Firstly why Allentown, Pennsylvania?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Allentown
• State: Pennsylvania
• Population: 121,442 people
• Allentown’s quick summary would be Famous for its rich industrial history and the Allentown Art Museum.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 8,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 12,000 annually
• Net Migration: -4000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 1,500
• Number of Homeless people: 350

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a blend of urban living and affordability attracting families

Perk #1: Allentown Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 33%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 62%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $55,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Allentown is $59,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $4000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Allentown’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 100 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,876
• Property Tax %: 2.07%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,150
• Rent for an average house: $1,700
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: West End
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Emmaus, and probably could include Lower-Macungie
• Avg. Age of Homes in Allentown: 90 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.9%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Allentown’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Allentown are  Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Retail
• Allentown Job Scene: moderate job market focused on manufacturing and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: modest tech scene with focus on manufacturing and local economy , ,
• Allentown Resident’s pay $1,000 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Allentown: 6%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 180 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 15

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Allentown

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $110 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-78 connects Allentown to cities along the eastern corridor
• Commute Time: 28 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic jams on I-78
• Transportation Score: 49 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Allentown: 81,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.7
• No. of Car Washes: 5 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Allentown: dot.state.pa.us
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 64 of 100
• Local Airport: Lehigh Valley International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Allentown’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Winter storms
• General Weather in Allentown is best described as has cold winters and warm summers with moderate precipitation throughout the year
• Winter Weather in Allentown i’d describe as cold with snow
• Spring Weather in Allentown can be described as cool with chances of rain
• Summer’s in Allentown are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Allentown is usually cool and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 39 days in summer
• Days in a row in Allentown below Freezing: 20
• Average Annual Rainfall: 42 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality affected by urban emissions
• Allentown Winter Air average air quality influenced by industry and traffic

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Allentown Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Allentown 5
• While the number of trade schools inside Allentowns’s city limits are 3
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Allentown Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Allentown Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Allentown only Doctors is about 180
• Local Hospitals here is  6
• Full-time Allentown only Police Officers is about 280
• Crime Rate Index: 55/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Allentown’s Monthly utility bill average is $110
• Allentown’s Monthly Gym Membership: $50
• Allentown’s Water Quality Score: 73

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Allentown

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 6 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: urban center known for its diversity and local events
• You might enjoy concerts at the Allentown Arts Park
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Allentown  offers a growing nightlife with a mix of bars restaurants and live music venues showcasing local talent

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Allentown

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a mix of local diners and chain restaurants
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 40 scattered around Allentown
• The Popular Sports Team is Allentown Tomcats
• Top Level Political Climate in Allentown can be described as politically mixed area focusing on economic revitalization
• Allentown’s Longer standing religious establishment is Bethlehem Baptist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Allentown Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Allentown has 40 Parks?
• Jordan Park is Allentown’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Allentown Farmers Market normally open Thursday 8am-2pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and parks

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Allentown Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Allentown can be described as steady urban pace with a focus on industry and cultural activities
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Allentown attending community festivals parks picnics local sports
• The Cities people commute to from Allentown are Penn-State 3 miles away Bellefonte 13 miles away Lock-Haven 32 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Allentown or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic jams on I-78. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Allentown’s Winter storms risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If West End is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Allentown are Penn-State 3 miles away Bellefonte 13 miles away Lock-Haven 32 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 55 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Allentown has 20 days in a row below freezing and 39 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Allentown people have an average (positive or negative) $4000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   350 homeless people living in Allentown. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed area focusing on economic revitalization could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Allentown.

Retiree & Senior Life in Allentown

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can access tax credits aimed at helping with property taxes
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Woodstone
• Allentown Senior Center provides meal programs health workshops and recreational activities for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Allentown, Pennsylvania?

If Allentown, Pennsylvania ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Allentown, Pennsylvania, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!