What are the advantages of relocating to the Lehigh Valley from New Jersey or New York?

The biggest advantage is the price gap. The Lehigh Valley median home price was $375,000 in the September 2026 GLVR Market Update, while comparable homes in New Jersey and the New York suburbs typically cost far more, often $450,000 and up for the same size home in many New Jersey townships. Pennsylvania's property taxes also run meaningfully lower on average than New Jersey's effective rates, and Pennsylvania taxes income at a flat 3.07% with no city wage tax in most towns, versus New Jersey's progressive rates and New York's higher income and local taxes.

Location is the second advantage. The Lehigh Valley is about 80 miles west of New York City, roughly a two-hour drive via Interstate 78, and about 60 miles north of Philadelphia, about 1.5 hours by car. Trans-Bridge Lines runs buses from the Lehigh Valley to the Port Authority in roughly two hours, and there is no direct passenger rail, so most commuters drive, take the bus, or drive partway to an NJ Transit station. Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) offers direct flights to many hubs.

Lifestyle is the third. The region keeps urban amenities, a growing job base in healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing, strong school districts, and four-season recreation at a cost of living below the metro areas. New Jersey and Pennsylvania have a tax-reciprocity agreement, so wages are taxed by your state of residence and there is no double taxation. Tim Tepes specializes in helping New Jersey and New York families relocate, and can compare the exact towns and school districts that fit your commute and budget.