A sought-after Poconos community in Penn Estates
Hidden within the forested conservation lands of the Poconos, Penn Estates is a gated community that offers a unique blend of resort-style amenities, natural beauty and investment opportunities. Located primarily in Stroud Township — with just a sliver of land zoned to Pocono Township — Penn Estates has a unique story. "The community was founded by the same developer behind Penn Hills in the Poconos," says Xander Weidenbaum, president of Redstone Run Realty. Penn Hills was the region's first iconic couples resort famed for its heart-shaped beds and romantic getaways, spurring the advertising movement that made the Poconos the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" in the mid-20th century. "Penn Estates was kind of the next step, targeting couples looking to buy in the Poconos versus just vacationing," Weidenbaum says.
Although Penn Hills permanently closed its doors in 2009, what started as a romantic resort town just 4 miles away has matured into one of the Poconos' most sought-after vacation destinations. "However, I'd say that more than half the residents still live here full-time," Weidenbaum says. Along Hallet Road, a guarded front gate greets residents and visitors around the clock, and the community has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, below the national average of 4. Past its entrance, winding residential roads weave past single-family mountain-style retreats hidden behind the tree line. Resort-style amenities offer convenience for both residents and visitors, while Stroudsburg features additional entertainment down the road.
Year-round residents and short-term rentals
Today, Penn Estates is a thriving, deed-restricted community with approximately 1,700 homes and at least 160 registered short-term rentals. Construction in Penn Estates began in the 1970s, spanning in waves from the mid-1980s through the early-2000s. Mid-century modern designs with vaulted ceilings and large windows sit near bi-levels and New Traditional designs on secluded wooded lots. Sales prices in the community can range from $220,000 to $600,000, with HOA fees in the $100 range. "The community's private sewer and public water systems allow for greater housing density than you'd normally find in this part of the Poconos," Weidenbaum says, "So most lots are about a third to a half an acre."
Short-term rentals are allowed and actively embraced in most of the community, making it a hotspot for investors seeking a foothold in the local vacation market. "It's especially popular since it's the closest Poconos community to the New Jersey border," Weidenbaum says. "But most rentals are primarily in the Stroud Township section of Penn Estates. The small portion zoned to Pocono Township has stricter rental regulations."
Penn Estates' amenities and surrounding recreation
Penn Estates features three artificial lakes that welcome anglers and paddleboarders under the pines. The community's largest lake, Highland Lake, features a small beach and adjacent green space with a picnic pavilion and grills. Gate cards and guest passes offer access to two seasonal outdoor swimming pools along Penn Estates Drive. Next door, Archie's Corner is a small convenience store with made-to-order subs and drinks. Farther down the road, recreational facilities include tennis courts, a basketball court, a beach volleyball court and a baseball diamond. Throughout the summer, Penn Estates features youth programs open to residents and visitors on its grounds.
The Tannersville Cranberry Bog Preserve borders the community. The preserve is managed by The Nature Conservancy and the Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, which offers guided tours of the bog. Although the bog is only open for guided walks, the preserve boasts two public hiking trails canopied by oak, birch and maple trees. Visitors may be greeted with sights of river otters, beavers and the occasional black bear.
Outside Penn Estate's gates, ForEvergreen Nature Preserve features walking trails, nature exhibits at the Brodhead Creek Heritage Center and trout fishing along Brodhead Creek. Less than 20 miles away, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a well-known destination with river access, hiking trails and sweeping mountain views.
About 10 miles from Penn Estates, Camelback Resort offers additional year-round recreation. In the summer, patrons can explore the trails, splash around the outdoor waterpark or zipline through the forest canopy. In the winter, 39 downhill trails welcome beginner and seasoned skiers, snowboarders and tubers.
Amenities line Pennsylvania State Route 611
Less than 6 miles away, several chain grocers like Giant and ShopRite line Pennsylvania State Route 611. Area big-box retailers range from Target to BJ's Wholesale Club, while Stroudsburg offers additional nearby shopping, dining and entertainment options.
Two school districts, one community
Two school districts serve the community. A small sliver of homes along the northwest corner of Penn Estates are zoned to Pocono Mountain School District, which scores an overall B-minus rating from Niche. However, most students attend Stroudsburg Area School District, which boasts a B-plus rating. B-rated schools include Chipperfield Elementary for kindergarten through fourth grade and Stroudsburg Middle for fifth through seventh grade. The B-minus-rated Stroudsburg Junior High serves eighth and ninth graders, while 10th through 12th graders move on to the B-plus-rated Stroudsburg High School. Ninth through 12th graders also have the opportunity to enroll in vocational programs at the Monroe Career and Technical Institute.
Getting around the Poconos
The Monroe County Transit Authority (MCTA), known as the Pocono Pony, offers public transportation around the county. However, Penn Estates is car dependent. Weidenbaum points out that there are two entrances into the community: The front gate is accessible via Hallet Road, while the back gate hugs Cranberry Road, which offers nearby access to Interstate 80. St. Luke's Hospital–Monroe Campus is less than 4 miles away, and Leigh Valley Hospital–Pocono is nearby. Lehigh Valley International Airport is the nearest airport, about 35 miles south via State Route 33.
