Hey, I'm a remote worker and With a population of 125K, Allentown is a mid-size city. Median household income is $53,403, which feels on the lower side for the area. You can expect to pay around $1,269 for rent here. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What would you do? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
31 upvotes
3 Replies
Joseph C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely pretty good and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Westside) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
20 upvotes
Sofia
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The food scene is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
19 upvotes
Piper Anderson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 45, moved here 12 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The healthcare situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Pittsburgh, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
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