Not in a HOA community

Townships in the Poconos that allow Short-term Rentals in All Zoning present some good potential investment opportunities, yet have some risk.

No HOA Short Term Rental
Real Estate Report 9/2025 - 9/2026

  • Closed home sales: 184 properties.

  • Average list price: $433,751.

  • Average sale price: $417,528.

  • Median prices: $327,000 median list price and $319,950 median sale price.

  • List-to-sale ratio: 96.3%.

  • Days on market: Homes averaged 54 days on the market; the median was 23 days.

  • Above-list sales: 22.3% sold above asking, while 41.8% sold at or above asking.

  • Sale-price range: $45,000 to $3,100,000, reflecting everything from small cabins to luxury vacation properties.

  • Home size and value: Homes with reported living area averaged 2,030 square feet and approximately $211 per sold square foot.

  • Investor insight: Approximately 45% of sales closed below $300,000, 67% below $400,000 and 80% below $500,000. These non-HOA properties may offer lower ownership costs and greater operating flexibility, but buyers should verify municipal licensing, zoning, septic capacity and property-specific deed restrictions before purchasing.

Our team has sold many homes that are not in planned communities, no community association and some are operating as short-term vacation rentals. These include:

AirDNAs Pocono Market Report shows 6,423 STRs identified and the average occupancy = 43%, average ADR = $397 and average annual revenue = $55.4K.  AirDNA gives the Poconos market a score of 83/100.  Results vary by the 16 Pocono submarkets.

Not in a HOA communities

These Are Green STR Scorecard HOA Communities

Barrett, Clifton, Coolbaugh, Greene, Kidder, Middle Smithfield, Palmyra, Penn Forest, Tobyhanna, Tunkhannock Townships all allow STR across all Zoning. 

Barrett Township (Monroe County, PA) Barrett Township is in the northern part of Monroe County, home to the iconic Skytop Lodge.  A number of small inns, resorts and STRs operate in villages named Cresco, Mountainhome and Canadensis.  Less than 100 licensed STRs are operating in Barrett Township

Coolbaugh Township (Monroe County, PA)
Tobyhanna State Park is in Coolbaugh Township. Tobyhanna, an unincorporated community, is also located in Coolbaugh Township rather than Tobyhanna Township.  Home to such communities as A Pocono Country Place, Pocono Farms Country Club and half of Arrowhead Lake.  Approximately 1,000 STR licenses in Coolbaugh Township, most in HOAs.

Clifton (Lackawanna County, PA) is home to much of Big Bass Lake, Eagle Lake and sits along I-380 in the northern portion of the Poconos.  Most STR is these communities.

Greene Township (Wayne County, PA) is located midway between Mount Pocono and the Lake Wallenpaupack area.  Remote and yet not that far from highways and attractions. 

Kidder Township (Carbon County, PA)
When you enter Kidder Township you are entering the front door of the Pocono’s. The Township covers 70-square miles of beautifully wooded terrain in the northern tip of Carbon County.  Approximately 675 STRs operating in Kidder Township.

Middle Smithfield Township (Monroe County, PA) Middle Smithfield Township is located in the eastern end of Monroe County, not far from the Shawnee Ski Resort, just south Bushkill Falls.  Many STRs are located in HOA communities like Saw Creek Estates and Winona Lakes, but there are a number outside HOAs.  Approximately 300 STRs operating in Middle Smithfield Township

Palmyra Township (Pike County, PA) Palmyra Township lies on the eastern side of Lake Wallenpaupack.  The township allows STR in all zoning, but many HOA communities here do not.

Penn Forest Township(Carbon County, PA)  Penn Forest Township lies between the Borough of Jim Thorpe and Kidder Township, centered by PA Route 903. Popular STR communities like Towamensing Trails, Bear Creek Lake, Pleasant Valley West are in Penn Forest Township as well as roughly half of the Indian Mountain Lake community.  Approximately 1,100 STRs are operating in Penn Forest Township.

Tobyhanna Township (Monroe County PA) Tobyhanna Township is located in the heart of the Pocono Plateau Region of Northeastern Pennsylvania and is home to unique Villages including Blakeslee, Pocono Lake, Pocono Pines, and Pocono Summit.  Approximately 700 STRs operating in Tobyhanna Township, most in communities like Locust Lake Village, Arrowhead Lake, Stillwater Estates Camelot Forest and Greenwood Acres,

Tunkhannock Township (Monroe County, PA) Tunkhannock Township is a township in Monroe County. Tunkhannock Township comprises the communities of Blakeslee and Long Pond.  Approximately 350 STRs operating in Tunkhannock Township

Check out homes for sale in these communities.

Scroll through listings in No HOA Communities in the Poconos

Contact Mark shay to find your vacation property in the poconos

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Testimonials

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"Mark was really great! He was very knowledgeable about the area and key to us picking the right neighborhood to search for our vacation home. He was extremely helpful in ensuring that we could look at places on our limited time schedule and with our little kiddos! He kept in touch throughout the process and continues to reach out to make sure everything is going smoothly."
Andrew Peckham
Bought a Single Family Home, Albrightsville, PA
Mark Shay made the purchase of my new STR in Jim Thorpe almost effortless. Based on my criteria, he had a list of homes to choose from within an hour of my request. I am not from the area, so Mark connected me with vendors and helped me safely navigate the STR licensing process. Mark shay is a great realtor and the ambassador for the Poconos mountain community and I highly recommend him for your home purchase journey.
Samuel Everett
Jim Thorpe, PA
When it was still definitely a seller's market, Mark found our ideal spot in the Poconos where we could start our Short Term Rental venture. He gave that extra touch to make sure our bid was complete and won! Thanks Mark and hope to obtain more properties in the Poconos with you.
Jcarmody73
Bought a Single Family home in 2022 in Pocono Lake, PA
Highly recommend! Fantastic Realtor with extensive knowledge. I am a first time home buyer and he was a huge help every step of the way. He helped me find my vacation/investment home in a wonderful lake community.
Susan perez01
Bought a Single family home in 2022 in Albrightsville
Mark is a true professional. He helped us sell our home fast! 10/10, highly recommend!
Kunal Khatri
Home buyer in Arrowhead Lake

Unlock the Potential of Poconos Real Estate with Expert Guidance

Mark Shay is a trusted real estate professional specializing in short-term rental properties in the Poconos. With comprehensive knowledge of township and HOA laws and regulations, he ensures clients navigate the complexities of the market with ease. Whether you’re investing in a vacation rental or searching for the perfect retreat, Mark’s expertise and personalized approach make him the ideal partner for your real estate journey.

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