Allentown

Lehigh County · Population: 125,845

Community Overview

Allentown is the county seat of Lehigh County and the third-most populous city in Pennsylvania, with 125,845 residents as of the 2020 census. As the largest city in the Lehigh Valley, Allentown serves as the region's economic and cultural hub, offering a diverse mix of urban neighborhoods, suburban developments, and a revitalized downtown district.

History

Founded in 1762 by William Allen, a prominent colonial figure and chief justice of Pennsylvania, Allentown played a significant role during the American Revolutionary War. The city famously sheltered the Liberty Bell from the British in 1777 under the floorboards of the Zion's Reformed Church. Allentown grew into an industrial powerhouse through the 19th and 20th centuries, with the Mack Trucks and Bethlehem Steel operations shaping its identity. Today, the city has transitioned into a service and healthcare economy while preserving its rich architectural heritage.

Community Highlights

Liberty Bell Museum — site where the Liberty Bell was hidden during the Revolution

Allentown Art Museum — one of the region's premier art institutions

America on Wheels Museum — celebrating transportation history

PPL Building — iconic Art Deco skyscraper on the National Register

Downtown Allentown revitalization with the Neighborhood Improvement Zone

PNC Center and Cadmus Place mixed-use developments

Minor league baseball at Coca-Cola Park (Lehigh Valley IronPigs)

Local Amenities

Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) — 10 minutes from downtown
Lehigh Valley Mall — the region's largest shopping center
Multiple hospital systems including Lehigh Valley Health Network
PPL Center — 10,000-seat arena for concerts and events
Diverse dining scene with restaurants representing many cuisines
Allentown Public Library — major regional library
Grocery options including Weis, Giant, Wegmans, and Aldi

Parks & Recreation

Cedar Creek Park — 100+ acres with trails, playgrounds, and a pool
Trexler Memorial Park — historic park with a nature preserve
Lehigh Parkway — scenic park along the Lehigh River
J. Birney Crum Stadium — community recreation and events
East Side Park — neighborhood park with sports facilities
Bicentennial Park — downtown green space and event venue

Shopping & Dining

Downtown Allentown — restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues
Lehigh Valley Mall and surrounding retail corridor on Route 222
Hamilton District — arts, dining, and cultural venues
West End Alliance — shops and restaurants in the West End
Multiple grocery stores and international food markets
Chain and independent restaurants along the Route 309 and Airport Road corridors

Transportation Access

Interstate 78 — east-west connection to New York City and New Jersey
Route 222 — connection to Reading and Philadelphia
Route 309 — north-south corridor through the city
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) — 10 minutes away
LANTA bus system — regional public transit
Amtrak service available from nearby stations
60 miles to Philadelphia, 80 miles to New York City

Real Estate in Allentown

Allentown's real estate market reflects its diverse housing stock, with options ranging from affordable urban rowhomes to newer suburban developments. The city's Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ) has driven significant downtown development, including new residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects. Median home prices vary by neighborhood, with urban properties offering entry points and suburban areas commanding higher values.

Types of Homes

Historic rowhomes and townhomes in Center City and the West End
Single-family homes in suburban neighborhoods
New construction developments in the NIZ district
Multi-family investment properties
Condominiums and apartments in renovated industrial buildings

Market Trends

The Allentown market has seen steady appreciation driven by the downtown revitalization, proximity to major employment centers, and relatively affordable pricing compared to the broader Northeast corridor. New construction activity continues in the downtown core and surrounding neighborhoods, with mixed-use developments attracting young professionals and investors.

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Schools in Allentown

The Allentown area is served by local school districts providing public education. Below are the districts and key schools serving the community.

Allentown School District

Public — K-12 · ~16,000 students

Lehigh Valley Academy (Charter)

Public Charter — K-12

Things to Do in Allentown

Visit the Liberty Bell Museum at Zion's Reformed Church

Tour the Allentown Art Museum's permanent and rotating exhibits

Catch a Lehigh Valley IronPigs game at Coca-Cola Park

Explore the America on Wheels Museum

Walk the trails at Cedar Creek Park and Trexler Memorial Park

Attend events at the PPL Center arena

Dine in the revitalized downtown Hamilton District

Explore the Allentown Public Library's collections and programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Allentown

What is the average home price in Allentown?

Median home prices in Allentown vary by neighborhood. Urban rowhomes can be found starting in the low $200,000s, while suburban single-family homes in desirable areas may range from $300,000 to $500,000 or more. The downtown revitalization has driven appreciation in many areas.

Is Allentown a good place to live?

Allentown offers diverse neighborhoods, a revitalized downtown, cultural institutions, and convenient access to major highways and the airport. The city serves as the economic hub of the Lehigh Valley with a growing job market and ongoing development.

What school district serves Allentown?

The Allentown School District is the primary public school district, serving over 16,000 students across more than 20 schools. The district is one of the largest in Pennsylvania.

How far is Allentown from Philadelphia and New York?

Allentown is approximately 60 miles north of Philadelphia (about 1 hour by car) and 80 miles west of New York City (about 1.5 hours). Interstate 78 and Route 222 provide major highway connections.

Nearby Communities

Bethlehem Salisbury Township Whitehall-Coplay East Penn Parkland

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