful homes are available in a variety of architectural styles, many set back from the road and surrounded by lush greenery.
Jackson Township
Municipal Offices
570-629-0153
http://jacksontwp-pa.gov
Chamber of Commerce
570-421-4433
www.greaterpoconochamber.com
From its roots as a logging and farming community, Jackson Township emerged in the 19th century as one of Pennsylvania’s most progressive agricultural centers. At one time, the township played a part in Monroe County’s ice industry, with large volumes of ice harvested from local lakes. Significant bodies of water in this area include Pinemere, Deep, Akiba, Trout, Grubers, Mountain Spring, and Hunter lakes. The township also encompasses sections of state game lands for premier hunting and fishing opportunities. Other attractions in close proximity to the township include Camelback Ski Area. Within the township, the 40-acre Lake Akiba forms a scenic backdrop for Pocono Valley Resort and Conference Center. This 300-acre multi-faceted center accommodates day and overnight guests with indoor and outdoor dining and recreational facilities that include two Olympic-size pools.
Mount Pocono Borough
Mt. Pocono Offices
570-839-8436
http://mountpocono-pa.gov
Chamber of Commerce
570-421-4433
www.greaterpoconochamber.com
Situated in the northwestern section of the county, Mount Pocono Borough is bordered by Coolbaugh, Paradise, and Pocono townships. Incorporated in 1927, the community is ideally located at the junction of major regional thoroughfares. Route 611 runs south to Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg and north to Scranton; Route 940 provides east/west access and other convenient highway connections. Residents of Mt. Pocono Borough enjoy the four-seasonal recreational pleasures of the Pocono Mountains and easy access to leading national metropolitan centers in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. The Pocono Mountain Public Library is just four miles away in the Coolbaugh Township Municipal Center, stocked with more than 35,000 items from books and magazines to videocassettes, and CD-ROM software.
Pocono Township
Municipal Offices
570-629-1922
www.poconopa.gov
Chamber of Commerce
570-421-4433
www.greaterpoconochamber.com
The home of the township offices, Tannersville is also the location of the Monroe County campus for Northampton Community College based in Bethlehem. With its centralized position in the very heart of the Poconos, the township continues to experience growth and expansion. Development includes lovely resorts, gracious bed and breakfast inns, several large firms, a popular ski area, outlet stores, unique shops, convenient services, and the region’s largest water parks—indoor and outdoor. Beautiful homes enjoy idyllic settings and breathtaking views. The township is bounded by Tunkhannock and Tobyhanna on the north, Coolbaugh and Paradise townships on the east, and Jackson Township on the west. The major thoroughfare of Route 611 traverses through Tannersville
Price Township, Middle Smithfield Township, Smithfield Township
Price Town Offices
570-421-2497
www.pricetownshippa.com
Middle Smithfield Offices
570-223-8920
www.middlesmithfieldtownship.com
Smithfield Offices
570-223-5082
www.smithfieldtownship.com
Chamber of Commerce
570-421-4433
www.greaterpoconochamber.com
The rural townships of Smithfield, Middle Smithfield, and Price all maintain their town offices in nearby East Stroudsburg Borough. Residents enjoy easy access to all that East Stroudsburg offers, including fine and casual dining, a regional hospital, a state university, convenient services, and entertainment centers. Championship golf courses, fine resorts, and cozy bed and breakfasts dot the area. Price Township is home to Alpine Mountain Ski Area, offering half-pipe and terrain ski parks, snowtubing, and a certified ski school. Smithfield Township is proud of its 250-year history, drawing new residents and visitors to a scenic paradise and celebrated historic sites. These communities all provide attractive and affordable housing, a pristine natural setting, and a family-oriented atmosphere. Recreational amenities include lush parks, walking trails, sand volleyball, game areas, picnic facilities, sports fields and courts, and playgrounds. Echo Lake Park in Middle Smithfield Township adds a remote-controlled car track.
Ross Township
Municipal Offices
570-992-4990
www.rosstwp.com
Chamber of Commerce
570-421-4433
www.greaterpoconochamber.com
Maintaining its government offices in Saylorsburg, beautiful Ross Township offers a rural paradise for residential living within a reasonable commute from New Jersey and New York via Interstate 80 to the north or Interstate 78 to the south. The housing selection is diverse and includes magnificent older properties as well as newer construction on generous acreage. Family-oriented traditions like holiday tree lightings and other celebrations in the community park give residents an opportunity to mingle and solidify friendships. Highly developed boroughs are easily accessible for expanded shopping, cultural events, entertainment, healthcare, and institutions of higher education.
Stroud Township, Stroudsburg Borough
Stroud Offices
570-421-3362
www.stroudtownship.org
Stroudsburg Offices
570-421-5444
http://stroudsburgboro.com
Chamber of Commerce
570-421-4433
www.greaterpoconochamber.com
Stroud Township serves as the commercial hub of Monroe County, home to a significant retail corridor and major industries as well as handsome residential development. Stroudsburg joins East Stroudsburg as one of two bustling boroughs in this area, the latter being home to a regional hospital and state university. Recreational amenities that surround the township range from federal recreation areas and state parks to the famous Appalachian Trail. Residents enjoy championship golf courses, highly developed supervised programs, and a wide range of sports and outdoor facilities including lush open space, walking trails, ball fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and fishing spots. Jay Albertson Park, known locally as “the duck pond,” creates a picturesque backdrop for the township municipal building and a wonderful setting for the Concert in the Park series. Other well-attended events and festivities throughout the year include Stroud Township Community Day.
Tobyhanna Township
Municipal Offices
570-646-1212
https://tobyhannatownshippa.gov
Chamber of Commerce
570-421-4433
www.greaterpoconochamber.com
The progressive and growing community of Tobyhanna Township covers 52 square miles and maintains its offices of government in charming Pocono Pines. Other welcoming villages within the township include Blakeslee, Pocono Lake, and portions of Pocono Summit. Characterized as a residential community featuring homes set against a backdrop of natural beauty, the township also provides areas for continued commercial and industrial development. Pocono Pines is the location of Blanche D. Price Park, a popular site for individual, family, and community recreation. Picnic areas, a well-equipped playground, ball fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts are complemented by a lodge that is available for summer rental. The township is also home to a community swimming pool. Area youth enjoy the children’s summer recreation programs sponsored by Monroe County Recreation.
