Hemlock Farms Vs. Masthope (Honesdale, Hawley: homeowners association, gated, rental)

[motherbearof4]

I'm looking for pros and cons to both of these developments. Can anyone help?

[ceeceeharley]

Hello, I just wanted to tell you to please stay clear of the HIDEOUT, there are many problems in there that realtors can't tell you of. We almost bought a house in there because like yourself we didn't know much about the communities in the Poconos. I have heard of cars being set on fire, alot of theft and just something you and your family would want to stay clear of. I bought a house in Hemlock Farms and love it. I have 3 year twins, and they have many activities here for children, the indoor and outdoor pools, a playground a few baseball and basketball courts, they have camp during the summer and ton of parties at the beaches, clubhouse and fire house. That is what I love the most is that it is gated and NO ONE can come in they must be called in and no one can walk in off the street either. I am up here alot on my own so sometimes I forget to lock my doors cause it is so safe up here. They also have security driving around the community and a fire dept on property which is also a plus. Yes, they have high dues, but think about if you joined a gym for a family of four these days, I know I was paying well over $2000 for my membership in NYC. They have an indoor pool, I believe 2 outdoor ones, a weight room, sauna...You have a mailroom, with on-site post office so you can just pop into your car and run right over and never a line. I just find it so great and it is kept so clean and everyone here is so friendly and kind. Good Luck, and keep away from the Hideout, make sure you have a good realtor, cause we had one that was ready to throw us under a bus just to get a sale. Century 21 in Lords Valley are very nice people, I am not a realtor, just a MOM, I just met a few of the realtors when friends were looking up here and they were the most honest I have ever met. I am a family person, and I would never tell anyone to live somewhere I didn't feel safe in cause I love my family. Good Luck

[motherbearof4]

Thank you so much for the information. We are considering Hemlock Farms in a year or so. We have 4 children and just want to make sure there was plenty to do for them.

[GirlsMom]

I have been living in Masthope full time since April 1st of this year. So far we are very happy with our decision. I have 4 kids and they love their new school. Masthope has an outdoor pool, lake/beach area, playgrounds, basketball, fitness center, tennis, volleyball, ski/tubing, horseback riding, general store, restaurant, community events such as bingo, softball games, summer camp for the kids, etc. Check out their website. We do not have a mail area like Hemlock...I think that is pretty cool though. Shopping is about 1/2 hour away in Hawley or Honesdale. The majority of the people are very nice. Public Safety is always driving around.

Ceecee - I have 2 1/2 yr. old twin girls. Too bad we are not in the same community.

[motherbearof4]

Thanks for the info. I have 4 children also. I have a 13 yr old, 11 yr old, 3 1/2 yr old and 18 mo. old. We are considering the move to Hemlock within the next couple of years. Hemlock seems to have more going on for the kids. My inlaws live in Masthope and love it there.

[Wasabipea]

Hi -
I lived in Hemlock for a few years, but left there about 15 years ago (for points elsewhere in NEPA, I've lived all over). When I lived there, Hemlock had quite a few amenities and planned activities. One of the pluses, especially with family, is the clubhouse with indoor pool. From what I recall it was maintained very well, and it's nice to have the option of swimming in the winter months (esp with the sauna and steamroom for the grownups). In addition to that, there's at least two more outdoor pools and lakes/beaches too. They have organized family events during the summer months - fireworks by the lake, art and craft shows on premise, cookouts, etc. They have a lot of family-type events at the clubhouse - I recall one year someone lectured from a local raptor rescue / rehabilitation center, and he talked about his group and what they did and educated everyone on hawks, owls and eagles... he even brought in an owl and bald eagle and a hawk for "show and tell". The kids dug it, and so did I actually. Hemlock does things like that, they make good use of their clubhouse.
Another nice thing is their public safety and fire departments are on premise.

Please keep in mind this was 15 years ago, but I don't think it's changed that much. Good luck!

[TheHighHat]

I don't live in Hemlock but I know people that do. The couple of people told me that the Board is are people from NYC and have money. They keep raising the dues which are I believe over $1,200 (if someone knows the exact amount, please post). We know people who have children and those without and the majority said they would never had done it. Check out the cost of dues, and find out who is on the Board - because people on a Homeowners Association - the majority of the time they have an agenda.

Good luck.

Hat

[LIMAMA4]

Hat,

Thanks, I will definitely look into it. We have pretty much narrowed it down to Hemlock and Masthope. I know the dues in these developments do increase but I feel that the taxes up there, coupled with the association dues, is still much cheaper than staying on Long Island and struggling. I would rather pay and know that I and my family are getting something for the money.

[TheHighHat]

The other side to higher dues is that it tends to keep the rift raft out. It is also important for children to have things to do otherwise they tend to get in trouble. Some communities with lower dues and no amenities spells trouble especially where there is no parental supervision. Good luck and it is important to do your own homework and get a realtor that you can trust.....one that is honest and not just looking for a sale.

[TheHighHat]

I forgot, keep in mind school district which is very important. Parts of Hemlock go to Lake Wallenpaupack which is an excellent school district.