Which of you kind folks are going to help me?

[KarenRice]

Riverside, I know you are proud of your role here as the board cynic /naysayer. I am sure you truly believe that my love for this area is tied into my job and nobody can change your mind on that. However, I have lived here my entire life - I have spent nearly every day of my life right in Pike County - I've lived here from infancy. I am territorial, I am PROUD of my home, I love my town, I love my alma mater, I love this area.

I get REALLY PO'd when outsiders move here and THEN trash talk the area. One of my coworkers once said "I don't even know why I wanted to move to this 'hole' and wish I'd stayed in New York!" Long before I was a real estate agent I worked in a daycare center. Some of my co-workers were recent newcomers to the area. At lunch nearly every day they went on and on about how they don't trust the doctors here and they go back to New Yawk for their health care and dentists. They talked about how our food here is not "food" our "pizza is not "pizza" and our "bagels" are no better than Lender's. They would complain that there is nothing to do here, or that the shopping is so much better - "somewhere else."

One day I lost it and said "you know, if you HATE this area so much why the #$%& don't you go back to New York where you'll be happy?"

Do I feel this way about all newcomers? Absolutely NOT. I am excited and happy to share my passion for this area with someone who will appreciate it and love it as much as I do. And I'm pretty passionate about Scranton as well and I have never sold a house over there nor do I plan to - it's not my market. I never go into Monroe County. It's not my market. I rarely go into Northern Wayne County though it is part of my maret; I don't plan on taking any listings up there due to the gas leases. I think that's a much more disgusting and worse blight on our area than HOA's with rules and fees. Paul is correct there are certain things I can not comment on from a legal standpoint.

Paul, I appreciate your very kind supportive post. And you are wrong - I like you for the energy and positive attitude you so often show . I have disagreed with your putting *everything* on your sleeve for the world to see and trample on.... but not for the reasons you may think.

[jules0804]

Gimme, we just closed 2 weeks ago on a house in Pocono Springs Estates. Just love it so far. It is gated, which gives some sense of security (we live in NJ so only here weekends). It is very quiet. Many lots are not developed - we have one neighbor across the street (who we have yet to see) and noone behind or on either side as far as the eye can see. Lots of wildlife. Nice pool and lake.
Dues are very reasonable (around $600 a year). And quick commute (90 miles from home).
I would definitely consider PSE.

[SadRahne]

Ohhh, Gimme it. You opened a whole can of worms. The Us vs. Them debate has been going on since - well, before I was aware it was an issue. Well, at least you know what topic might be a hot button issue upon you're arrival. Initially, at least.
Moving on to your question, I agree with Riverside4Ever ( but only this once ) in that HOA's and Communities etc.. are a bad idea. Buy/Rent your own private home. I read our local paper front to back every day and there is always an issue between HOA's and actual "homeowner's". It's not worth the hassle. If you insist on a community, try the Pleasant Valley development ( in Gilbert ). Ten years ago, my husband and I rented there. The community is very safe. There is a community pool and basketball courts. You would have a 10-15 minute drive south to get to the Beltzville Lake. This lake offers a clean, family oriented swimming area as well as places to kayak, canoe, boat, fish, and picnic.
A Pocono Country Place ( PCP ) is recently notorius for gangs and crime. I advise you to stear clear.
Personal home ownership is best. I would consider looking into the 'west end' , or what us locals refer to as the western most part of Monroe county. Towns to research are: Brodheadsville, Gilbert, Kunkletown, Effort, Saylorsburg, Sciota and the golden find; Kresgeville. Kresgeville and the surrounding area is untapped in commercialism for the most part, yet close enough to modern amenities to make your family feel involved with everything going on in the world.
Why in the world didn't someone just say this in the first place?
Gimme it, I wish you the best of luck. Let me know of your progress.S.R.