East Stroudsburg specifics, please (Scranton, Wilkes-Barre: foreclosed, house, purchase)

[Tapshoe]

My purchase in Blakeslee seems to have collapsed due to Fannie Mae being too busy to provide my contract although we negotiated successfully three weeks ago and I invested in the inspections, etc. on a new, large foreclosed property.

My agent is encouraging me to consider East Stroudsburg. I'm divorced, a young 59 woman, who will be living alone with my dogs. She tells me that it's just particular gated communities that have gang issues and reassures me that she will not mislead me. I've gotten the impression from a year of reading this wonderful site that neither Stroudsburg or East Stroudsburg are desirable areas of the NE Poconos but the issues seem to be implied only vaguely.

I would so appreciate having the details provided so that I don't make an error. My price range is in the $230k area. I am eager to live in a private, rural area in a house that offers some degree of charm, character and quality.

Thank you in advance.

[ScranBarre]

I could be mistaken here, but I always received a better "vibe" from East Stroudsburg than I've gotten from Stroudsburg. Since my failed photo tour attempt of Stroudsburg I've returned to the town once and have once again not been impressed by any means. It feels like a "mini-Bronx" now. On the contrary East Stroudsburg seems to have less of the "urban influence," if you catch my drift. I like what they've been trying to do in terms of revitalization in Downtown Stroudsburg, but that's all for naught if they can't get their crazies and panhandlers under control---I had more vagrants there begging me for "bus fare to the city" than I've ever had up here in much more heavily-populated Scranton or Wilkes-Barre.

I know there are tons of Stroudsburg-boosters out there who will say I'm an idiot, and so be it, but I've always thought much more highly of East Stroudsburg over Stroudsburg (similar to how I think much more highly of West Pittston over Pittston or North Scranton over South Scranton). I just didn't like the vibe I got from Stroudsburg. Sorry in advance for offending. In East Stroudsburg I just found my fellow passers-by to be much friendlier and laid-back. They returned my "Good morning" greetings whereas the people in Stroudsburg just looked at me funny.

[Tapshoe]

for your candid reply. That's the impression I had without ever having visited either. I'd been firm with the realtor about wanting to avoid both but I'll be viewing properties in East Stroudsburg on Monday (

[AtHomeInThePoconos]

Most towns have nice and not-so-nice areas. Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg are no different. What would be considered the Stroudsburg or East Stroudsburg "area" includes everything from farms to sections of downtown that feel almost urban, so what other people perceive might be far removed from what you see on Monday.

[Tapshoe]

Thank you so much.

I apologize for misleading. I surely am looking too at every property that even remotely meets my needs AND can have a very quick closing in Blakeslee, Brodheadsville and Kunkletown as well as in Saylorsbury, Effort, Reeder, Tannersville, Henryville and anywhere else that my realtor has located anything remotely suitable. My list of essentials has been modified and I 'm more open to everything. No stone is being left unturned.