Just accepted a job with a company in Allentown and I'm very anxious to move back 'home'. I used to live in Easton and I know the area somewhat but there's still a lot I could learn. Mostly my issue is what areas should I avoid? I obviously want to stay away from high crime areas, is that an issue out there?
I will be looking for a rental until I can unload my current properties. Three bedroom preferred plus a garage. Must allow pets. I've been looking online somewhat the past few weeks and it looks like I might be able to find something close to what I'm paying now ($1400/month) but less is obviously better as I'll be taking a small pay cut). I'll be on the West side of Allentown and I'd like to be within 15 miles commuting distance. I've been doing the commute thing for years and it's starting to wear on me a little. Maybe if I get something a little more engaging to drive it won't be so bad...
If anybody has any further insight into the area or have inside information on rentals I would love to hear your input.
In reply to chknhwk:
I grew up about 30 miles north of there and moved back and forth until about 4 years ago when I moved to the west coast for work. I always found the outskirts of Allentown to be much nicer than the actual urban part of Allentown. There was some minor crime but nothing like you see in larger cities or their outskirts.
Areas like Fogelsville and Macungie might be where you want to look if you like more of the quiet living, Northhampton was more upscale and is a rural college town so you might have more luck there looking for a house.
From what I remember all the weird stuff happened in Emmaus and the 222 was always snarled with traffic.
Not sure if any of that helps.
Yes, that definitely helps! Thanks for your insight.
I live in the Lehigh Valley, about 12-15 miles southwest of Allentown. Yes, you certainly want to stay out of Allentown proper and it's immediate surrounding neighborhoods. They suck. If you go north of the city, it gets seriously rural "middle of nowhere".
I would certainly look towards areas to the south or west. As The0retical said, Foglesville is to the west and not a bad place. To the south, you have Emmaus, Macungie, Zionsville, East Greenville (where I live), Barto, etc... All very nice suburban communities. Fairly rural, but still close enough to civilization. From where I live, I can get to downtown Allentown in about 20-25 minutes.
I don't have specific knowledge on rentals, as I haven't checked the market, but if you need any assistance just ask. Macungie may not be a bad spot, after all they do host some of the largest car shows on the east coast. 
In reply to Klayfish:
Thanks!
As others have said, stay away from anywhere that will put you on 222 for your commute/daily travel. Traffic sucks on that road even on the weekend.
When I got divorced, I rented a 2 bedroom house, with a fenced-in yard and a pool, deck, integral garage, and a driveway that would park 4 cars. It had all appliances and was convenient to work, shopping and major highways. It rented for $650/mo. I hear these rent prices and I am glad I live where I live!
I live a good bit further south so I can't say anything about living in that area. However Macungie has some awesome car shows, and Harry's U-pull-it in Hazeltown is cool. So that's a couple perks to being in the area.
Duke
PowerDork
12/6/12 8:16 a.m.
The0retical wrote:
In reply to chknhwk:
...about 4 years ago when I moved to the west coast
...and **the** 222 was always snarled with traffic.
Wow, it only took 4 years for that to become second nature.
Duke
PowerDork
12/6/12 8:22 a.m.
And you're not far from Roadside America!
My experience in the area was 30 years ago, and the place has changed radically since then. Much of the abandoned Beth Steel property has been reclaimed and put to good use.
I will second the idea of staying north and west. The Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton corridor got jammed even then, so you'd rather be coming in from the side instead of traveling along it. Also, being north of Allentown keeps you on the same side of the mountain, rather than having to cross over. Not that it's much of a mountain at that point.
I lived in the Saucon Valley for 10yrs - loved the area but moved when my little country road became a giant shopping center (well, and work went away).
Anything above 25th street in A-town is pretty nice but if you have children you probably need to budget for private school + taxes are high in town.
Once you get over South mountain there is a lot of goodness but you won't find many rentals outside of the major towns so... try Emmaus. It is a good balance of small town and nice place with chinese food at 3am.
Duke wrote:
The0retical wrote:
In reply to chknhwk:
...about 4 years ago when I moved to the west coast
...and **the** 222 was always snarled with traffic.
Wow, it only took 4 years for that to become second nature.
Oh no.... It took me close to 2 hours to figure out what you were talking about then while talking to my wife I referred to "Route 33". I feel like I need another shower but I'm afraid to bathe in California water ever again.
chknhwk
HalfDork
12/15/12 6:48 p.m.
SWMBO found a furnished historic house in Allentown she seems to have her heart set on, can anybody give me specifics on what the 200 block of North 9th is like? Any insight into what Allentown proper is like?
Honestly, I'd pass. Allentown proper is not a really nice town. It's not "bad" as in the worst parts of NY or Philly war zone bad, but it's not great either. I can't recall the 200 block of N 9th off the top of my head, but I've been in that general area recently. Allentown is a very economically depressed town. Parts of the town are OK, but walk one block in the wrong direction and you're in no-mans land. I'd suggest staying in one of the 'burbs.
chknhwk wrote:
SWMBO found a furnished historic house in Allentown she seems to have her heart set on, can anybody give me specifics on what the 200 block of North 9th is like? Any insight into what Allentown proper is like?
N 9th is old town houses that used to be nice - it is in the historic district so you will need approval to change anything from it's original state to something modern and you are surrounded on all sides by ghetto. This is an expensive prop and you will find those quaint old leaded glass windows to be drafty! I've been down this road... stay out of center city.
Above 25th or the 'burbs. If you want quaint city living in an old townhouse go one city east and hang your hat in Bethlehem.
Ian F
PowerDork
12/15/12 8:45 p.m.
At the same time, areas become nice again when a few people take a chance...
Found a great place in Fogelsville, TWO garages!! I can finally pick up a challenge car AND a kit car like I've been dreaming for for years. Moving tomorrow.
chknhwk wrote:
Found a great place in Fogelsville, TWO garages!! I can finally pick up a challenge car AND a kit car like I've been dreaming for for years. Moving tomorrow.
Cool! Fogelsville is a nice little town too - right on the edge of awesome country roads to speed around on.
Sonic
SuperDork
1/19/13 9:19 p.m.
Welcome to the area...you're about an hour from us.
Any interest in joining a Lemons team?
