Let the numbers do the talking.
Allentown, PA vs Pittsburgh, PA
Allentown, PA vs Pittsburgh, PA: What the data shows
Allentown, PA is in Allentown, PA while Pittsburgh, PA is in Pittsburgh, PA — both in the same state. On home prices, Allentown, PA is the more affordable option at $158,800 median — $189,100 less than Pittsburgh, PA's $347,900. WYLT rates Allentown, PA as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Pittsburgh, PA as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Pittsburgh, PA has the stronger safety profile of the two. Allentown, PA has High violent crime and High property crime. Pittsburgh, PA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Allentown, PA has Low flood risk and Pittsburgh, PA has Low flood risk.
Allentown, PA is the more walkable neighborhood. Allentown, PA scores 72/100 (very walkable) versus Pittsburgh, PA's 34/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Allentown, PA has the higher school rating — Allentown, PA rates 6.2/10 and Pittsburgh, PA rates 5.8/10.
| Category | Allentown, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Think twice |
| Median Price | $159K ✓ Lower price | $348K |
| Median Rent | $1K | $1K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $39K | $126K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | High | Low ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 72/100 ✓ More walkable | 34/100 |
| Transit Score | 3/100 | 10/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | 25/100 ✓ More bikeable | N/A |
| Commute | 90 min | 16 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | F | D+ ✓ Safer |
| Violent Crime | High | Moderate ✓ Lower risk |
| Property Crime | High | Moderate ✓ Lower risk |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 6.2/10 ✓ Better schools | 5.8/10 |
| Best for | Low‑income rentersStudentsArtists | Remote workersYoung professionalsFamilies with kids |
Bottom line
If you're a student or artist looking for a downtown lifestyle and can tolerate high crime rates, Allentown might work for you. If you're a remote worker, young professional, or family needing a quiet environment, Pittsburgh's commute and limited nightlife drawbacks might be worth considering. Overall, Pittsburgh has a more desirable quality of life for a range of demographics.
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