Moving to Lehigh from SC (Allentown, Bethlehem: apartment complexes, lease, lofts)

[mitchukl]

My boyfriend and I are moving to the Lehigh Valley area from South Carolina the second week of October. We have never been to the area and once we arrive we'll have about two days to look around, find a place and sign a lease. He's got a job in Bethlehem (the reason for the move), but we aren't opposed to living in one of the surrounding areas. We were really interested in the Auburn Station Lofts in Allentown, but if the crime is as bad as everyone says, then we'd like to be in a safer area... We aren't worried about a little crime that comes with a city (we've lived in Memphis and Columbia, SC previously), but would like to avoid extreme high crime areas, particularly violent crime. I've poked around the forum a bit but I would greatly appreciate some referrals on good areas, and/or apartment complexes or homes for rent! General advice about the area (or advice for southerners moving north for the first time) is also very welcome! Thanks y'all!

When are you moving? 2nd week of October
Where are you coming from? South Carolina near Augusta, Georgia.
Why are you moving? Job in Bethlehem
Where will you be working? He will be working in Bethlehem, but I've just started applying.
Have you been here yet? No

Will you buy or rent? Rent
If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend? We aren't very particular, but we MUST have a place that is pet friendly. The top of our budget is around $1100/month, although we'd prefer to spend less. We need at least 1 bedroom/1 bath, but ideally would be in a 2/2.
Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up? Doesn't really matter.

Are you married or single? Do you have children? Headed toward marriage, but not quite there No children
Do you prefer public or private schools? Does not matter
Do you have pets? Two labs (One is still a puppy, but both are housebroken)
Do you want or need a yard? Our ideal situation would include a fenced yard, but not completely necessary
Are you keeping a car? We will have two vehicles
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? A mixture of the two, but probably lean a little more toward calm and quiet

What do you want to be closest to? Probably closest to basic services/work
Work
Shopping
Basic services (supermarket, drugstore, etc.)
Nightlife
Near Bus stop? Please note that there is NO rail service in the Lehigh Valley. - We don't need to be near a bus stop

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood? Not necessarily opposed to diversity, but would prefer neighbors in similar situations... We are in our early/mid-twenties & Caucasian, religion and sexual preferences not really important to us.

Phillies or Mets? Born & raised with the Braves

[krazy_epic]

Hey, I see no one ever responded. Have you moved yet? If so, whereabouts?

[PacoMartin]

Originally Posted by mitchukl

He's got a job in Bethlehem (the reason for the move), but we aren't opposed to living in one of the surrounding areas. We were really interested in the Auburn Station Lofts in Allentown, but if the crime is as bad as everyone says, then we'd like to be in a safer area...

I was going to recommend "The Lofts at Silk Mill" but they do not permit pets. Woodmont Mews allows pets, but rent starts at $1,259.

[mitchukl]

Thanks for your reply, we have moved and settled on a new apartment community called Summit Ridge in Allentown. So far we love it!