Honesdale blends nature, history and small-town living in Wayne County
Honesdale is a picturesque town in the northern Pocono Mountains, and the seat of Wayne County. Surrounded by rolling hills, woods and the winding Lackawaxen River, the town offers a peaceful country setting with abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. Even though nature is always close at hand, residents also enjoy contemporary conveniences; there's a vibrant retail and cultural scene right within town. “This natural beauty, combined with the community’s welcoming atmosphere, attracts many homebuyers,” says Deanna Mazzotta, Realtor at Keller Williams Real Estate, who has more than 20 years of experience. “I’m proud to be a resident of Wayne County and to call it my home.”
Housing options range from town-center homes to country estates
Honesdale is set against a wooded backdrop of country hills. Houses near the town center have a more traditional small-town feel, with rows of classic homes set on neighborhood streets lined with sidewalks. In contrast, properties outside the town are set far apart and have expansive views of the countryside. “We have a wide variety of housing options for buyers,” Mazzotta adds. “There are homes on parcels ranging from a half-acre to over 200 acres, so it really depends on what buyers are looking for. Some prefer a smaller lot near the town center, while others dream of owning a property with wide-open land in the country or near a lake.” Most homes were built between the early 1900s and the 2000s, though some historical residences can date back to the 19th century. The housing stock is quite mixed, with homes ranging from cottages and colonials to Colonial Revivals, New Traditional houses and custom new builds. Single-family homes typically sell between $150,000 and $550,000, although newer homes sometimes sell above $600,000. Larger country properties, especially those on multiacre lots or with water access, can sell from $900,000 to $1.3 million. Fixer-uppers may be found for under $150,000, while multifamily residences are between $200,000 and $350,000.
Public parks and local waterways provide year-round outdoor recreation
Central Park is Honesdale’s main gathering place for community events. Just a short walk away, Gibbons Memorial Park has an extensive trail system leading to Irving Cliff, which offers views of the Lackawaxen River and the surrounding country. In the summer season, locals can go swimming at Honesdale Borough Pool. Parks along Dyberry Creek provide additional opportunities for water-based activities, while the Lackawaxen River itself is another popular spot for paddling and fishing. The private Honesdale Golf Club has an 18-hole course. About 5 miles northwest, Prompton State Park offers disc golfing, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and boating on Prompton Lake. Farther north, the Himalayan Institute, a meditation center with yoga and spirituality workshops, sits in the peaceful countryside of Honesdale.
Local businesses dot Main Street and the historic downtown area
Downtown Honesdale serves as the town’s central commerce hub. Main Street is lined with a mix of contemporary businesses and historical landmarks like Hotel Wayne, a brick hotel that dates to 1827. The community offers an eclectic food scene, and popular eateries include Paulie's Hot Dogs and Scarfalloto’s Towne House, which has classic comfort food in a historical, railroad car-themed setting. Native offers fine dining, and Bà & Me serves Vietnamese. The Cooperage Project, a community space hosting the town’s farmers market as well as art and music events, is also on Main Street. For everyday shopping, Weis Markets and Walmart are located at the southern end of town.
Public education is provided by Wayne Highlands School District
The town is served by Wayne Highlands School District. Stourbridge Primary Center covers kindergarten through second grade, and Lakeside School teaches grades 3 to 5. Both schools have a B rating from Niche. Wayne Highlands Middle School scores an A-minus, while Honesdale High School earns a B-plus. Honesdale High partners with local colleges like Lackawanna College to provide students with dual enrollment courses, and it offers career and technical education programs in carpentry, clinical sciences and agriculture.
Holiday celebrations and local attractions bring fun to the community
The town has holiday celebrations throughout the year, including parades for Memorial Day, Halloween and the winter holidays. The Winter Wonderland Parade features a tree lighting ceremony, photo sessions with Santa and holiday treats like hot cocoa and donuts. “Our community spirit is what truly sets us apart,” Mazzotta says. “We have parades along Main Street throughout the year, festive holiday gatherings and fun family events — there’s always something happening that brings people together.” Also known as the Birthplace of the American Railroad, the town is home to the vintage Stourbridge Line, which offers seasonal excursions and family-friendly events.
Scranton and local hospital are easy to access
U.S. Route 6 runs through town, connecting to larger cities like Scranton. Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport and downtown Scranton are less than 40 miles away, and Wayne Memorial Hospital is right in town.
