A few months ago, our local magazine, Lehigh Valley Live, did a wonderful series of articles on the changing state of the Pocono Mountains and some of the serious issues it is facing, mainly due to the significant increase in STRs (short-term rentals). This is becoming a huge nationwide problem due to the growth of short-term rental companies such as Airbnb, VRBO, and individual short-term rental owners, and it has become a tremendous issue in the Pocono Mountains.

The Pocono Mountains are near and dear to our hearts, as they are a major part of our coverage area and also one of our favorite places to visit, with tens of thousands of acres of wondrous mountains, forests, lakes, and streams, along with incredibly peaceful quiet. There are endless year-round outdoor activities for everyone. The Pocono Mountains once rivaled Niagara Falls as the top honeymoon destination in the northeastern part of the United States.

The Rise of Short-Term Rentals

The onslaught of short-term rentals in the Poconos began about 10 years ago and exploded during COVID, a time considered the Golden Age of renters in the Poconos. Much of this was due to the Pocono Mountains’ location, only a two-hour drive from New York City, New Jersey, and the Philadelphia suburbs.

STRs now contribute $4.3 billion in annual revenue to the Poconos. STRs, along with hotels and resorts, drive another $4.8 billion in visitor spending in the region. Tourism is a large part of the Poconos’ economy, as 30 million visitors flow through the region each year, and tourism provides 38% of the region’s jobs.

The Economic Impact and Growing Concerns

STR rental rates of approximately $431 per day are on par with the cost of a daily hotel rental. Therefore, you can rent a full house for the price of most hotel rooms in the area. This is a big part of their appeal, and part of the conundrum.

The tremendous amount of money that short-term rentals generate has caused many local communities to overlook, or look the other way at, the serious problems that these short-term rentals have created (Part 2).

Planning a Move to or From the Poconos

Whether you are relocating to enjoy the beauty of the Pocono Mountains or moving out of the area, having the right team makes all the difference. At O’Brien’s Moving & Storage, we provide dependable residential moving services for local, long-distance, and interstate moves.

With extensive experience throughout the region, we understand the unique challenges of moving in and around the Poconos and are here to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.