Everything You Should Know Before Visiting or Relocating to the Lehigh Valley
Planning to visit or relocate to the Lehigh Valley but have no clue what to expect? Don't worry; we are here to help you with all the information you need before visiting or settling down in this region of Pennsylvania. We'll talk about the Lehigh Valley's location, history, economic composition, neighborhoods, fun activities, culture, and more!
Where is the Lehigh Valley Located?
The Lehigh Valley is located on the eastern side of Pennsylvania. It is bordered by New York state to the north, the Delaware River to the east, Philadelphia to the south, and Bucks County to the west. Essentially, the region is just a short drive from Philadelphia and New York City.
What is the Lehigh Valley's History?
The Lehigh Valley is widely recognized as one of the first regions that resisted British colonialism, birthing the American Revolutionary War back in 1775. The region's residents were also among the first to support independence during the Revolutionary War. Afterward, they continued to fight for their freedom against the British Empire for many years.
But it wasn't until 1827 when the Lehigh Valley started experiencing the industrial revolution. This led to the development of numerous industries such as steel mills, glass factories, paper mills, and other heavy industries. First forward to today, the region has grown to harbor some of the most prosperous towns, including Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton.
What is the Lehigh Valley's Economy Like?
Today, the Lehigh Valley is home to more than 15,000 businesses with diversified industrial bases, securing its position as one of the leading economic hubs in America. The region is home to several Fortune 500 companies, including Alcoa Inc., Dura Automotive Systems, PPG Industries, etc. In addition, the region is also known as a significant hub for education, healthcare, retail, and technology.
And in 2018 and 2019, the Lehigh Valley was ranked as one of the top regions for economic development in the Northeast. We should also mention that the Lehigh Valley is the 65th largest metropolitan area in the U.S., contributing a whopping $43.3 billion to the national economy.
What are the Lehigh Valley Neighborhoods?
Home to over 687,500 people, the Lehigh Valley, has three main cities (Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton) and 62 municipalities. The region contains a wide range of residential areas. There are plenty of options for every person looking for housing, from the suburbs to urban centers. For example, single-family homes, condos, apartments, townhouses, and even mobile homes are available.
In terms of population density, the city of Allentown ranks at number 1, followed by Bethlehem and Easton. However, the average household size in the region is 2.4 persons, which means that each house can accommodate up to 8 people.
How Much Does it Cost to Live in the Lehigh Valley?
The median annual household income in the Lehigh Valley is $65,206, whereas the average income is $90,763 for the same period. This makes it one of the highest-paying places to live in the country. According to the latest data from Salary.com, the cost of living in the Lehigh Valley is slightly higher than the national average. Nonetheless, it's still cheaper than other major cities like New York, Chicago, Boston, Miami, Washington, and San Francisco.
Why Should You Move to the Lehigh Valley? A Quick Summary
If you're still hesitant about relocating to the Lehigh Valley, here are some quick pointers about the region that may help make up your mind:
Great nationally known events such as Musikfest and area sports teams.
A diverse set of opportunities for job seekers with better salaries than the national average.
A robust educational system with world-class universities.
Greater access to cultural activities and entertainment venues.
Accessibility to major highways and airports.
High-quality health care services.
Affordable housing prices.
Low crime rate.
The Lehigh Valley is not just another place you work. It's a place to enjoy life and live out your dreams. So, are you ready to make the bold move? Perfect! Contact our home team today, and we'll answer any questions about buying or selling property in the Lehigh Valley, PA!
