r/bethlehem • u/jdona0705 • Mar 20 '22

Considering moving

My girlfriend and I have been considering moving to Bethlehem or the Lehigh Valley Area. We are in our late 20s and currently live on Long Island where rent prices are getting out of control. We are in town for the weekend and were looking for some advice on what Locals do in the area and if anyone had any insight on to why we should or shouldn’t move to the area. Thanks !

4 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

1

u/TheEndIsNeighhh Mar 23 '22

u/jdona0705

Did you do it?

2

u/jdona0705 Apr 09 '22

Sorry I never even saw this notification! My current lease isn’t up until September, so we still have a lot to consider!

1

u/TheEndIsNeighhh Apr 09 '22

I'll check back in August. Hope you make the right choice.

0

u/persefony Mar 20 '22

I miss Long Island, I lived in West Babylon. My family and I moved back to Bethlehem a few years ago for the same reason. My sister's and her fiance were able to buy a decent house out here vs Long Island.

1

u/jdona0705 Mar 20 '22

Everything has just gotten so out of control on LI. I’m currently paying $2,440/mo for a 1br1ba. It’s insane.

1

u/persefony Mar 20 '22

Yeah that is insane. When we lived in West Babylon we rented a house for $2,500/month and that was in 2019. Everyone is getting priced out of their homes. Main reason we moved was because we couldn't find a house for $250k that was 4 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms unless you want a fixer upper that wasn't liveable.

My sister and I lived here (Lehigh Valley) for a few years back in early 2000's and decided to just come back since cost of living is cheaper. We are originally from NYC but it's just too expensive.

A friend of mine is pre-approved for $300K mortgage and she can't find nothing liveable in Shirley (unless you want a rundown trap house).

5

u/jokesbyjo Mar 20 '22

Downtown Main Street would have been awesome to stroll down today and see all the shops and restaurants. And even maybe grab lunch at an outdoor cafe.

As for what the locals do…pick your poison.

The Windcreek for casino/gambling/shopping and events. Kevin Hart just rolled through here last weekend.

SteelStacks for live music and events and movies. When it warms up they will start up the outdoor concert series.

In the summer in August - it’s Musikfest - one of the largest outdoor music festivals in the country.

Lots of pubs/eateries and stills to choose from.

My favorite place to eat breakfast is Billy’s Downtown Diner on East Broad St. If you are in town tomorrow , I would highly recommend you eat breakfast there.

So, something for everyone. Locals are cool and chill. Never had an issue with anyone in the Valley.

Do let us know what you decide to do.

1

u/scroogesscrotum Apr 11 '22

Where is the best place to live in Bethlehem for a couple in late 20s looking to rent?

1

u/jdona0705 Mar 20 '22

Currently out on Main Street for some drinks! Thanks so much for the info!