So, I relocated for work and The unemployment rate is 5.5%, which is about average. The median home value here is around $188,900, which is actually reasonable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Is this normal for Allentown? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
32 upvotes
3 Replies
Samuel Ross
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Southern places. it exceeded my expectations.
34 upvotes
Joseph M.
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
22 upvotes
Jayden Ruiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 38, moved here 13 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in East and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited shopping options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Charlotte, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.