The Poconos is a mountain range in northern Pennsylvania. It is a popular vacation destination in all seasons. It has fall foliage and ski resorts, as well as a variety of hiking, biking and camping opportunities. If you want to visit the Pocono mountains for an extended period, you may want to rent a house in the area.
Calculate your estimated expenses, without housing costs. This can include ski tickets and lessons (if you are visiting in the winter) food costs, souvenirs, gas and other travel expenses. This will give you a good idea of a day-to-day budget.
Figure out how much you are willing to spend on a rental house. There is a wide variety of options, from ultra-exclusive hideaways (that are quite costly) to small, humble bungalows. Determine how much you can spend and how much all parties will be contributing (if you are going with other families or friends).
Research homes in the area. Start early---about six months in advance. The best place to start is with personal references. Send out feelers into your sphere of influence. Ask friends, family members, colleagues and acquaintances about visits to the area. Ask about rental rates, locations in the area and places to avoid.
Conduct online research. There are many sites that offer housing rentals in the Poconos. Try to determine what kind of house you are looking for (how many bedrooms, how close to certain areas, price range, number of bathrooms, etc.) before you begin searching. This narrow the search results.
Choose a specific area on which to focus. Some areas include: the Delaware Valley, Lehigh Valley, the Pocono Lakes and Endless Mountains. All areas have advantages and disadvantages. Decide what most appeals to you: tourist attractions, outdoor recreation, dining or shopping.
Narrow the list of potential homes to two or three. Have two or three back-ups, too, especially if you'll be traveling in a popular season (summer, in the Poconos). Contact the owners or management companies. Ask for rates and availability.
Choose the home based on your personal preferences and rates. Lock in a reservation at least three or four months in advance if you'll be visiting during the high season.
