NY'er possibly relocating. Nazareth, Bethlehem and Allentown info needed (York: extended stay, sales)

[Me 82]

My husband and I, along with our baby, are looking to relocate to PA. I am very familiar with the Poconos, but not so much these areas. We would probably rent a year or so since we are saving for a house and also want to make sure we like living in PA. We are looking for a safe place to live with places to eat, shop, within driving distance and a family friendly area that's welcoming to outsiders.. My husband would be possibly commuting to work in Staten Island NY until he finds a job in the area, so we are looking for an area not too far from there . If there are any other areas besides these, I'm open for suggestions. Also, if anyone knows of any apartment complexes worth looking into, that would be great. I also wanted to know how the job market is in these areas. We would be willing to drive 45 min to so for work. I am a certified teacher, but have worked in the administrative field so would work in that field as well. He works in sales but would be willing to switch fields.

[valentine92]

Welcome, as a former NYer I can offer you some direction. We first moved to the Poconos back in the 90's and then relocated to Bethlehem in 2001. I personally would stay away from Allentown for several reasons one being it is the furthest for your hubby to commute to SI. If you are looking in Bethlehem, I would recommend the North side or the West side of town, Hanover Township or Bethlehem Township. Bethlehem Township would bring you closest to Route 33 which leads into 78. There are many apartment complexes in Bethlehem. Maybe check out craigslist I know some places post pictures that may help you with your decision. I dont know much about Nazareth so I cant offer any advise there but I have heard it is a nice place to live. As far as the job market you might want to check out the morning call online as they list jobs available in the area. There are also several hospitals in the area that you might want to look into as well. Best of luck to you in your search.

[Hanover5]

Hanover Township is great, plus they have a community center - Home We have a Wegmans and many parks, not to mention a great summer program for neighborhood kids. $25 for the first child, $10 each additional for 9-12 and 6-8pm, all summer, it's a drop in camp/neighborhood get together run by the community center and college kidd. They also have programming throughout the year. The only other township that has a great township community center is Bethlehem. Lower Macungie has one too, I think the pool is quite old.
A pool is also located in the community center and we have the lowest millage rates around. Hanover Elementary was a blue ribbon school. We are 5 minutes off of Route 22, in the middle of the Lehigh Valley.

[mlee28]

I would recommend Hellertown for a more private, less busy, quiet setting. Hellertown is a small town that's right off I-78. It's one of the safer areas in Lehigh Valley. Hellertown is close to Bethlehem and Easton.

There is a newly built apartment complex at Cherry Ln street, just right off I-78 - a few blocks from waffle house. It's called Bethlehem Field Living and it's pet friendly too. I have rented here for 3.5 years and enjoyed it.

There's a the Park n' Ride located behind Wendy's (which is just a few blocks from the said apartment complex) for an easy, comfortable commute to NYC. Takes about 2 hours by bus from Hellertown to New York City.

[PacoMartin]

Originally Posted by Me 82

My husband and I, along with our baby, are looking to relocate to PA. I am very familiar with the Poconos, but not so much these areas. We would probably rent a year or so since we are saving for a house and also want to make sure we like living in PA. We are looking for a safe place to live with places to eat, shop, within driving distance and a family friendly area that's welcoming to outsiders.. My husband would be possibly commuting to work in Staten Island NY until he finds a job in the area, so we are looking for an area not too far from there . If there are any other areas besides these, I'm open for suggestions. Also, if anyone knows of any apartment complexes worth looking into, that would be great. I also wanted to know how the job market is in these areas. We would be willing to drive 45 min to so for work. I am a certified teacher, but have worked in the administrative field so would work in that field as well. He works in sales but would be willing to switch fields.

Value Place Extended stay offers long term quarters for as low as $199 a week.
Extended Stay Allentown, PA - Bethlehem, Value Place - extended stay hotels and apartments.

It is near an industrial park in Bethlehem Township. From here you can explore Bethlehem Township, Nazareth Township, Hanover Township, and Bethlehem city looking for a permanent home. Driving distance is 78 miles to Staten Island.

Although the quarters will be cramped, the price will not be much higher than apartment rent. That way you don't have to feel very pressured to sign a lease.