Allentown, PA, is a city in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania, known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and thriving economy. The city has undergone significant revitalization efforts in recent years, making it an attractive destination for young professionals looking to relocate. With a mix of historic neighborhoods, modern amenities, and a relatively low cost of living, Allentown offers a unique blend of small-town charm and urban convenience.
From the vibrant arts scene to the numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, there's something for everyone in Allentown. However, like any city, it's not without its challenges. Traffic congestion, limited public transportation options, and some areas with higher crime rates are some of the downsides to consider. In this guide, we'll explore the best neighborhoods in Allentown for young professionals, highlighting the pros and cons of each area and providing valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Allentown is relatively low compared to other major cities in the United States. The median home price is around $170,000, with rent ranges from $900 to $1,400 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Utilities, such as electricity, water, and gas, average around $150 per month. Taxes in Allentown are also relatively low, with a median property tax rate of 1.24%.
However, it's worth noting that some neighborhoods in Allentown have higher costs of living than others. For example, the downtown area tends to be more expensive, with median home prices ranging from $200,000 to $300,000. On the other hand, neighborhoods like South Allentown and East Allentown tend to be more affordable, with median home prices ranging from $120,000 to $180,000.
Job Market
The job market in Allentown is diverse and growing, with major employers in the healthcare, education, and manufacturing sectors. Lehigh Valley Health Network, Air Products, and PPL Corporation are some of the largest employers in the area. The city is also home to several startup companies and small businesses, providing opportunities for entrepreneurs and young professionals.
The unemployment rate in Allentown is around 4.5%, which is lower than the national average. Additionally, the city's proximity to New York City and Philadelphia makes it an attractive location for remote workers and commuters. With a relatively low cost of living and a growing job market, Allentown is an excellent option for young professionals looking to start or advance their careers.
Neighborhoods
Some of the best neighborhoods in Allentown for young professionals include the Downtown area, Center City, and the West End. The Downtown area, with its vibrant arts scene and modern amenities, is a popular choice for young professionals. Median home prices in this area range from $200,000 to $300,000, with rent ranges from $1,200 to $1,800 per month. The walk score in this area is around 80, making it an excellent option for those who want to be close to restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.
Center City, with its historic architecture and tree-lined streets, is another popular neighborhood for young professionals. Median home prices in this area range from $180,000 to $280,000, with rent ranges from $1,000 to $1,600 per month. The walk score in this area is around 70, making it a great option for those who want to be close to the city's central business district. You can explore more about the Center City neighborhood or the West End neighborhood to get a better understanding of what each area has to offer.
Safety
Like any city, Allentown has its safe and not-so-safe areas. The Downtown area and Center City tend to be well-patrolled and relatively safe, with low crime rates. However, some neighborhoods, such as South Allentown and East Allentown, have higher crime rates and should be approached with caution.
It's essential to research the area thoroughly and visit in person before making a decision. Additionally, taking common-sense precautions, such as locking doors and windows, and being aware of your surroundings, can help minimize the risk of crime. Overall, Allentown is a relatively safe city, with a crime rate lower than the national average.
Schools
The Allentown School District serves the city, with several top-rated schools in the area. The district has a rating of 6 out of 10, with some schools performing better than others. For example, the Allentown Central Catholic High School has a rating of 8 out of 10, while the William Allen High School has a rating of 5 out of 10.
Private schools in the area include the Lehigh Valley Christian High School and the Swain School, both of which have excellent reputations. Additionally, the city is home to several colleges and universities, including Muhlenberg College and Cedar Crest College, providing opportunities for higher education and professional development.
Lifestyle and Things to Do
Allentown has a rich cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and performance venues. The Allentown Art Museum, the Liberty Bell Museum, and the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum are just a few of the many cultural attractions in the area. The city is also home to several parks and outdoor recreational areas, including the Lehigh River and the Trexler Park.
However, some downsides to consider are the limited public transportation options and traffic congestion during rush hour. Additionally, the city's nightlife scene is relatively limited, with few bars and clubs in the area. Despite these drawbacks, Allentown is an excellent choice for young professionals who want to experience small-town charm with big-city amenities.
Restaurants in the area include the Bayleaf, the Hamilton Kitchen, and the Fegley's Brew Works, offering a range of culinary options from fine dining to casual eateries. Overall, Allentown is an excellent choice for young professionals who want to experience the best of small-town charm and big-city amenities.
The Verdict
Allentown, PA, is an excellent choice for young professionals looking for a relatively low cost of living, a growing job market, and a unique blend of small-town charm and urban convenience. While it has its downsides, such as limited public transportation options and some areas with higher crime rates, the city offers a rich cultural scene, numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing community of young professionals.
Ultimately, whether or not Allentown is the right choice for you will depend on your individual priorities and preferences. If you value a low cost of living, a growing job market, and a unique blend of history and modernity, then Allentown may be an excellent fit. You can explore more about the Downtown neighborhood or other areas to get a better understanding of what each has to offer.
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