Kidder offers locals a rural haven removed from city life
Kidder is a community in eastern Pennsylvania mostly occupied by Hickory Run State Park, which sprawls across more than 15,000 acres of outdoor space in the Poconos. Around the recreational haven, homes dot the rural landscape; many are concentrated around Lake Harmony on the east side. “It’s a great place to live and a great place to visit,” says Miriam Santiago, a Realtor with Mary Enck Realty. “There is a lot to do if you’re an outdoorsy person. There are so many activities all year long, music-wise and art-wise.” The distance from bustling areas like Allentown and Philadelphia, paired with easy access to recreation, draws residents to Kidder. The community also offers proximity to local events at places like Lake Harmony and Pocono Raceway, as well as access to Interstates 80 and 476, both of which cut through the area.
The shores of Lake Harmony is where you’ll find the most spectacular homes in Kidder.
Two boys try their luck with minnow traps on the rocky shore of Sand Spring Lake at Hickory Run State Park.
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Mountain retreats and communities on Lake Harmony
Homes in Kidder are mostly on the east side, typically within the Lake Harmony or Holiday Pocono communities. “All the houses are different,” Santiago says. “There are condos, townhouses and regular mountain homes. You have three-story mountain chalets that could be right next door to a smaller house built in the 1970s. The price range is also all over the place.” Many homes have retreat-style architecture. Holiday Pocono properties typically range between $200,000 and $400,000, while Lake Harmony homes often cost between $400,000 and around $700,000; homes on the water can cross the million-dollar threshold. Elsewhere in Kidder, mountain townhouses range from $200,000 to $300,000, while larger mountain retreats can cost $600,000 or more.
Kidder is a collection of homes and rentals for families who enjoy skiing in winter and relaxing at Big Boulder Lake in summer.
The shores of Lake Harmony is where you’ll find the most spectacular homes in Kidder.
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Large recreational areas within and close to Kidder
Spanning nearly 16,000 acres, Hickory Run State Park encompasses over 40 miles of trails with waterfalls, streams and a beach. Its Boulder Field is a National Natural Landmark, and the park allows for hiking, camping, swimming and winter recreation. Split Rock Golf Club and Jack Frost National Golf Club are both open to the public. In northern Kidder, State Game Lands 40 has over 6,000 acres of space for hunting, hiking, fishing and other recreation. Jack Frost Big Boulder Resort offers multiple areas for skiing and is open seasonally. Lake Harmony is popular for recreation in both warmer and colder months, from water activities to winter sports. “They actually allow power boats,” Santiago says. “There is a lot of boating and a place on the lake that has music all summer long. In the wintertime, they have skiing, snowboarding and tubing.” The Lehigh River is also popular for white-water rafting and fishing.
A group of golfers get ready to tee off at Split Rock Golf Club in Kidder.
The beach on Sand Spring Lake is a popular spot for families enjoying Hickory Run State Park.
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Students attend Penn-Kidder Campus for most of grade school
On the east side of the community, Penn-Kidder Campus enrolls students from kindergarten through eighth grade and receives a C-plus from Niche. Kids can then move on to Jim Thorpe Area High School, which has a B rating with Niche. The high school also offers extracurricular programs like cheerleading, mock trial and debate club.
Jim Thorpe Senior High School receives an overall B grade from niche.com.
According to state test scores, 25% of Penn-Kidder Campus students are at least proficient in math and 54% in reading.
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NASCAR racing, lake entertainment and more
Less than 5 miles east, engines roar at Pocono Raceway during the track’s annual NASCAR tripleheader. The sport’s Craftsman Truck, Xfinity and Cup Series each compete over a weekend during the summer, and Pocono has hosted Cup racing since 1974. The restaurants near the lake have live music and other events. “There are two restaurants that have musicians come all summer long,” Santiago says. “Shenanigans has a small dance club, so there are a lot of things for people to do during the day and night.” Split Rock Lodge also sits on the lake and has a water park. The annual Pocono Canna World Fair features vendors, live music, games and more each summer.
Just outside Kidder, Long Pond is home to the tri-oval NASCAR track at Pocono Raceway.
Shenanigan’s has been a long-time, favorite night spot near Lake Harmony in Kidder.
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Restaurants outside the community in White Haven or Tobyhanna
Within Kidder, Holy Ghost Distillery offers indoor and outdoor seating, while the Tannery Social Club offers a pub and bar atmosphere. Locals can dine at Nick’s Lake House Restaurant, Shenanigans or Louie’s Prime at Lake Harmony. “Mick’s Lake House is on the lake and has music in the summertime,” Santiago says. “For really fine dining, people go to Louie’s Prime.” To the east, the community of Tobyhanna offers a selection of local restaurants. Irish influence can be found at Da’s Pub, while the Chat-n-Chew Café specializes in breakfast. Murph’s Hideaway serves comfort food like shepherd’s pie. Other stops include Dominic’s Pizza and Papa Santos’ Pizza.
Just west of the community, the White Haven Family Diner opens in the early morning and dishes out breakfast and lunch. Locals typically venture outside the community for shopping, as well. “Because of where we live, it’s easier to get stuff sent to you,” Santiago says. “If you want more boutique, smaller stores, you go into Jim Thorpe.” The town of Jim Thorpe is less than 25 miles south, while the ShopRite of Brodheadsville is about the same distance southeast.
Large yet intimate, many of Kidder’s residents head to Nick’s Lake House for cold beer and good food.
Not too far from Kidder is the town of Whitehaven where many locals head to the Whitehaven Family Diner for lunch.
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Major cities are 40 miles or more from Kidder
Interstates 80 and 476 intersect in west-central Kidder. I-476 runs north-south and links the community with Allentown around 50 miles south, while I-80 connects Kidder with East Stroudsburg over 40 miles east. Philadelphia sits around 100 miles south of Kidder via Interstate 476. Locals are about 50 miles from Lehigh Valley International Airport.
Allentown is the third-largest city in Pennsylvania with a population of more than 125,000.
Logan Square's Swan Fountain in Philadelphia is a beautiful sight in the summer.
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Written By
Adam Cheek
Photography Contributed By
Joe Pulcinella
Video By
Colleen Carey
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kristen Obert,
an experienced agent in this area.
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