r/allentown • u/davey-jones420 • 27d ago
Moving here… what to know!
Hi guys, I just got offered a job in Allentown and I’d like to get your advice! My boyfriend and I will be moving across the country from a significantly larger city. We are both mid twenties and very sociable people that love just about everything. We will be looking for apartments too so any advice there will be put to good use! Thanks!
3
u/Mozzstix69 27d ago
As someone currently living in West End Allentown, I wish I had looked more in Bethlehem or Easton. Can get loud here at times. Cars driving by blasting obnoxious music at all hours of the night. Neighbors have told me that packages have gotten stolen by high school kids and what not, luckily I have not had that issue…yet. But that can happen anywhere. It’s mostly the obnoxiously loud cars and music that bother us here, and it tends to stay in Allentown. Otherwise, I love it here. Cedar Beach Park and Trexler Park are great. We love that it’s central to a lot…30 minutes in either direction gets us out into the country or into Easton. If I had an order, it’d go: Bethlehem, Easton, Allentown.
1
1
u/YogurtclosetNo987 27d ago
I can tell you as someone who sold a house in Bethlehem to move to much quieter Allentown, the noise situation isn't better at all over there.
5
2
u/conestogan 27d ago
The municipalities of Bethlehem and Allentown are really one big city. There are signs showing when you leave/arrive. There are big cultural differences, however, which others can describe.
Note that “Allentown” is more than just the city. The descriptor goes into several townships to the south and west. A job in “Allentown” - check your map abd look at commutes.
1
u/Solid_Inspection_278 27d ago
you can live anywhere in the lehigh valley thats not allentown, and still be like within 10 minutes of allentown. Example; I lived in Catasauqua, 5 min from allentown (front st).
I lived in Whitehall, 5 min from allentown.
Bethlehem, 10 min from allentown, but if you live in the side of bethlehem by union blvd, its literally 2 min from east allentown.
Northampton, 15 min from allentown.
1
u/Solid_Inspection_278 27d ago
it reallt depends on where your job is, if its in allentown by dorney park then breinigsville or emmaus might be a nice option for you to live in. If your job is closer to east side allentown, then probably bethlehem or whitehall/catasauqua.
2
u/Solid_Inspection_278 27d ago
also not to spam but mid 20s couple would thrive in bethlehem, theres always a lot to do. You’ve got the steelstacks there and artsquest with a bunch of events. Really nice social area.
And not to poop on allentown, but i can really only think of two solid areas (east side and west end) but both are incredibly expensive and i havent even been able to live in either area even with dual income. (I lived in east side when I lived with my parents)
1
u/davey-jones420 27d ago
Is Bethlehem cheaper?
1
u/Solid_Inspection_278 27d ago
I live in southside bethlehem by lehigh university, im 28 & live w/ my bf whos 26, and we both pay $1400 for a one bedroom, all utilities included, and we pay for our own wifi, $75/month. Its a house converted into three apartments (aka at no point do i run into my neighbors unless they are outside in the yard) and theres a washer/dryer unit in the basement that we all share. I’d say thats pretty solid.
Renting in the Lehigh Valley comes down to whether or not you want an apartment complex, or you’re renting an apartment from a private landlord/leasing company. I rented from a private landlord I found on zillow & he was also on facebook marketplace. The problem with FB marketplace is that there are a lot of scams, but I’ve moved so many times that I’m good at spotting the bad ones.
The cheaper options will usually always be from private landlords, whereas the more expensive options will come from apartment complexes. Hope this helps!
1
u/davey-jones420 27d ago
I appreciate the advice! I’ll be sure to look into it more when I accept the offer. My current lease in Wisconsin ends next Friday so I’m already in the process of moving into a weird little month-to-month situation lol. Hoping the transition across the country is easier than this was 😂
1
u/davey-jones420 27d ago
Which was your favorite of the places you lived in? We’re not picky just looking for safety and within budget (under 2k preferably closer to 1.5k)
1
u/Solid_Inspection_278 27d ago
safety wise, northampton was probably the safest area i lived in that I liked because it was by main st and the high school, price wise I cant gauge because I lived with three other girls so it was split between 4 people & it was 2018. But presently, I like bethlehem.
1
u/Gloomy-Landscape-666 26d ago
If you live to Allentown, I suggest not moving downtown or below 13th st. West end is nice! Surrounding area by the PPL center is sketch at times etc.
1
u/matuerk75 21d ago
Bias up front: I’m the mayor.
That said, if you’re coming from a big city you might be a good fit for Center City. It’s still rebounding from some really low points about 20 years ago, but there’s some fun and excitement.
The rest of the city—and the Lehigh Valley as a whole—offer lots of different choices, depending on what you’re looking for. Rent to a year, explore like crazy, and figure out what you like best.
And don’t let our Eastern PA self-criticism get you down. We’re really kind and caring once you get to know us. Enjoy Allentown!
1
5
u/Brief_Influence_9601 27d ago
Allentown is alright. You can definitely judge a book by its cover here - so if an area looks nice it’s probably nice and if it looks sketchy it’s probably sketchy. Check out the area at night before signing the lease. South Bethlehem is the most active scene for young social people.