Let the numbers do the talking.
Bethlehem, PA vs Scranton, PA
Bethlehem, PA vs Scranton, PA: What the data shows
Bethlehem, PA is in Bethlehem, PA while Scranton, PA is in Scranton, PA — both in the same state. On home prices, Scranton, PA is the more affordable option at $120,000 median — $96,700 less than Bethlehem, PA's $216,700. WYLT rates Bethlehem, PA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Scranton, PA as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Bethlehem, PA has the stronger safety profile of the two. Bethlehem, PA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Scranton, PA has Moderate violent crime and High property crime. On environmental risk, Bethlehem, PA has Low flood risk and Scranton, PA has Low flood risk.
Scranton, PA is the more walkable neighborhood. Bethlehem, PA scores 13/100 (car-dependent) versus Scranton, PA's 37/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Scranton, PA has the higher school rating — Bethlehem, PA rates 6.1/10 and Scranton, PA rates 6.2/10.
| Category | Bethlehem, PA | Scranton, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Think twice |
| Median Price | $217K | $120K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $1K | $860 ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $52K ✓ Higher income | $35K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 13/100 | 37/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 2/100 | 17/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | N/A |
| Commute | 25 min | N/A |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ ✓ Safer | F |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 6.1/10 | 6.2/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | Remote workersFamilies with school-aged kidsFirst-time homebuyers | low income rentersbudget familiesstudents |
Bottom line
For a family with school-aged kids or a remote worker who wants to own a home, Bethlehem is the better choice due to its stronger schools and more suburban living environment. However, for a very budget-conscious renter who doesn't mind a rough-around-the-edges city, Scranton might be a more affordable option, despite its drawbacks. Ultimately, consider Bethlehem for more traditional suburban living, but Scranton if you're prioritizing price above all else.
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