Welcome to Bethlehem
Welcome to Bethlehem where old-world charm meets classic, modern vibes; founded way back in 1741 by Moravian settlers, albeit definitely not stuck in the past. It’s a picturesque city that’s all about celebrating its roots while wholeheartedly embracing the present. Glimpses of its rich, well-preserved history are everywhere from the cobblestone streets to the restored iconic Bethlehem Steel plant-turned-arts & entertainment campus, now known as
SteelStacks. It’s no wonder that visitors from all over the world discover why Bethlehem has gained a reputation as one of the coolest small cities around.
Bethlehem’s Real Estate Landscape
When it comes to housing, Bethlehem’s got options galore. From charming historic row homes in the downtown districts to fixer-uppers and brand-new contemporary residences in the expansive suburbs, the real estate scene here has literally something for everyone. Plus, as they say in real estate: “Location. Location. Location”– it’s super centrally located and very easily accessible to all the other areas of the Lehigh Valley.
The Lifestyle
Experience the charm of downtown Bethlehem and its South Side with Lehigh University and Moravian College students hanging out in the local cafes, out-of-town visitors enjoying Thursday night Jazz or Sunday brunch at
Historic Hotel Bethlehem (colloquially named, Hotel B), and Lehigh Valley locals hanging out at one of the popular restaurants on both sides of town.
Bethlehem is also filled with tons of parks, trails, and green spaces perfect for outdoor lovers and families. The winter holiday season is straight out of a postcard featuring the city’s cozy and stunningly festive vibes. And let us not forget Musikfest - the massive 10-day music festival that brings in crowds from all over for an epic lineup of live tunes and nonstop celebration!
Some Favorite Places Worth Checking Out
There’s always something buzzing in this creative little city. One of the best things about Bethlehem is just strolling around and exploring whether it be the walkable streets of downtown, the city’s lush parks, or taking in the
National Museum of Industrial History. You’ve got cool artsy spots like the
Banana Factory, where you can try your hand at glassblowing. (I highly recommend it!) On the entertainment front, live bands abound on the weekends along with events at
SteelStacks and
Wind Creek Casino.
But let’s talk about food. Breakfast in Bethlehem is especially en pointe with options like
Billy’s Downtown Diner and
The Flying Egg. For dinner, the farm-to-table fave
Bolete is a must along with long-time local go-to
Apollo Grill and for the kids, head to the
Bethlehem Dairy Store (aka The Cup) for classic treats, Stay in town for a bit. (that’s you Lehigh University & Moravian College parents), the
Wilbur Mansion offers up sophisticated modern digs, while the award-winning
Historic Hotel Bethlehem is a classic favorite with perfect old-school charm and impeccable service. And a random shout-out to
Fox Optical – the best in the Valley! Bethlehem is a city but even more so, a welcoming community of diverse ages and backgrounds, and as a result, it’s constantly evolving in a wonderfully refreshing way.
