Moving to Allentown: Things to Know Before Moving
Reasons for Moving to Allentown, PA
The fastest-growing city in Pennsylvania, Allentown was founded in 1762 and sits in the middle of the Lehigh Valley, which is within the New York City metropolitan area. Allentown has long been known as a center for industry, and the city’s openness to change has allowed it to flourish even in hard times. The glimmering Lehigh River flows right through the middle of Allentown, and the town’s historic architecture makes it a compelling spot for anyone interested in exploring Pennsylvania’s rich past.
Where to Live in Allentown
Arguably some of the best places to live in Allentown are its suburbs. Macungie, the second-oldest borough in Lehigh County, was originally founded as Millertown in 1776 and was incorporated into the borough in 1857. Interestingly, one of the biggest employers in the neighborhood is Allen Organ Company, which manufactures high-end digital church organs for global distribution. Close-knit and filled with interesting buildings, Macungie is a sought-after spot within the Allentown urban cluster. Nearby Quake and Walnutport offer similarly good prospects.
Desirable neighborhoods inside Allentown city limits include its fascinating West Park Historic District, which sits near West Park, just outside the city center. Beautiful Queen Anne-style and Colonial Revival homes throughout the enclave make it a gorgeous place to live. The Old Allentown Historic District offers a similarly unique ambiance, with Victorian, Federal and Italianate houses available to rent or buy.
What to Do in Allentown
There’s no shortage of stuff to do in Allentown, no matter the season. Summers are packed with special events, which take place all around the city and which fill parks with locals and visitors. Muhlenberg College, for example, puts on several family friendly musical productions at various venues as part of its Muhlenberg Summer Music Theatre series. Movies in the Park happens at West Park in warmer months, and the whole of Lehigh Valley comes alive during the region’s annual July 4th celebration.
Sports is a major part of Allentown. The city has a AAA-level Minor League baseball team, known as the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, which plays at the Coca-Cola Stadium on the town’s east side. Allentown also has an ice hockey team called the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, which shoot puck at the PPL Center. The PPL Center also hosts the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks, the city’s National Arena League indoor football team.
Getting Around Allentown
Public transport is one of Allentown’s strong suits, and includes the LANTA bus service, which serves both Lehigh and Northampton county residents. If you want to go further afield, you can hop on a Bieber Tourways or a Trans-Bridge Lines private bus and go all the way to Reading, Philadelphia or New York. Allentown residents get easy access to air travel, too: Lehigh Valley International Airport sits three miles northeast of the city, while Philadelphia International Airport lies about 60 minutes southeast of town.
The Climate in Allentown
A generally humid continental or subtropical climate makes Allentown a great home for people who enjoy four distinct seasons. Spring and fall are both pleasant and mild, while winter is cold and summer is hot and steamy. With an annual 34-inch snowfall average, Allentown turns into an icy wonderland in colder months. Year-round precipitation provides enough moisture for rich and varied gardens and floral displays.
Allentown Culture
Steeped in sophistication as well as hard-working determination, Allentown has its own symphony orchestra, which frequently performs at Miller Symphony Hall. The city is also home to a number of civilian concert bands and hosts the annual Drum Corps International Eastern Classic at the J. Birney Crum Stadium on Linden Street.
If you like art, you’ll love the Allentown Art Museum on North Fifth Street, where you can view more than 13,000 drawings, paintings and sculptures. The city’s fine collection of public art, which includes the DaVinci Horse on 5th Street, makes Allentown a really pleasant place to walk around. Individuals in search of a hands-on experience visit the Baum School of Art in the downtown area, which offers classes in drawing, painting, jewelry making, ceramics and other creative disciplines.
In 2017, U.S. News and World Report ranked Allentown 79th in its 100 Best Places to Live list, placing it above New York City, which came in at number 80. Close to both Philadelphia and New York, Allentown makes a great base for businesspeople, growing families and individuals who enjoy city life. For a fuss-free relocation to Allentown, give You Move Me a call and let our professional moving services make your life easier.
