Looking to potentially move to Allentown. Anyone here know anything about it?

Submitted by comicnerd93 t3_11hiy08 in Pennsylvania

Basically the post title.

Looking to purchase first home for myself and Fiancé. Decent amount of Row Homes in Allentown that are in our price range. Looking to transfer branches for the bank I work at with a promotion in the process.

Anyone care to share things about the city? Good or bad. Is it up and coming as my real estate postings say? Decent food? Safe? That kind of stuff.

I'm an active freemason as well. Is there a local lodge anyone knows about that is still active?

For the record I currently live in Abington, PA

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SamuelLCompassion t1_jatpray wrote

They're closing all the factories down. Out in Bethlehem they're killing time filling out forms, standing in line. It’s getting very hard to stay.

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comicnerd93 OP t1_jatq6s4 wrote

Do you mind elaborating? Like are they rezoning and people are losing jobs which is why it's hard to stay? I would have a job moving there. Finance would leave her current job and look for something new.

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SamuelLCompassion t1_jatqhp9 wrote

Basically, they've taken all the coal from the ground, and the union people crawled away.

Every child had a pretty good shot to get at least as far as their old man got. But something happened on the way to that place. They threw an American flag in our face

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TheBigBigStorm t1_jatreri wrote

I don't know. It may not be in its "Glory Days" but it's "Tougher Than the Rest."

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Allemaengel t1_jauomz4 wrote

Early 1980s Billy Joel's "Allentown" song reference.

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portguy79 t1_jatqrrn wrote

No clue what they’re talking about, the Lehigh valley is really booming with development, jobs, etc.

Allentown is ok, the west side is very nice and downtown has definitely gotten an upgrade with new development. Crime is relatively contained to a small portion of the city- but crime isn’t as bad as locals will make it out to seem. Allentown is a part of the greater Lehigh valley that has two other cities, Bethlehem and Easton-which both have thriving downtowns with great restaurants-as well as a bunch of other towns and townships.

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spartacuscollective t1_jats7qk wrote

Not a Billy Joel fan I take it

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[deleted] t1_jau617k wrote

I thought it was mandatory for every Lehigh Valley resident to know that song by heart

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polgara_buttercup t1_jaurwbi wrote

Moved to Allentown in 1983, my mom bought me Nylon Curtain and said look he has a song named Allentown on it!! It’s a great place!!

Mom was never one to pay attention to the lyrics.

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comicnerd93 OP t1_jatr1m2 wrote

Thank you. Like I said I'd be transferring branches within my bank. so not super worried about jobs. Finance is a writer by trade but has retail and data entry experience.

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SampleShrimp t1_jau963v wrote

He was referencing a Billy Joel song called Allentown. His comment was made up lyrics from the song.

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comicnerd93 OP t1_jaugaj7 wrote

Ahh...forgive my ignorance

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marijuanamaker t1_jauhh64 wrote

Unless you’re a Billy Joel fan, or Lehigh Valley resident, I think it’s okay that you’re unaware and you’re not actually ignorant.

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DisplayNo146 t1_jaudx8a wrote

Lived there off and on. Agree with this poster. Its only a part of the greater lehigh valley. I personally prefer Bethlehem but am considering easton. I put center city Allentown third on my list. I think the crime is contained but having lived in all 3 locations it is easy to move one block from the west side and immediately sense a more uncontrolled environment.

The entire lehigh Valley job market is booming.

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MeadowLedger t1_jaxghdt wrote

portguy79, They are quoting lyrics from a 1980's Billy Joel song. It is titled Allentown and it talks about changing times as Bethlehem Steel was shutting down. Everyone knew someone that worked at Bethlehem Steel and the changes it brought broke the hearts of some.

And you are right, the area has bounced back and is booming. Like any metropolis, we have "good" areas and "not so good" areas.

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Chaz_Cheeto t1_jau72fn wrote

Depends on where you live. Some areas of Allentown are…interesting. From experience, the Cedar Crest and Tilghman Street sections are pretty nice areas. There are plenty of shopping centers and places to go. Allentown has a lot around it and it has been really developed over the years. I’d say the Cedar Crest area is quite safe and relatively nice. If you’re looking to live outside the city, the areas of Lower Macungie and Emmaus are not bad areas. There’s not much there compared to Allentown, but it’s certainly “safe,” in my opinion.

Additionally, if you are okay with commuting, Bethlehem is always a great option. I currently live in Bethlehem and I love it here. Bethlehem has a ton of restaurants, historical sites, parks, shopping centers, and is smack dabbed next to Allentown. The North and West side are certainly safe areas and right off route 22, the highway that brings you right through Allentown.

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DisplayNo146 t1_jaueb67 wrote

Bethlehem definitely gets my vote and I am in the process of locating there. Cedar crest area also nice and close to shopping restaurants etc.

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albert_r_broccoli2 t1_jatoeak wrote

If you don’t get answers here, post in r/lehighvalley. But I would also search first, because this gets asked constantly in these.

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comicnerd93 OP t1_jatohpx wrote

That's fair. I know I see them all the time in r/buckscounty .

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Allemaengel t1_jaurcyo wrote

OP, I grew up and lived just outside Allentown from the early 1970s through the early 2000s before moving to Quakertown and then the Poconos, both not far from the Lehigh Valley. Still have family there.

I've seen the area change a lot over those years.

If you're strictly speaking looking within Allentown City limits, I'd stick to as far west as possible that you can still find rowhomes within your budget. Consider looking at twins in that same area if you can stretch your budget because there's more of them in the West End then rows.

The far East Side up against West Bethlehem might be an option too.

Avoid the 1st and 6th wards between the Jordan Creek and Lehigh River; the neighborhoods immediately surrounding CC; parts of the East Side; and the South Side (Mountainville). Those rowhomes are cheap for a reason: 1.) Usually need a lot of work to rehab - often old, neglected, and sometimes were rentals and 2.) a decent chance of having at least one crappy neighbor making your life hell.

Speaking of just outside Allentown, you might find a row or much more likely a twin in parts of Emmaus, Salisbury Township, or the Centronia neighborhood of South Whitehall Township, all of which will have lower school district taxes and better-regarded schools than ASD.

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p_britt35 t1_jau45i7 wrote

I lived downtown Allentown in a Strata apartment building for two years. DO NOT live in Allentown or anywhere within the city limits. The crime is out of control. While living there, we had a bombing three blocks away. My friend that lives downtown just had two gunshots go through her apartment walls a few weeks ago. That was an officer involved shooting where the shooter was killed. You can easily research both these cases, as well as check out the daily crime report. These are crimes happening in the alleged nicest part of Allentown.

I strongly suggest you consider Bethlehem, which is much safer and overall nicer. The Southside is up and coming, as well as adjacent to Lehigh University.

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emk544 t1_jauklni wrote

I’d love to know who told you that is the nicest part of Allentown…that is rich. Downtown Allentown is well-known to not be nice. The nicest parts are out west. I’m sorry to hear about your experiences. But telling someone to avoid living within Allentown city limits because of crime is bad advice. These problems are all downtown within like a 6 block circle.

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p_britt35 t1_jaul0mb wrote

Read the last sentence of the first paragraph and notice the word alleged is used. The radius is much more than six blocks. I'll stand by my suggestion of Bethlehem.

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p_britt35 t1_jau4gde wrote

Oh....and Bethlehem is only 15-20 minutes from Allentown.

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NotNowDamo t1_jau8gvg wrote

I never had an issue with crime when I lived in Allentown, but the homeless were a problem as well as litter everywhere.

Also, no parking.

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p_britt35 t1_jau939d wrote

I lived in downtown Allentown, at 6th and Hamilton, from 2018 to 2020. Crime was an issue. The 7/11 is a known drug dealing spot, as is the bus station. I agree that there are a lot of homeless people, too. To me, if I had gunshots coming through my downtown "luxury" apartment wall a couple weeks ago, that'd tell me there's a crime problem.

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p_britt35 t1_jau9b8r wrote

The homeless doping up in the Arts Park isn't cool either. I've seen people sitting on the brick walls and nodding off at all hours.

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DisplayNo146 t1_jaueljd wrote

Yeap all of us giving Bethlehem a thumbs up. I lived in center city years ago and crime was apparent but seems to be spreading now.

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alken0901 t1_jau79th wrote

Depends on location. Center city may be rough. The burbs are nice but also it can be a drive to get to stuff. Maybe consider Bethlehem or Fountain Hill in your search as well.

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Any-Hunt6299 t1_jauez8p wrote

Lived in Allentown for 6 years near Center City in a row home and honestly where I was located was the sketchiest most unsafe place ever. Had a 19 year old get shot and killed in front of my home. It was gang related. I would never move back to Allentown ever again. But that’s just my two cents.

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emk544 t1_jaujni9 wrote

Allentown is a fascinating city with a ton of history. But much of it remains a dicey place to live in terms of safety. Most likely, you should only be looking at houses west of 15th Street. Your office is probably downtown, and most of the surrounding neighborhoods near there have seen better days. I wouldn’t plan on being close enough to walk is my point, but it really depends on your threshold for safety. You could definitely find some good deals on real estate between Front and 15th. I would also look in Bethlehem, Emmaus, maybe some of the towns in Whitehall. Abington isn’t very far away. You should come check out the Lehigh Valley for yourself. I think it’s a great place to live.

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comicnerd93 OP t1_jaujscr wrote

The Mrs and I are gonna take a drive on Wednesday to see if it's what we really wanna do.

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yawn_stretch t1_jauqj45 wrote

Your advice is good. However, I would advise looking west of Nineteenth Street. If you want a classic twin feel or a single family home, the area between Tilghman and Hamilton from Nineteenth to Cedar Crest is a solid bet.

The one and only area I'd look at row homes in Allentown proper is right along West Park on Turner or Linden Street.

Bethlehem is ok if you stay on the North side.

Emmaus is a small, old town and it feels like it. The western end of the Lehigh Valley is lots and lots of expensive subdivisions and then it opens up to very small farming communities and towns.

Source: I'm old and grew up in the Lehigh Valley. Went to Emmaus HS.

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ImOldGettOffMyLawn t1_javd4lh wrote

Some things I can tell you about Allentown:

They've taken all the coal from the ground and the union people throw it away

It's hard to keep a good man down

The restlessness was handed down

They throw American flags in your face

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nojpok t1_javljqn wrote

Look into Emmaus, Coopersburg, Bethlehem, Hellertown…

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Myron_Bolitar t1_jaw0qhg wrote

Move to Bethlehem instead. Theres less violence.

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thisoldbroad t1_jatzase wrote

I live there. One block from your realtor's "up and coming" is ghetto and guns. Try to find a short sale or foreclosure in the burbs.

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effdubbs t1_jaudnsx wrote

It really depends on you and your fiancé’s interests. I moved from that area to Delco. I wanted access to big universities, museums, sports, diversity, and the airport. Yes, LVIA is there, but offers much less.

There are some beautiful areas there. The northern townships are nice. My sister lives in Heidelberg and I love to go visit. There’s good hiking, hunting, and fishing. You’re also closer to some mediocre but good enough PA skiing.

There are some great school districts and some that are rough. Healthcare is very, very good. LVH and St. Luke’s can handle 95%+ of what they get. We would occasionally fly patients to Penn from both places. Maybe 10-20 flights per year, but that was awhile ago. Overall, that’s not a lot.

When I was nursing school a million years ago, I found the public transportation severely lacking. You pretty much have to drive everywhere. You will spend a lot on transportation. It’s also not necessarily cheaper to live there. Some districts have pretty high taxes. You’ll spend a lot on gas and the infrastructure is classic PA: outdated, outgrown, and in disrepair.

There’s some decent restaurants, but coming from Abington area, I think you might find the cuisine lacking. Culturally, the Lehigh Valley is about a decade behind the Philly area. It can have a rust belt feel, but it’s turning a corner.

Overall, it’s not bad, but I wouldn’t go back. I felt trapped after years of the area. However, I’m a wandering soul, and overall, it’s decent. You could do worse.

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calonmawr10 t1_javmvil wrote

My husband is from there, so I'm extremely familiar with the area! I'd suggest what's considered the West End, or Union Terrace which has smaller more affordable houses. The west end is BEAUTIFUL with massive mature trees, good sidewalks, very quiet, and good access to downtown (and Yoccos!). Union Terrace is a bit tighter since the houses are smaller, but still has a cute neighborhood feel.

Both places are very safe, and I would buy a house there if we ever moved up to the area!

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mcerk22 t1_jawtt8j wrote

Depends, the city is a shit hole, outside the city there are some nice areas.

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MorgonGordon t1_jaz58kn wrote

It's not? Allentown is pretty chill all things considered. Some of the neighborhoods outside of cc are sketchy but it's a fine city.

People from the valley make it out to be worse than it actually is.

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CreepingTurnip t1_jatz1yi wrote

West side is always nice. Below around 17th is a lot of businesses getting to a crappier area below 14th (now in center city.) East side is widely inconsistent if it's nice or not you'd have to drive around but I know that's where I apparently some people bought heroin in the 00s.

South side can be nice as well.

Now there's been some gentrification and I've only driven through it since then. Bethlehem is a real nice place too, but there are all sorts of places to live in the valley.

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Divinefemauthor t1_jaufwka wrote

Go to cedar crest or Tilghman, those are nice areas of Allentown.

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One_Connection3082 t1_jaw7e6h wrote

I’m a real estate agent from York but I can hook you up with an Allentown agent if you want. PM me!

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JustCallMeKV t1_jax438e wrote

I’d stay away from anything below 15th Street

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AlbrechtSchoenheiser t1_jaxay5y wrote

My best advice for somebody moving to Allentown is that they should not move to Allentown.

edit to add: some loser keeps trying to reply to me talking about how great Allentown is, but his comment doesn't show unless I look at his profile or in my email, so I'll add this: Allentown is a shithole and the only reason anyone would ever WANT to live there is because they work in Allentown, but even then, they'll probably try to leave ASAP because they will quickly discover that Allentown is indeed a shithole.

Attempting to insult my intelligence or knowledge of Allentown is pointless because despite being German born, I have several generations of ancestors and relatives from ALLLLLLL over the Lehigh Valley. They all agree that Allentown is a shithole which is why all of them left ASAP.

If you really want to live in the Lehigh Valley you should avoid Allentown at all costs unless you live in poverty. I would drive an extra 30 minutes to work if I had to just to avoid living in Allentown. There are plenty of MUCH nicer towns and cities in the Lehigh Valley.

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sirfuzzitoes t1_jatrauu wrote

Curiosity - is Allentown set for you? As in, are there options for nearby relocations?

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comicnerd93 OP t1_jatri64 wrote

My job would be in Allentown so within a 40ish minute drive would be nice. I've been seeing some affordable town homes within walking distance so was looking mainly in the area near my job but open.

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LilDutchy t1_jau5c22 wrote

40ish minutes? Your options vary WILDLY. You’re looking at anything from like Hamburg to Penn Argyl, Pennsburg, New Jersey to probably Quakertown. Urban to suburban to rural to extremely rural.

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ZaftigFeline t1_jaucekc wrote

Easton has some nice things, and Jim Thorpe is just barely outside the 45 minutes, although I will admit traffic and routes can make that vary wildly.

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Sailing_Away_From_U t1_jau3qu0 wrote

Walking distance, do you have your license to carry?

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sirfuzzitoes t1_jaugosx wrote

Just open carry an ak lol

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dirtyoldman20 t1_javw1zu wrote

Dont do this ... get a carry license but get it from an easier county . I dont know if it is easier where you are or lehigh county .

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sirfuzzitoes t1_jaw83km wrote

Lol it was a joke. People who open carry, esp a rifle, are dumb.

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PABreadman t1_jaureel wrote

Just curious, is there a reason why you're looking to leave Abington?

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[deleted] t1_jawykwn wrote

Lotta good cheap pussy to fuck there if ya don't mind stay at home moms. They put out, though.

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bhans773 t1_jaw20v1 wrote

Don’t. The Lehigh Valley is New Jersey without Paulie Walnuts.

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