Rural charm and suburban development in Chestnuthill
Tucked within Monroe County, often considered the eastern gateway to the Poconos, lies Chestnuthill Township, where quiet stretches of farmland meet rolling forested woods and rural vistas. Chestnuthill was founded in 1763 when an abundance of chestnut trees grew throughout the landscape. Though the trees were largely decimated by the Chestnut Blight of the early 20th century, the township retains its name, as well as its idiosyncratic spelling.
Today, this town of around 17,000 people has several residential enclaves offering peace and privacy. Brodheadsville is the community's commercial hub on the south side of town, featuring a mix of chains, mom-and-pop stores and other local businesses along U.S. Route 209. Farther north, quiet canopied streets lined with single-family homes abut patches of woodland with hidden hiking trails; several working farms are scattered in between. Located less than 30 miles from Easton and 15 miles from Stroudsburg, Chestnuthill Township offers a scenic, rural setting with convenient access to major metro areas as well as the rugged trails of the Poconos. "Chestnuthill is known locally as the West End," says Xander Weidenbaum, President of Redstone Run Realty. "Compared to other Poconos communities, it's almost entirely full-time residents and is the most populated township within the Pleasant Valley School District."
Year-round recreation in the Poconos
Chestnuthill Township is well-positioned for year-round recreation. Densely forested woodlands give way to shaded hiking trails around town, with a handful of trailheads tucked into residential corners. On the north side of town, Hypsy Gap is one of several large protected areas for hiking and wildlife observation, and West End Regional Park offers tranquil strolls in the heart of town. Farther south, Chestnuthill Township Park, the community's recreational hub, features additional trails, sports fields, picnic areas, a playground and a small community center. An open field also features a small stage for events, with hay barrels often used as makeshift seating. The Northridge Equestrian Center caters to horseback riders, while several golf courses are nearby.
The Poconos’ natural wooded setting makes it a popular destination for sleepaway summer camps, annual retreats and recreation. Beyond the township's borders, the Appalachian Trail passes just south of Stroudsburg and Saylorsburg, cutting through the Blue and Kittatinny Mountains with panoramic ridge-top views. Campgrounds—for both younger campers and groups—are scattered around and outside the township. Surrounding state game lands, forests and parks cater to hunters, trappers, hikers and cross-country skiers. Winter getaways are convenient, with two ski resorts—Blue Mountain and Camelback—within a 20-mile drive. Both resorts offer year-round recreation, whether that's skiing, snowboarding and tubing in the winter or swimming, mountain biking and ziplining in the summer.
Colonial Revivals, bi-levels and ramblers
Winding country roads give way to single-family homes that disappear behind the tree line. Residential pockets are interspersed with open meadows, farmland and swaths of woodland. "Most properties have a minimum 1-acre lot, so the houses are well-spaced apart," Weidenbaum says. Classic ramblers, bi-levels and Cape Cods often range from $220,000 to $375,000, while a handful of fixer-uppers can sell for less. Late-20th-century Colonial Revivals and New Traditionals, many with attached garages, can sell for more, ranging from $375,000 to $500,000. Chestnuthill is also home to Robinwood Village, a small 55-plus townhouse community. Sales information is limited, but units there can sell in the mid-$200,000s. The township also boasts a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, the lowest possible score.
The Pleasant Valley School District
The Pleasant Valley School District earns an overall C-plus rating from Niche. The district enrolls more than 4,200 students across four townships: Chestnuthill, Polk, Eldred and Ross. Kindergarteners through second graders may attend Pleasant Valley Elementary School, which scores a B and emphasizes nature-based learning and exploration. Third through fifth graders can then move on to Pleasant Valley Intermediate, which garners a C-plus. Pleasant Valley Middle School also earns a C-plus, and Pleasant Valley High boasts a B-minus.
Shops, farms and festivals reflect Chestnuthill’s culture
Local commerce is centered along U.S. Route 209 and Pennsylvania State Route 115. Establishments include local eateries, farm markets and chain retailers. Additional amenities range from hardware stores and pharmacies scattered between sporting goods and auto part shops. The ShopRite of Brodheadsville and Weis Markets sit caddy-corner to one another.
Up the road, Heckman Orchards is a family-owned operation that offers pick-your-own strawberries in the summer, apple harvests in the fall and fresh fir trees in the winter. Other working farms feature small-scale wineries and bed-and-breakfasts. Chestnuthill's agricultural roots also shine through at events like the West End Fair, which features livestock competitions, tractor pulls, demolition derbies, live music and fireworks.
However, the Poconos has long been a favored option for city dwellers looking for comparatively affordable homes. In recent decades, the region has seen an influx of Polish residents, whose cultural influences have seeped into the landscape. Annual events reflect the region's cultural diversity, with the yearly Poconos Polish American Festival held nearby at Poconos Park each August. Hidden gems like Babuni's Table features a rustic wood-paneled interior reminiscent of a Polish country cottage. Known for its classic pierogis, Babuni’s Table features other staples that include potato pancakes and stuffed cabbage. Polish Delight is another popular specialty store selling fresh pastries down the road. Farther east, Stroudsburg offers additional entertainment, with local eateries, shopping malls, outlets and big-box retailers scattered along State Route 611.
Getting around Monroe County
The Monroe County Transit Authority (MCTA), also known as the Pocono Pony, offers public transportation around the county, though there are no stops within Chestnuthill. However, there is limited service in the township through Flex Connect, a weekday bus service that requires reservations in advance. Buses stop along U.S. Route 209, the main artery through town, with Interstate 80 nearby. Three hospitals sit within a 16-mile drive of town such as Leigh Valley Hospital- Pocono and St. Luke's Hospital- Monroe Campus. Lehigh Valley International Airport is about 30 miles south via State Route 33.
