Welcome to Allentown
Allentown is PA’s third-largest city and has been an under-the-radar gem tucked into the western side of the Lehigh Valley. Founded in 1762 and named after William Allen, a former mayor of Philadelphia, Allentown grew from a little village into an industrial powerhouse during the 19th century, earning nicknames like the "Queen City" and "Pennsylvania's Corridor of Commerce." Today it's buzzing with a cool urban vibe that's not-so-secretly spreading way beyond its city limits.
Allentown’s Real Estate Landscape
Allentown is perfectly situated for easy commutes to major hubs as it’s just 60 miles north of Philly and 90 miles from NYC. For renters, the city core has recently added seven new luxury apartment high-rises. And just outside the downtown districts, Allentown's neighborhoods offer a wide range of single-family home options at pretty affordable price points. Whether you prefer the coziness of a traditional twin home or the spaciousness of a newly constructed 4-bedroom colonial, there are plenty of family-friendly 'burbs’ all in close proximity to the gem of the area, the lush, expansive Trexler Park.
The Lifestyle
Allentown's urban downtown districts are a total melting pot, reflecting the city's super diverse population - each putting their stamp on the buzzing scene. There’s an abundance of ethnic eateries catering to Allentown's mix of cultures and youthful population (over 20% are millennials!). For active, outdoorsy types, Allentown is surrounded by a natural playground. The scenic Lehigh Parkway hugs the river, offering miles of trails perfect for running, biking, or just a stroll. Impromptu picnics are encouraged! The real star is the legendary
Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market – an indoor, no-frills foodie paradise running strong since 1948. Tip: Hit up
Gannon’s Gourmet, my favorite stand there.
Some Favorite Places Worth Checking Out
Lehigh Valley residents love their fairs, and the annual
Great Allentown Fair goes all the way back to 1852 and remains a late-summer tradition for lots of locals. Allentown has long had deep-seated roots in the arts, and that continues to be active and nurtured – take in an exhibition at the
Allentown Art Museum or catch a performance at the iconic
Civic Theatre or
Miller Symphony Hall. I have a particular fondness for
Baum School of Art which has been offering art classes to the community for decades. And for the foodies, Allentown has some nice modern restaurants; however, my favorite is
Henry’s Salt of the Sea, the optime of old-school. It’s just a vibe and one that hasn’t changed like ever, which is what makes it so wonderful. There’s a lot of that in Allentown which is part of its charm.
