Bethlehem: homecoming? (Easton, Hellertown, Kutztown: sales, rental, house)

[deadpukka]

As a newly 50, divorced empty-nester who was actually born in Bethlehem, and grew up in Kutztown, I've been looking for a new city to call home.

I'm a software exec (for CA company), and work remotely, so can live anywhere in the US. I'm currently in LA, but lived most of my adult life in Seattle. (Spent time in DC, Austin and Chicago as well.)

Lately I've been looking at small/medium cities, like Richmond VA, which have lower state income taxes, and lower COL, so I'm not wasting money compared to LA.

I hadn't really considered moving back to PA at any point in my life, but I was checking out options in Bethlehem and was pleasantly surprised at what I found. (Also, my dad's getting up in years and he lives in the area, which would be a plus.) I've thought about Philly too, but taxes and housing are a notch higher.

Obviously I'd be saving money on state income tax, but also for a 2BR 1000+ sqft rental (house preferred, esp something like an older row house w/ yard for dogs), I'd save a lot over LA prices - but getting CA salary.

Would anyone mind giving me their thoughts on how the area is these days?

Looking for amenities like a great food/drink scene (farm-to-table restaurants, craft cocktails, breweries, etc.), and music scene (indie/alternative, local and national acts). I work a good bit, but still would like to have options for when I do go out.

Since I work from home, I'd especially like a walkable area. I found a few things around Lehigh, in the $1500 range, which is easily in my budget. Any other areas that I should consider?

Thanks!

[ringler24]

Plugging downtown Easton. Personally having spent a lot of time living in Bethlehem, I think downtown Easton beats out the area around Lehigh for what you are looking for.

[deadpukka]

Originally Posted by ringler24

Plugging downtown Easton. Personally having spent a lot of time living in Bethlehem, I think downtown Easton beats out the area around Lehigh for what you are looking for.

Great, thanks! I'll have a look in that direction as well.

[PA991.1]

Hellertown might be an option too. Walkable with a brewery, some restaurants, farmers market and the rail trail. Short Uber ride to Bethlehem or Easton when desired. Also close to the Promenade at Saucon Valley for shopping, movies and restaurants.

[deadpukka]

Originally Posted by PA991.1

Hellertown might be an option too. Walkable with a brewery, some restaurants, farmers market and the rail trail. Short Uber ride to Bethlehem or Easton when desired. Also close to the Promenade at Saucon Valley for shopping, movies and restaurants.

Right on, thanks. That's very helpful. I haven't been to Hellertown in many years, but will give it a look.

[blazerj]

What about Delaware? No sales tax, no state tax and it's close to PA.