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
Why People Love Living in Allentown
Discover the lifestyle, community spirit, and everyday pleasures that make Allentown a wonderful place to call home.
Revitalized Downtown
The Neighborhood Improvement Zone has transformed downtown Allentown with new restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues in a walkable urban core.
Parks & Green Spaces
With over 100 acres at Cedar Creek Park, the scenic Lehigh Parkway, and Trexler Memorial Park, outdoor recreation is always close at hand.
Live Events & Sports
Catch IronPigs games at Coca-Cola Park, concerts at the PPL Center arena, and year-round community festivals throughout the city.
Easy Commuting
Lehigh Valley International Airport is just 10 minutes away, with I-78, Route 222, and Route 309 providing fast connections to Philly and NYC.
Diverse Dining Scene
From the Hamilton District to international food markets, Allentown offers a culinary range rivaling much larger cities, at a fraction of the cost.
Affordable Value
Median home prices start in the low $200,000s, offering exceptional value compared to the broader Northeast corridor, with appreciation driven by ongoing revitalization.
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 a range of buyers and investors.
View Lehigh Valley Market Data Read the July 2026 Market UpdateReady to Explore Homes in Allentown?
Contact Tim Tepes for current listings and market insights specific to Allentown.
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.
Things to Do in Allentown
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Nearby Communities
Interested in investment properties in Allentown? Check out Tim's Investment Properties Guide for cap rates, tax advantages, and wealth-building strategies.
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Thinking About Moving to Allentown?
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