Poconos Investment Properties: Short Term vs Long Term Rentals
- Jeremiah Noll
- Aug 11
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 14
Updated September 2025
TLDR In the Poconos, whether a property should be a short-term rental (STR) or long-term rental (LTR) depends on township zoning, property type, and owner goals. STRs can outperform, but they bring risk, higher costs, and stricter rules. LTRs deliver steady income with less hassle.
Short-Term vs Long-Term Rentals in the Poconos is a Property-Specific Decision
We get this question all the time: "Should I short-term or long-term rent this property?"
The real answer is that it depends entirely on your property, its location, and your tolerance for risk.
We manage over 180 rentals in the Poconos including STRs, LTRs, and hybrids, and what works in Arrowhead Lake might flop in Mount Pocono.
It’s not about chasing the biggest ROI on Instagram. It’s about zoning, operating strategy, and smart expectations.
STR vs LTR Returns: Tech Stocks vs CDs
If you like predictable income and minimal volatility, long-term rentals (LTRs) are probably your lane with lower return and lower risk.
If you’re ready to build a hospitality business with seasonal swings, guest expectations, and operational overhead, short-term rentals (STRs) can outperform.
But gross is not net. A well-run STR might gross $75K. After fees, maintenance, and management, you might keep $25K.
If you self-manage or run lean, that number can go up, but the variability is real. LTRs, on the other hand, often net exactly what you expect because you’ve locked in the lease and there’s no weekend guest breaking the coffee maker.
Match Property Type to Rental Strategy in the Poconos
Not every home is built for Airbnb.
Here’s what we look at:
Multifamily, apartments, and older homes with fewer amenities are usually better as LTRs.
Cabins, chalets, and lakefront homes in amenity-rich HOAs are strong STR candidates if you have systems in place.
We’ve seen owners try to force an STR on a home that doesn’t have the draw. They burn out fast. We’ve also helped them pivot to long-term tenants and stabilize cash flow within a month.
STR Guests vs LTR Tenants in Monroe County
STR guests are usually driving in from NYC, Philly, or North Jersey.
They’re here to ski, hike, or celebrate. Some bring kids. Some bring five couples. Some want to party.
Your setup, rules, and communication need to reflect who you're hosting.
LTR tenants tend to already live in the Poconos or are moving from nearby areas to lower their cost of living.
They work in resorts, warehouses, and restaurants.
If your property rents for $2,600 per month but local jobs pay $16 per hour, your tenant pool shrinks fast. It’s not just about your house. It’s about who can and wants to rent it.
STR Rules in Monroe County vs LTR Rules
In Monroe County and surrounding townships, STR regulations are township-specific and actively enforced.
Some require permits, septic inspections, noise monitoring systems, annual renewals, and locked hot tubs. We haven’t seen cease-and-desist letters lately, but pressure is growing in places like Barrett, Middle Smithfield, and parts of Polk.
LTRs usually require no township permits, no STR ordinances, and no HOA guest rules, just standard lease law. For owners who want lower risk and less oversight, LTRs are often the smarter move.
STR Turnover vs LTR Turnover in the Poconos
Short-term rentals typically see 40 to 100 guest turnovers a year.
That means more wear on furniture, flooring, and paint, higher cleaning costs, constant snow and trash removal, and late-night guest messages.
A long-term rental may have one tenant for three years. The pace is slower, the wear is lower, the stress is reduced, and tenants pay their own utilities.
We’ve seen five-year LTR tenants leave homes in better condition than some weekend STR guests.
Hybrid Rental Strategy in the Poconos
Some owners want to enjoy the property part-time but still earn income.
In the Poconos, that often looks like STR during peak seasons such as summer and winter holidays, and mid-term or LTR during shoulder months like spring and fall.
This can work, but only if township zoning allows both models and your home is designed to flex.
We’ve run this model for clients successfully, but only when the math and management are dialed in.
Poconos Investment Property Strategy Scenarios
How Galvanized Management Helps Rental Owners Decide
We’re not here to push one strategy.
We manage both. But we are here to help you evaluate the real numbers, navigate township and HOA requirements, and align your rental strategy with your lifestyle and financial goals.
Let’s talk before you buy or before you burn out.
FAQ: Short-Term vs Long-Term Rentals in the Poconos
Should I do short-term or long-term rental in the Poconos in 2025?
It depends on your property, township, and goals. STRs can work well for amenity-rich homes in legal zones, but LTRs are better for passive income, simplicity, and tenant stability.
Which Poconos townships have the strictest STR rules right now?
Barrett, Middle Smithfield, Kidder, and Coolbaugh are among the strictest where STRs are allowed. Expect permits, renewals, inspections, and HOA enforcement. Always check township zoning before investing.
Can I switch from STR to LTR if I’m overwhelmed?
Yes. We’ve helped many owners convert from STR to LTR when expenses, enforcement, or burnout became too much. Some return to STR later, others do not. Either way, the transition can be made smooth.
What is a hybrid rental model in the Poconos, and does it work?
A hybrid model means STR in peak seasons and LTR or mid-term in slower months. It can work, but only if zoning allows both and your home is set up for both.
Do STRs wear out properties faster than LTRs?
Yes. More guests means more cleaning, more wear, and more maintenance. STRs often need repainting or deep cleaning two to three times more often than LTRs.
What’s the biggest mistake STR owners make in 2025?
Assuming gross revenue equals profit. Cleaning, HOA fees, snow removal, guest damage, and mispriced calendars can erase margins. Run net ROI projections, not just revenue estimates.
What’s the best way to decide between STR and LTR in the Poconos?
Do not guess. Start with your numbers, your township, and your own bandwidth. We walk the property, review local rules, and break down what STR, LTR, or hybrid would look like financially.
About the Author
Jeremiah Noll is the founder of Galvanized Management, a fully licensed property management brokerage based in the Poconos. A former math teacher turned real estate investor, he built his company from firsthand experience managing rentals, flips, and township compliance. Today, Galvanized Management oversees more than 175 short-term and long-term rentals with a trusted in-house team.
Reviews & Testimonials
We manage short and long-term rentals across the Poconos and help owners protect ROI, stay compliant, and improve guest experience. Read more client testimonials.
"Great crew and staff . They are local to poconos and knowledgeable in all aspects of Short term and Long term rentals . Highly recommend them for a complete Hands-off operations. Jeremiah & his crew bring a lot of value to the table in making sure the properties are well taken care of!
-Eclectic Vacation Rentals
"Jeremiah and his team at Galvanized Management are amazing!! I recently purchased a short-term rental in the Poconos and he was so helpful in getting us up and running quickly - we could not have done it without him! From house repairs to guest management his team is responsive, reliable and thorough. We do not live in the area and it has been such a comfort knowing we have Jeremiah as a local partner - HIGHLY recommend his services!"
-Simon Hong
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