Bethlehem, Nazareth or Hellertown? (apartment, to rent, condo)

[CWK2020]

Hi my family will be moving back this summer and we are currently considering Bethlehem, Nazareth and Hellertown. Since my husband has left the country for many years and we have 2 children now (7 and 10), would be great to hear some thoughts and advises from the locals here.

Any sharing on the neighbourhood, facilities, living cost, schools and transportation to NYC, etc would be appreciated. Also, anyone has experience with Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School? I would love to know more about it.

Thanks

[Diver4242]

We live in Lower Nazareth and love it here. Great community and township.

[toobusytoday]

Please fill this out for better responses: https://www.city-data.com/forum/lehi...residents.html

I'm not a fan of charter schools although I know they vary widely. I am really only familiar with Hellertown. It's a great little town with good schools, close to the main roads and is home to the OurBus bus stop that has a direct bus to Manhattan.

[CWK2020]

Hi all,

Thanks for the sharing.

When are you moving? 2020 summer
Where are you coming from? Signapore
Why are you moving? Relocation
Where will you be working? NYC
Have you been here yet? Passed by

Will you buy or rent? Rent in the 1st year
If buying, are you looking for a house or a condo? How much can you spend?
If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend? townhouse and rent depends
Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up? doesn't matter

Are you married or single? Do you have children? Married and 2 children
Do you prefer public or private schools? Public
Do you have pets? No
Do you want or need a yard?
Are you keeping a car? Yes
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? Calm and quiet

What do you want to be closest to?
Work
Shopping
Basic services (supermarket, drugstore, etc.)
Nightlife
Near Bus stop? Please note that there is NO rail service in the Lehigh Valley.

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood? Similar age

Phillies or Mets?

[toobusytoday]

Thanks, that helps. Based on your work location being NYC and wanting public schools, I would suggest Nazareth. I think it's great that you are planning to rent for a year because you may well find that the commute is horrible and not worth the cost. I don't know anyone that works 5 days a week in Manhattan and lives in my area which is further south and west of where you are looking. There were some posts not too long ago about the College Hill area in Bethlehem, you can find them with a search on this site.