Pennsylvania East Stroudsburg
Moving to East Stroudsburg
Moving to East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania means embracing life in a vibrant, historic borough nestled in the scenic Pocono Mountains. Just a stone’s throw from the Delaware Water Gap and minutes from New Jersey, East Stroudsburg blends small-town warmth with convenient access to outdoor adventure and metropolitan hubs. The town boasts a welcoming community, affordable living, and a rich educational presence as home to East Stroudsburg University. Whether you're drawn by the charming downtown, the abundance of parks and trails, or the balance of tranquility and connectivity, East Stroudsburg offers a refreshing lifestyle for families, professionals, students, and retirees alike. It's a place where nature meets opportunity, and neighbors quickly become friends.
East Stroudsburg by the numbers
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Cost of living rank vs. national average
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Discover East Stroudsburg: Top Attractions and Things to Do
Local Experiences
Local Experiences
East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, offers a dynamic mix of natural beauty, historical character, and small-town charm, set against the stunning backdrop of the Pocono Mountains. Whether you're exploring scenic trails, catching a show on campus, or simply strolling through downtown, East Stroudsburg invites residents and visitors to enjoy a lifestyle steeped in community pride, outdoor adventure, and cultural richness.
Dansbury Park
Located in the heart of town, Dansbury Park is a favorite local gathering spot with open green spaces, walking paths, playgrounds, and a seasonal pool. The park hosts community events throughout the year and offers a welcoming environment for families, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone looking to unwind in nature without leaving town.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Just minutes from East Stroudsburg, this iconic natural preserve offers over 70,000 acres of forests, rivers, waterfalls, and hiking trails along the Delaware River. Whether you're kayaking, hiking to scenic overlooks, or birdwatching along quiet paths, the Water Gap is a haven for outdoor lovers and a defining feature of the region’s natural landscape.
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area
A year-round destination for recreation, Shawnee Mountain offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing in the winter, plus festivals, concerts, and outdoor events in the warmer months. Its family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to town make it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors looking for seasonal fun and mountain views.
Historic East Stroudsburg Train Station
A charming reminder of the borough’s rich railroad heritage, the East Stroudsburg Train Station dates back to the 19th century and stands as a symbol of the town’s historic connection to commerce and travel. Restoration efforts have transformed it into a hub for community gatherings, local history exhibits, and cultural events that celebrate the area's transportation legacy.
East Stroudsburg University (ESU) Heritage District
Founded in 1893, ESU is a cornerstone of the community. The university blends historic architecture with modern facilities, offering a vibrant campus life full of arts, athletics, and public events. Locals and students alike benefit from the enriching atmosphere ESU brings to the heart of East Stroudsburg.
Sports and Recreation
Sport and Recreation
East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, is a town where an active lifestyle blends seamlessly with the scenic beauty of the Pocono Mountains. Whether it's hiking forest trails, hitting the slopes, or cheering from the sidelines at a local game, East Stroudsburg offers families and individuals plenty of ways to stay engaged, stay healthy, and connect with the community throughout the year.
Youth Sports
East Stroudsburg has a strong tradition of youth sports supported by local schools, recreation leagues, and community organizations. From soccer and baseball to basketball and wrestling, these programs emphasize teamwork, confidence, and sportsmanship. The East Stroudsburg Area School District, along with local leagues, provides young athletes with quality coaching, competitive play, and a great way to make lasting friendships.
Youth Baseball & Softball at Creekview Park
Creekview Park is a central hub for baseball and softball in the area, with well-maintained fields and a lively schedule of youth games, practices, and tournaments. Spring and summer bring families together under the lights for community-driven sports events that highlight local talent and team spirit.
Parks, Trails & Recreation
From quiet wooded paths to adrenaline-filled slopes, East Stroudsburg is surrounded by outdoor destinations perfect for year-round activity:
Dansbury Park
A community favorite with open green spaces, playgrounds, tennis courts, and a seasonal public pool. It’s ideal for everything from a summer swim to a casual weekend picnic.
Brodhead Creek Heritage Center & Park
This beautiful spot offers fishing access, educational nature exhibits, and serene walking trails along the Brodhead Creek—a popular fly-fishing destination.
Brodhead Creek Heritage Center & Park
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Just a few miles from town, this massive natural preserve features more than 100 miles of hiking trails, river adventures, and scenic lookouts. It’s a haven for hikers, bikers, kayakers, and nature lovers alike.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area
A winter staple, Shawnee offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing for all ages. In the warmer months, the mountain hosts outdoor festivals and events that draw visitors from across the region.
Whether you're a weekend warrior, a youth league parent, or someone just looking to enjoy the fresh mountain air, East Stroudsburg provides the perfect backdrop for an active, outdoor-focused lifestyle.
Adventures
Adventures
East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania blends small-town charm with easy access to outdoor adventure, offering residents and visitors endless ways to explore the Pocono Mountains and the surrounding Delaware River region. From tranquil forest trails and scenic overlooks to family-friendly parks and thrilling river excursions, East Stroudsburg invites you to experience northeastern Pennsylvania’s natural beauty with a community-oriented feel.
Parks, Trails & Outdoor Exploration
East Stroudsburg is surrounded by lush green spaces and recreational areas that make it easy to step outside and enjoy nature—whether for an afternoon walk or a weekend adventure. Popular local spots include:
Dansbury Park
Located right in town, Dansbury Park is a favorite destination for families and community events, offering a public pool, tennis courts, picnic pavilions, and open spaces for all kinds of outdoor activities.
Brodhead Creek Park & Heritage Center
This peaceful park runs alongside the Brodhead Creek, offering walking trails, fishing access, and an environmental education center with exhibits about the region’s natural history.
Glen Park
Tucked away but close to town, Glen Park features wooded trails, a creekside setting, and quiet picnic areas—ideal for hiking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying a serene afternoon.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Just minutes from East Stroudsburg, this expansive preserve offers dramatic mountain views, waterfalls, and miles of trails for hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting. Notable hikes like Mt. Tammany and Raymondskill Falls draw outdoor enthusiasts from all over the region.
Day Trips for River Adventures
With the Delaware River only a short drive away, East Stroudsburg residents can easily spend a day on the water. The area is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and fishing, with launch sites and rental services available nearby in the Delaware Water Gap and Shawnee areas. Scenic float trips offer a mix of relaxation and adventure, with plenty of chances to spot wildlife or stop for a riverside picnic.
River Outfitters Nearby:
Whether you're paddling through the Delaware Gap or casting a line in a quiet stream, East Stroudsburg makes it easy to connect with the outdoors and create your own adventure—right in your backyard.
Seasonal Events
Seasonal Events
East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania celebrates the seasons with a calendar full of local festivals, family traditions, and cultural happenings that reflect the town’s warm community spirit and its place in the heart of the Poconos. From autumn parades and holiday markets to live summer concerts and nearby heritage festivals, East Stroudsburg offers residents and visitors a variety of ways to stay connected and celebrate throughout the year.
Fall Festival & Halloween Parade
Every October, East Stroudsburg’s downtown and local parks come alive with fall colors, costumes, and community joy during the annual Fall Festival and Halloween Parade. Kids and families enjoy trick-or-treating, hayrides, costume contests, pumpkin painting, and festive food vendors. Hosted by the borough and local businesses, this beloved event brings neighbors together for a day of safe, spirited fun.
Concerts in the Square
Summer evenings in East Stroudsburg are best spent at the Courthouse Square, who hosts a free concert series featuring local musicians, tribute bands, and cultural performers. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy live music under the stars, along with food trucks, vendors, and a laid-back community vibe.
Winterfest & Holiday Celebrations
As snow blankets the Pocono region, East Stroudsburg embraces the holiday season with Winterfest, a cheerful downtown event featuring holiday lights, horse-drawn carriage rides, seasonal treats, and photos with Santa. Nearby Stroudsburg’s Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Market add even more festive charm to the area.
Cultural & Arts Events Nearby
While East Stroudsburg offers plenty of hometown traditions, its location near cultural hubs like Stroudsburg, Bethlehem, and Easton puts residents within easy reach of larger festivals and artistic showcases:
Musikfest (Bethlehem, August)
One of the nation’s largest free music festivals, featuring hundreds of performances across all genres, local art, and world-class food.
Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival
Just a short drive away, this annual event offers craft vendors, scenic train rides, live music, and brilliant autumn colors.
Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival
Shawnee Celtic Festival
Held at Shawnee Mountain in spring and fall, this festival celebrates Celtic heritage with traditional music, dance, and food.
From hometown parades to mountain-side concerts and regional arts festivals, East Stroudsburg offers year-round opportunities to celebrate community, culture, and the changing seasons.
Community Resources
East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania offers residents access to high-quality healthcare through a combination of local hospitals, medical clinics, and specialty providers. Whether you're seeking routine check-ups, emergency services, or long-term care, the area supports a wide range of medical needs with trusted facilities and a strong focus on community wellness.
Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono
Located in the heart of East Stroudsburg, Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono is the region’s primary acute care facility, providing comprehensive services including 24/7 emergency care, surgery, maternity services, orthopedics, and cardiology. As part of the Lehigh Valley Health Network, this full-service hospital connects patients to advanced care while maintaining a personalized, community-centered approach.
Pocono Medical Center Campus Services
In addition to its main hospital, the Lehigh Valley Health Network – Pocono campus offers a range of outpatient clinics and specialty services across East Stroudsburg and surrounding areas. Services include physical therapy, imaging, behavioral health, and rehabilitation, all aimed at supporting long-term wellness close to home.
East Stroudsburg University Health and Wellness Center
For students and campus staff, ESU’s Health and Wellness Center offers accessible healthcare services, including general medical care, mental health counseling, wellness programs, and referrals. It plays a key role in supporting the physical and emotional well-being of the university community.
Community Clinics and Family Practices
Throughout East Stroudsburg and the greater Monroe County area, residents benefit from numerous independent and network-affiliated family practices and urgent care centers. These facilities offer routine exams, chronic illness management, pediatric care, immunizations, and more, often with same-day appointments available.
Notable options include:
From top-tier emergency services to personalized family medicine, East Stroudsburg provides a well-rounded healthcare network designed to meet the evolving needs of its residents—close to home and connected to trusted regional systems.
East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania is a community rooted in learning, where education is valued at every stage of life. From strong public schools and specialized private options to a thriving state university and adult education programs, East Stroudsburg supports academic achievement, career readiness, and personal growth for learners of all ages.
Public Schools & Education
East Stroudsburg is served by the East Stroudsburg Area School District (ESASD), one of the largest and most comprehensive districts in northeastern Pennsylvania. The district offers a full K–12 education through multiple elementary schools, two intermediate schools, two middle schools, and two high schools: East Stroudsburg High School North and East Stroudsburg High School South.
Students benefit from a broad range of academic and extracurricular opportunities, including:
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STEM programs
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Advanced Placement (AP) courses
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Career and Technical Education (CTE)
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Dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges
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Robust arts, athletics, and music programs
The district emphasizes student-centered learning, diversity, and community involvement to prepare students for success in both college and career paths.
Private, Charter & Alternative Education
Families in East Stroudsburg and nearby communities have access to a variety of faith-based and independent schools offering values-driven and personalized learning experiences.
Options include:
Notre Dame Elementary and Jr./Sr. School
A Catholic school system offering Pre-K through 12th grade education with strong academics and spiritual development.
Pocono Adventist Christian School
A small, values-based school emphasizing academic excellence and faith.
Pocono Adventist Christian School
Higher Education Opportunities
East Stroudsburg is home to East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania (ESU), a regional public university that plays a major role in the community’s academic and economic life. Part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), ESU offers:
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Over 55 undergraduate programs
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Graduate degrees in education, health sciences, business, and more
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Hands-on research and internship opportunities
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A vibrant campus life and cultural events open to the community
Additionally, nearby institutions like Northampton Community College (Monroe Campus) provide affordable pathways to associate degrees, workforce training, and transfer programs.
Adult & Lifelong Learning
East Stroudsburg embraces lifelong learning through a network of community resources and flexible educational programs. The Eastern Monroe Public Library offers free access to books, technology, GED prep, and workshops in computer skills, language learning, and personal finance.
Local community centers, ESU outreach, and workforce development initiatives also provide adults with continuing education opportunities in:
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ESL (English as a Second Language)
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Professional certification
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Health and wellness education
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Creative and performing arts
Whether you're raising a student, pursuing higher education, or re-skilling for the future, East Stroudsburg provides a supportive, enriching environment for lifelong learning—all in a welcoming community nestled in the Pocono Mountains.
East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, offers a well-coordinated network of public services, safety departments, and community resources that support a connected, secure, and livable environment. From responsive emergency services to infrastructure management and regional transit, East Stroudsburg balances small-town accessibility with dependable municipal support.
Borough Government & Public Services
East Stroudsburg operates under a Borough Council form of government, providing essential services that keep the community safe, functional, and welcoming. The East Stroudsburg Borough Office oversees zoning, public works, utilities, and community development initiatives that help maintain the charm and livability of this Pocono Mountain town.
East Stroudsburg Police Department ensures public safety through local patrols, community policing, and emergency response.
The East Stroudsburg Fire Department, a volunteer-led service with deep roots in the community, provides fire protection, EMS support, and rescue services in coordination with surrounding departments.
Public Works teams manage street maintenance, snow removal, stormwater systems, and borough-owned parks and facilities.
Garbage & Recycling Services are provided via regional contracts, with scheduled curbside pickup and recycling services throughout the year.
Transportation
Located near the intersection of Interstate 80 and Route 209, East Stroudsburg provides convenient regional access to both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Whether commuting to New York City or traveling within the Poconos, residents benefit from reliable roadway connections and growing transit options:
Pocono Pony (MCTA)
The Monroe County Transit Authority offers local bus service and shared ride programs throughout East Stroudsburg and neighboring areas. Popular routes include service to downtown Stroudsburg, ESU, and local shopping centers.
Martz Trailways
Regional bus service provides direct routes to New York City and northern New Jersey, making East Stroudsburg a practical home for commuters.
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE)
Located about an hour away in Allentown, ABE offers domestic flights and rental car access for travelers.
East Stroudsburg Historic Train Station
A future hub for the planned Amtrak expansion from NYC, this iconic station may once again become a vital transit link.
Weather
Nestled in the Pocono Mountains, East Stroudsburg enjoys four distinct seasons that invite residents to embrace both outdoor adventure and cozy small-town living:
Winters bring snow-covered hills, ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and seasonal events.
Spring offers blossoming trails and fresh mountain air across parks and riversides.
Summer is warm and lush—perfect for hiking, kayaking, and local festivals.
Fall showcases the Pocono’s famous foliage, turning the town and surrounding forests into a colorful spectacle.
Emergency & Regional Support Services
East Stroudsburg also benefits from regional support via Monroe County:
Monroe County Emergency Management Agency coordinates regional preparedness and disaster response.
Monroe County Control Center (911) ensures centralized dispatch for police, fire, and EMS services.
Local residents can also access county-level services for health and human services, environmental protection, and emergency planning.
Vehicle Registration and Licensing
Vehicle registration and driver licensing in East Stroudsburg are managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Residents can renew vehicle registrations, titles, and driver’s licenses online through PennDOT’s website or in person at authorized Driver and Photo License Centers. Pennsylvania does not require emissions testing in Monroe County, where East Stroudsburg is located, but offers a range of online services for convenience.
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
From dependable borough services and accessible transportation to four-season charm and responsive emergency support, East Stroudsburg is a town built for community well-being. Whether you're raising a family, working remotely, or planning a scenic retirement, this Pocono community blends infrastructure and livability with hometown pride.
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