Located in the heart of Northeastern Pennsylvania's beautiful Pocono Mountains, Monroe County offers its residents the serenity of the countryside with the convenience of being near two large metropolitan areas. New York is only 1.5 hours away and Philadelphia is just under a 1 hour drive from the area.

Our county businesses benefit from a bustling tourist trade as well as easy access to I- 80 and I-380, which connects I-80 and I-84. Route 33 is the direct corridor between Monroe County and the Lehigh Valley.

Click here for more maps of the Penn's Northeast region.

[return to navigation]

Monroe County represents one of the fastest growing areas in America. Year after year, our county shows consistent growth in its number of young adult (18-34) residents. And it's no wonder, given the fact that our 611 square miles of gorgeous wilderness blend natural resources, recreational outlets, residential living and business and manufacturing into a seamless environment that defines the notion of "quality of life" for the 21st century.

The fact is, our residents simply adore Monroe County, enjoying high-quality health care, a top rate education system and outdoor activities that are second to none.

Residents support a strong cultural atmosphere, as this plays a vital part in the life of our community. Galleries that specialize in a variety of artistic styles, from contemporary to traditional, can be found throughout the area. The performing arts thrive here, as well. Everything from classical to jazz music, ballet to modern dance and professional to community theatre are regularly patronized by local residents.

Our region's heritage is also evident in such attractions as living farms, native American exhibits, one-room schools, period homes, and railway sites.

[return to navigation]

As a year-round resort and vacation destination, Monroe County offers a variety of outdoor activities that are truly overwhelming. Golfing, boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, camping and horseback riding…you name it and we've got it!

Camelback Ski Area, located in Tannersville, Pennsylvania, is the biggest ski, snowboard and snowtubing area in the Poconos. You'll find 33 trails, 13 lifts 2 terrain parks, night skiing and 100% snowmaking. In the summer and fall, thousands flock to the Camelbeach Waterpark.

Golf courses

• Buck Hill Golf Club
• Cherry Valley Golf Course
• Country Club of the Poconos
• Evergreen Park Golf Course
• Fernwood Resort & Country Club
• Glenbrook Country Club
• Hideaway Hills Golf Club
• Indian Mountain Golf Course
• Timber Trails Golf Course
• Mount Pocono Golf Course
• Mountain Manor Inn & Golf Club
• Pocono Farms Country Club
• Pocono Manor Inn & Golf Resort
• Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort
• Skytop Lodge
• Terra Greens Golf Course
• Water Gap Country Club

Venues for the Performing Arts

• Over The Edge Productions
• Pocono Day Shows
• Pocono Cinema & Coffee Shop
• Pocono Playhouse
• Shawnee Playhouse

State Parks

• Big Pocono State Park - Located in Tannersville, it's the highest point in the area at 2131 feet above sea level and allows for breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Hiking trails and picnic areas are available.
• Gouldsboro State Park - Located in Monroe and Wayne counties in northeastern
  Pennsylvania, it contains 2,800 acres of land and includes the 250-acre Gouldsboro Lake.
• Tobyhanna State Park - Opened to the public in 1949, complete with parking areas, a swimming beach, boat rental and boat launching site, water supply and sanitary facilities and campgrounds.

Racing

Another favorite pastime of Monroe residents - not to mention racing fans from all over the country - is catching the high-octane action at the Pocono International Raceway.

[return to navigation]

Pocono Medical Center provides the distinguished healthcare that Monroe County residents have come to rely upon.

As a community hospital, PMC is committed to serving its community members, reaching throughout Monroe County and portions of Pike and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania and Northwestern New Jersey. PMC defines its function as "an institution whose purpose is to provide personal healthcare in a manner which uses the available resources most effectively for the community's benefit."

Licensed HMO's for Monroe County include:

• Aetna/U.S. Healthcare/HMO of PA
• First Priority Health
• Health Plans of PA
• Penn State Geisinger Health Plan
• Three Rivers Health Plans

[return to navigation]

Monroe county residents know that a solid education is indispensable in this day and age. Only 1.8% of our high school students elect to discontinue their schooling, while our high school graduation rate is better than the national average.

Elementary and Secondary School Districts:

• Pocono Mountain
• Pleasant Valley
• Stroudsburg
• East Stroudsburg

Those residents who wish to gain a post-secondary education can do so at two institutions located right here in Monroe County.

Colleges and Universities

• East Stroudsburg University
• Northampton Community College

There are numerous highly respected and nationally recognized colleges and universities that exist throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. Most of these work closely with area employers to develop customized job training and continuing education programs and are a convenient commute for those who live in the Monroe County.

Click here for detailed information on the higher educational opportunities available throughout the Penn's Northeast region.

[return to navigation]

Looking to relocate or expand your business? Do we have the labor pool for you! Not only are our workers loyal and committed to the job at hand, their numbers just keep on growing.

Since 1980, our population has increased 100 percent. From 1990 to 2000, Monroe County's population growth rate was almost double the national average. On a percentage basis, that makes our county one of the fastest growing labor forces in the United States!

More importantly, the Monroe County is one of the few areas within Pennsylvania that has shown consistent increases in the number of residing young adults (ages 18 to 34). For companies seeking new workers, this is a critical statistic.

More than 9,000 residents of Monroe County presently commute to New Jersey or New York, but most are willing to admit that they would prefer to work in Monroe if work were available to them. High skill levels, abundant entry-level workers and a high growth rate all combine for the benefit of employers.

Without reservation, we can say that Monroe County is in a unique position to provide the workforce that businesses need to succeed - now and well into the future.

Major Industries
Construction
Manufacturing

Largest Private Employers
Aventis Pasteur
Camelback Ski Corporation
Huxley Envelope Corp.
Laird Technologies
Liz Claiborne
Pocono Manor Inn and Golf Resort
Resorts USA, Inc.
Roadway Express
Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
Skytop Lodge Corp
United Steel Products
Wal-Mart Associates Inc.
Wal-Mart Distribution Center
Weiler Corp
Weis Markets Inc.

Job Training and Business Development

There are a number of job training and funding programs available for Monroe County. For more information, contact our local industrial development corporation or click here.

[return to navigation]

Monroe County is committed to responsible economic development and the creation of jobs. In order to preserve our achievements and assure prosperity in the future, it is important that our quality of life be maintained. To this end, we seek to diversify our economy by attracting companies that complement our present industry mix.

Monroe County Industrial Development Association (MCIDA)

Organized in 1970, the MCIDA can serve as your one-stop shop in your search for business assistance. MCIDA assists commercial or industrial businesses to locate and grow within the county by providing access to low-interest financing mechanisms. In addition, MCIDA can assist companies apply for job creation tax credits and other programs that can save your business money.

For more information, call Toll Free (877) 736-7700 or visit
http://www.poconomtsindustries.com

[return to navigation]

Easy access to many transportation systems make the Monroe County an attractive area, not only for residents but for businesses too.

Airports
Monroe County is close to two major airports:

• Lehigh Valley International Airport - 45 min.
• Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport - about 1hr.

Pocono Mountains Municipal Airport and Stroudsburg Pocono Airpark accommodate smaller planes.

Highways
Interstate 80 provides direct east/west access for Monroe County businesses. While I-380 connects I-80 and I-84. Route 33 is the direct corridor between Monroe County and the Lehigh Valley. I-81, 78, 476, as well as state routes 209, 940 and 611 are accessible.

Railways
Monroe County's rail line is owned by Monroe County Railroad Authority and Lackawanna Railroad Authority. They contract rail service with the Delaware Lackawanna Railroad, a regional short line carrier. The Delaware Lackawanna provides excellent service with interchanges with two Class I railroads, Norfolk Southern and Canadian Pacific. For information please call 570-963-6676

Bus Lines
There are numerous bus transportation providers that service our area. The Monroe County Transit Authority offers service to most destinations in the county. Their schedules can be obtained by calling 570-839-6282. Additionally, Greyhound Bus Lines and Martz Trailways are ready to assist you with your transportation needs.

Ports
If you want or need to travel by water, the four ports of Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore and Erie also within a reasonable distance.

Click here for more information on transportation.

[return to navigation]

Power
PPL Electric Utilities
MetEd a First Energy Company

Telecommunications
Verizon
AT&T Communications
MCI Telecommunications
Commonwealth Telephone
Palmerton Telephone Company

Click here for more information on utilities.

[return to navigation]