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Relocation Hub

Relocating to the Lehigh Valley, PA

Your complete guide to moving from New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Maryland, Delaware, Washington DC, and beyond.

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Why People Are Moving to the Lehigh Valley

The Lehigh Valley is one of the fastest-growing regions in the Northeast, attracting relocators from across the country — and especially from New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Maryland, Delaware, and Washington DC. With a combined population of approximately 800,000 across Lehigh and Northampton Counties, a GDP exceeding $50 billion, and a cost of living that is 30–60% lower than the major metro areas people are leaving, the Lehigh Valley offers a rare combination of affordability, location, and quality of life.

Whether you are a remote worker seeking space and affordability, a family looking for top-rated schools, or a professional relocating for the Lehigh Valley's growing job market, this guide covers everything you need to know about making the move — from tax comparisons and commute times to school districts and community guides.

Lehigh Valley at a Glance

~800K
Combined Population
Lehigh & Northampton Counties
$300K–$375K
Median Home Price
vs $485K in NJ, $750K+ in NYC
3.07%
PA Flat Income Tax
No local earned income tax in most areas
~90 min
To New York City
Via I-78 by car or NJ Transit bus
~60 min
To Philadelphia
Via Route 22 or PA Turnpike
$50B+
Regional GDP
Diversified economy — healthcare, logistics, education

Top Reasons to Relocate to the Lehigh Valley

Affordable Housing

Median home prices of $300K–$375K — a fraction of NYC, NJ, and DC metro costs.

Lower Taxes

PA's flat 3.07% income tax vs rates up to 10.9% in neighboring states.

Quality Schools

Highly rated districts including Parkland, Nazareth, Saucon Valley, and Bethlehem Area.

Four-Season Lifestyle

Spring wildflowers, summer lakes, spectacular fall foliage, and winter skiing.

Strategic Location

90 minutes to NYC, 60 minutes to Philadelphia, and 3 hours to Washington DC.

Growing Job Market

$50B+ GDP with major employers in healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and education.

Outdoor Recreation

Blue Mountain, Lehigh River Gorge, 100+ miles of trails, ski resorts, and state parks.

Strong Community

60+ boroughs and townships with vibrant downtowns, festivals, and cultural amenities.

What the Lehigh Valley Offers Relocators

Diverse Communities

From urban Allentown and historic Bethlehem to suburban Parkland and rural Saucon Valley — 60+ communities for every lifestyle.

Top-Rated Schools

12+ public school districts including Parkland, Nazareth Area, and Saucon Valley — consistently ranked among Pennsylvania's best.

Growing Economy

Major employers include Lehigh Valley Health Network, St. Luke's, Air Products, Olympus, Crayola, and two nationally ranked colleges.

Outdoor Recreation

Blue Mountain, Lehigh River Gorge, Bear Creek and Blue Mountain ski resorts, 100+ miles of trails, state parks, and lakes.

Arts & Culture

Musikfest, Christkindlmarkt, ArtsQuest Center, Allentown Art Museum, Crayola Experience, and vibrant downtown dining and nightlife.

Strategic Location

I-78 and Route 22 connect to the entire Northeast corridor. ABE airport serves major hubs. NJ Transit bus runs to NYC from Easton.

How Tim Tepes Helps Relocators

Relocating to a new state involves far more than finding a house. You need to understand tax implications, school district boundaries, commute options, and community culture — and that requires a local expert who has been doing this for decades.

Tim Tepes is a PA Licensed Associate Broker with 36+ years of experience and 700+ closed transactions across the Lehigh Valley. He has helped thousands of families relocate from New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Maryland, and beyond. As Past President of the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®, he operates at the highest level of professional accountability.

Tim understands the unique considerations for out-of-state buyers: how PA property taxes compare to your current state, which school districts match your family's needs, the real commute times from different communities, and which neighborhoods offer the best value for your budget.

36+
Years
700+
Transactions
2,000+
Clients
Tim Tepes — PA Licensed Associate Broker with 36+ years of experience

Relocation Frequently Asked Questions

Why are people relocating to the Lehigh Valley from across the Northeast?
The Lehigh Valley offers a rare combination of affordability, location, and quality of life. Residents pay significantly less for housing while enjoying easy access to NYC, Philadelphia, and Washington DC. Pennsylvania's flat 3.07% income tax is far lower than rates in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Maryland. The region has excellent schools, four-season outdoor recreation, a growing job market with a $50B+ GDP, and vibrant communities — all at a cost of living 30–60% lower than the major metro areas people are leaving.
How far is the Lehigh Valley from major East Coast cities?
The Lehigh Valley is approximately 80 miles (90–120 minutes) from New York City, 60 miles (about 1 hour) from Philadelphia, and 180 miles (3 hours) from Washington DC. Interstate 78 and Route 22 provide direct highway connections. NJ Transit bus service runs from Easton to NYC. Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) offers flights to major hubs through Allegiant, American, Delta, and United.
What are the tax advantages of moving to Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania levies a flat 3.07% income tax on all earned income — significantly lower than New Jersey (up to 10.75%), New York (up to 10.9%), Connecticut (up to 6.99%), and Maryland (up to 5.75%). Most Lehigh Valley communities have no local earned income tax. There is no sales tax on clothing. While property taxes vary by school district, overall tax burden is substantially lower than in the Northeast metro areas most relocators are leaving.
What types of homes are available in the Lehigh Valley?
The Lehigh Valley offers a wide range of housing options: single-family homes, townhouses, condos, new construction, historic homes, farm properties, and investment/multifamily homes. Communities range from urban neighborhoods in Allentown and Bethlehem to suburban developments in Parkland and Whitehall to rural properties in Saucon Valley and Northern Lehigh. Price points range from approximately $200K to $800K+, with the majority of activity in the $275K–$450K range.
Is the Lehigh Valley good for remote workers?
Absolutely. The Lehigh Valley has become a top destination for remote and hybrid workers from NYC, NJ, and DC. Fiber internet is available in many communities, coworking spaces exist in Allentown and Bethlehem, and the lifestyle amenities — outdoor recreation, dining, cultural events — are exceptional. You get the space and affordability of a smaller metro with easy access to major cities when needed.
How can Tim Tepes help with my relocation?
Tim Tepes is a PA Licensed Associate Broker with 36+ years of experience and 700+ closed transactions in the Lehigh Valley. He has helped thousands of families relocate to the region and understands the unique considerations for out-of-state buyers — tax implications, school district boundaries, commute planning, and community fit. Schedule a free consultation at calendly.com/timtepes/30min or call (484) 275-0056.
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Ready to Make the Move?

Schedule a free consultation with Tim Tepes. He has helped thousands of families relocate to the Lehigh Valley and knows every community, school district, and market trend in the region.

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