New Jersey → Lehigh Valley
Moving from New Jersey to the Lehigh Valley
Save thousands in taxes, find more home for your money, and keep access to everything the NYC metro offers — all from a region ranked among the Northeast's best places to live.
Why New Jersey Families Are Moving to the Lehigh Valley
New Jersey consistently ranks among the most expensive states in the country, driven by the highest property taxes in the nation and some of the highest income and cost-of-living figures on the East Coast. The Lehigh Valley offers an immediate, dramatic improvement in affordability — with median home prices roughly half of what NJ buyers are accustomed to, taxes that are a fraction of New Jersey rates, and a quality of life that draws families year after year.
With Interstate 78 connecting the Lehigh Valley directly to northern New Jersey and NYC, and NJ Transit bus service from Easton and Bethlehem, relocating from New Jersey to the Lehigh Valley means keeping your access to NJ jobs and NYC culture while dramatically reducing your cost of living. A family moving from Bergen County to Northampton County could save $8,000–$15,000+ per year in taxes alone.
Tax Savings: New Jersey vs Pennsylvania
| Category | New Jersey | PA (Lehigh Valley) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | Up to 10.75% | 3.07% flat | Up to 7.68% |
| Property Tax (annual avg) | $9,000–$12,000+ | $3,000–$8,000 | $3,000–$8,000+ |
| Median Home Price | ~$485,000 | ~$300,000–$375,000 | $110K–$185K |
| Sales Tax on Clothing | 6.625% | 0% (exempt) | 6.625% |
Tax Savings Estimate
A family moving from Bergen County, NJ (median property tax ~$12,000/yr, income tax up to 10.75%) to Northampton County, PA (median property tax ~$5,000/yr, flat 3.07% income tax) could save $8,000–$15,000+ per year in combined taxes. Over a 10-year period, that's $80,000–$150,000+ in total savings.
Popular New Jersey Towns People Move From
Newark
NJ's largest city — high cost, urban density
Jersey City
Hudson County — NYC-commuter hub, $500K+ median
Princeton
Affluent college town — $800K+ median
Morristown
Morris County — $650K+ median, high taxes
Cherry Hill
Camden County — $400K+ median
Paramus
Bergen County — $600K+ median, top retail corridor
What Your Budget Buys: NJ vs Lehigh Valley
In New Jersey, $485,000 (the statewide median) typically buys a 3-bedroom ranch or colonial on a small lot in a mid-tier suburb. In the Lehigh Valley, that same budget — or significantly less — gets you a 4-bedroom colonial with a two-car garage, a larger lot, and access to top-rated school districts.
At $300,000, Lehigh Valley buyers can find well-maintained 3-bedroom homes in desirable communities like Northampton, Bath, Catasauqua, and parts of Whitehall-Coplay. For $375,000–$450,000, options expand to newer construction, homes in Parkland or Nazareth school districts, and properties in Saucon Valley with acreage.
Commute Options: Lehigh Valley to New Jersey
Interstate 78 provides a direct east-west corridor from the Lehigh Valley through New Jersey. For NJ commuters, popular Lehigh Valley communities along the I-78 corridor include Easton, Wilson, Bethlehem, and the southern Lehigh areas. NJ Transit bus service runs from the Easton bus terminal to NYC's Port Authority, making hybrid and occasional NYC commutes practical.
Recommended Lehigh Valley Communities for NJ Relocators
Easton
Historic downtown, NJ Transit bus access, walkable, arts and dining scene. Direct I-78 connection to NJ.
Parkland
Top-rated school district, suburban family living, newer developments. I-78 access via Route 309.
Bethlehem
Historic South Side, Lehigh University, ArtsQuest, vibrant dining. Diverse price points and neighborhoods.
Nazareth
Top-rated Nazareth Area schools, family-friendly, Martin Guitar heritage. Easy Route 248 access.
School Districts for NJ Relocators
New Jersey is known for its excellent public schools, and the Lehigh Valley matches that standard at a fraction of the cost. The region's top-rated districts — including Parkland, Nazareth Area, Saucon Valley, and Southern Lehigh — offer rigorous academics, competitive athletics, and robust extracurricular programs. Property taxes fund PA public schools, so homes in highly rated districts tend to hold value better.
NJ → Lehigh Valley FAQ
How much can I save on taxes by moving from New Jersey to the Lehigh Valley?
Can I still commute to my New Jersey job from the Lehigh Valley?
What NJ towns do most people move from?
What is the median home price difference between NJ and the Lehigh Valley?
Ready to Leave New Jersey Behind?
Tim Tepes has helped thousands of New Jersey families find their perfect home in the Lehigh Valley. With 36+ years of expertise, he knows every community, school district, and tax implication. Schedule your free relocation consultation today.
timtepes@gmail.com