Looking for advice on where to live as a young single (Allentown: apartment complex, rentals)

[Lehigh valley]

I'm starting medical residency in Allentown soon. Single female professional -I would like to know we're to focus my search for rental property. Living in Allentown vs. Bethlehem ? I like a walking neighborhood where I can grab groceries, grab lunch at a close by restaurant, and have a glass of wine once in awhile at happy hour. Some access to a social life would be nice .
I appreciate any feedback !

[JohnZ963]

Downtown north side Bethlehem is where the young professional types seem to gravitate towards. Like around Main Street and the neighborhood immediately to the east. Only downside is you have to drive a few miles to a grocery store. Downtown Allentown has some new apartments targeted towards millennials (Strata flats) with some nearby restaurants, but it is pretty dead after 5pm and if you go a few blocks away in any direction things get sketchy crime-wise.

[fuhongl]

I would live in North side Bethlehem, I came here two years ago and lived there since. Pretty satisfied so far. There are a few choices of apartments there, fairly priced.
Like the above said, it is close to Downtown north side Bethlehem with a lot of things to do and close to southside too, only 5 minutes.
There is also grocery nearby in westgate mall and mall in Airport road.
I wouldn't live in Allentown downtown in those apartments. Safety issue mostly. If I want to go to the entertainments in downtown allentown, I just drove there, no need to live there.

And I work in Allentown downtown, the commute is pretty reasonable, about 15-20 minutes.

[mary28]

I would suggest Bethlehem north and Bethlehem township. If you want a walkable community close to groceries, coffee shop, a BARRE gym - there is a brand new apartment complex in Bethlehem township (zip 18020) Called Madison Farms Rental. They have a Shoprite, Starbucks, Barre Gym, Chipotle, Mod Pizza and more - all in walkable distance from the apartment complex itself. It is connected to the apartment via sidewalks.

In the northside, I would recommend Bethlehem Fields Way Apartments. Very safe neighborhood, right off highway I-78 and you could walk around the neighborhood and Main st. Hellertown no problem. The advantage of this apartment would be the walkscore. You can walk main st. Hellertown and it has little shops and businesses in the area and the grocery (GIANT is not that far. just 8 mins away by car. You'd see people walking their dogs, parents with strollerd, couples enjoying a nice afternoon walk. Sands Casino is just down south of 412 which is 10 minutes away from this apartment. Big difference in location and safety.

Downtown Bethlehem is beuatiful and charming, also no too far away from Bethlehem Fields Apartment.

Hope this helps!

[Flamingo13]

OP hasn't come back, a one-time post - obviously not too concerned.