Pottstown to Allentown - best place to live in between (Bethlehem: transplants, apartment)

[Loliz]

Hi all,
I'm considering a job that would involve commutes to Pottstown and Allentown. I'm trying to find an apartment/rental condo or townhome that would be a nice mid-point to minimize the commute on a given day. I'm a single professional woman and I've read about the "feel" of Bethlehem - sounds like just the type of place I'd be interested in, but its too far from Pottstown.
Any suggestions of good in-between places?
Thanks in advance for your help.

[JoeBearPA]

Well, Emmaus, where I live is nice, but it is a suburb of Allentown, and not really central to BOTH Allentown, and Pottstown. However, Pottstown, IS only 23 miles or so from Emmaus, and 28 from downtown Allentown.

Now, It all depends on what kind of metropolitan experience you want. Emmaus would allow you access to Three large cities (Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton) and afford you an international Airport, Cultural Activities, and major interstates to NYC, and Philly, with easy Access.

Another possibility is Boyertown. On the intersections of Rte. 100, and Rte. 73, it is a nice town... scenic, and large enough to offer shopping. It is closer to Pottstown... 23.18 mi to A-Town, and 8 Mi to Pottstown.

If you like Rural Living... there is a lot in-between, but nothing really coherent or "Town-ish" other than Bally, it is about 17 mi to A-Town, and 14 to Pottstown. NICE place, but your support (Shopping, etc) will be in Boyertown, Pottstown, or Emmaus, or south on Rte. 29 to Red Hill\East Greenville.

Bethlehem, is not only on the level of Allentown, Latitude-wise... it is also farther EAST and not really handy to get to Pottstown. YOu would have to cut over to Rte. 100, and Emmaus to get there, or cut diagonally on backroads. There is a Rte. 378 from Bethlehem, that would get you to 309, then to 663... but the 663 stretch is BAD In winter, and while it is beefing up with gas stations, and such, you would be on your own if you broke down... and it would take you through Red Hill\East Greenville, anyway.

Hope this helps, I just do a lot of driving around, and have no life... LOL

Joey

[Loliz]

Thanks Joe,
I had actually thought of Emmaus but don't know too much about the area. I was really thinking of moving into an apartment probably something managed. At least when I first move to the area. Bethlehem sounds like the kind of city I would enjoy, things to do, places to walk around, but might be too far. I guess I'll check out Emmaus. What about Macungie. Know anything about that?

[endersshadow]

There are actually several threads on Macungie which I think you should check out. Though, the word on the street is that it's a nice place to live. Growing community for transplants, safe area, friendly and diverse people, etc. The only downside that I've seen is that there are higher taxes because of the greater number of migrants.

[toobusytoday]

I would choose Emmaus over Macungie as far as things to do for a single person. Bethlehem would be better yet but too far for a bad weather commute to Pottstown. Emmaus has a nice downtown that is very walkable. Have you posted this on the general PA forum? People that live in Pottstown might have some thoughts on towns down that way but probably don't read this forum.

[Loliz]

Thanks everyone. I will definitely look into Macungie, Emmaus and Bethlehem. I will also put this on the general PA forum.