If you’ve ever driven through Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, you’ve probably seen the sign for Pocono Farms Country Club. It doesn’t look like much from the main road, just another gated community in a region overflowing with them. But honestly, most people get the "country club" part of the name totally wrong. They expect white-glove service and guys in stiff blazers. In reality? It’s basically a massive, wooded playground where the golf course is the anchor, but the vibe is way more "backyard BBQ" than "exclusive gala."
Located just off Route 196, this place has been around since the 1960s. It’s matured. The trees are huge now. The deer are everywhere—seriously, watch your car—and the community has shifted from a weekend getaway spot to a place where people actually live year-round. It’s a mix of Retirees from Jersey, young families looking for a bit of space, and the occasional AirBnB guest trying to figure out how the gate works.
The Golf Situation: More Than Just Grass
Let's talk about the 18-hole championship course. It’s the heart of the community. Art Wall Jr., a Masters Champion, helped design this thing. It’s not just a flat piece of land; it’s a mountain course, which means you’re dealing with elevation changes that can be kind of brutal if you aren't prepared.
The greens are famously fast. If you’re a golfer, you know that "Pocono fast" usually means "I’m going to three-putt everything today." But it’s well-maintained. Unlike some of the public courses in the area that get chewed up by mid-July, Pocono Farms keeps things tight.
It’s a private course, but it’s not stuffy. You’ll see people out there who take the game seriously, and then you’ll see guys who are clearly just there for the fresh air and the beverage cart. That balance is rare. Most places are either a goat track or a museum where you’re afraid to take a divot. This is a "player's course."
The Lake and the Beach
Then there’s Glacier Lake. It’s about 11 acres. No, you aren't going to run a 30-foot speed boat on it. It’s for electric motors, kayaks, and paddleboards. It’s quiet.
The beach area is where the community actually hangs out in the summer. There’s a swimming pool—Olympic sized—right next to it. Imagine this: you’ve got kids screaming in the pool, people grilling near the sand, and someone attempting to fish on the other side of the lake. It’s chaotic in a good way. It feels like 1985 in the best possible sense.
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The community also threw a bunch of money into the "Fitness Center" and the "Larkin Family Center" recently. They have pickleball now. Of course they do. Everyone has pickleball now. But they also have tennis, basketball, and a pretty solid playground.
Eating at the Grill Room
The Food. Okay, usually "clubhouse food" is a code word for "overpriced burgers and sad Caesar salads."
The Grill Room at Pocono Farms Country Club actually tries. It’s the hub. On a Friday night, the place is packed. You’ve got the locals who have lived there for 30 years sitting at the bar, and families in the booths.
- The menu is standard American fare: steaks, seafood, pasta.
- The patio overlooks the golf course, which is the best seat in the house.
- They do "Theme Nights"—taco nights, trivia, that sort of thing.
It’s convenient. When you’re living in the Poconos, sometimes the "real" grocery store or a decent restaurant is a 20-minute haul. Having a kitchen that stays open late (for the mountains) just a few minutes from your front door is a massive perk.
What People Get Wrong About the HOA
People hear "HOA" and they immediately think of someone measuring their grass with a ruler. While Pocono Farms has rules—you can't just leave a rusted-out Camaro on your front lawn—it’s not a prison.
The dues cover a lot. You get the 24/7 security (the "Public Safety" team), trash pickup, and access to all the amenities. For people moving from places like Brooklyn or Philly, the cost of the HOA plus the property taxes is often still cheaper than what they were paying for a tiny apartment.
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But you have to be okay with the "Member-in-Good-Standing" thing. If you don't pay your dues, they turn off your gate card. Simple as that.
The Reality of Living in Tobyhanna
Living at Pocono Farms means you’re in Tobyhanna. It’s beautiful, but it’s the mountains.
Snow is real. If the Poconos gets four inches, Pocono Farms probably gets six. The elevation matters. The community does a decent job of plowing the main roads, but your driveway? That’s on you. You’re going to need a snowblower or a guy with a plow on speed dial.
Shopping is nearby but "Pocono nearby." You’ve got the Walmart in Mount Pocono and the Crossings Premium Outlets about 15 minutes away. If you need a high-end mall, you’re driving to Lehigh Valley or Scranton.
Wildlife isn't a novelty; it’s a roommate. Bears are a constant presence. You cannot leave your trash out overnight unless you want your driveway to look like a landfill by 6:00 AM. The bears here are smart. They know how to open car doors. Seriously. Lock your car.
Rental Potential and Investment
A lot of people buy here as an investment. The short-term rental market in the Poconos is huge, and Pocono Farms is a popular spot.
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However, the board is smart. They have specific rules for rentals to make sure the neighborhood doesn't turn into a giant fraternity house. You have to register guests. There are fees. This protects the year-round residents. If you’re looking to buy a "party house," this isn't the spot. If you’re looking for a family-friendly rental that actually generates income, it’s a solid bet.
The houses themselves are a mix. You’ll find 1970s A-frames that need a total gut job and $700,000 modern builds with floor-to-ceiling glass. It’s an eclectic architectural mess, which gives the neighborhood some character compared to those cookie-cutter suburban developments.
The Verdict on Pocono Farms Country Club
Is it perfect? No. The gym could be bigger, and sometimes the wait for a table at the Grill Room is annoying. But as far as Pocono communities go, it’s one of the most "lived-in" feeling places. It doesn't feel like a resort where everyone is a stranger. You actually get to know your neighbors.
If you want a place where you can golf in the morning, hit the pool in the afternoon, and not have to leave the gates for a decent dinner, this is it. It’s about the lifestyle of convenience in a region that is notoriously inconvenient.
Actionable Next Steps for Potential Residents or Visitors
- Check the Golf Calendar: If you’re planning to visit, call the Pro Shop ahead of time. They host tournaments that can close the course to non-members or certain membership tiers.
- Verify HOA Documents: If you are buying, ask for the most recent "Resale Certificate." This shows if the specific house has any outstanding violations or unpaid dues that will become your problem the second you close.
- Bear-Proof Your Life: Before you move in, buy "bear-tight" trash containers. The standard ones from the hardware store won't hold up against a 400-pound black bear looking for leftover pizza.
- Tour at Night: Drive through the community at 9:00 PM. You’ll realize how dark and quiet it is. Some people love the silence; others find it unsettling. Know which camp you fall into before you sign a mortgage.
- Review Rental Restrictions: If you plan on AirBnB-ing your property, read the specific Pocono Farms "Short Term Rental" (STR) bylaws. They are updated frequently to stay in line with Coolbaugh Township ordinances.
Moving to or visiting Pocono Farms Country Club is a choice to lean into the "Mountain Life" without actually having to live off the grid. It's civilized wilderness. Just remember to watch for the deer on the 14th fairway. They have the right of way.