Hey folks, I'm retired and Crime rate is something to consider — Allentown sits at 386.5 per 100K. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
14 upvotes
7 Replies
Eli Rogers
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 8 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
37 upvotes
Aria Morales
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
35 upvotes
Sofia Ross
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from San Diego about 15 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is average.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
30 upvotes
Emma W.
Bought a house here in 2020 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
25 upvotes
atlwalker2021
I've lived in South for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of new development happening
- The healthcare scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
21 upvotes
Claire Martin
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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