Young Professional in Bethlehem? (Allentown, Scranton: appointed, neighborhood, buy)

[Peter1948]

I know its no NYC, or even Louisville from where I come, but are there at least some things to do for a single young professional in Bethlehem and environs? Is there a walkable, urban neighborhood with younger people? Strips of bars? Bohemian restaurants from Hookah bars to Vietnamese to Ethiopian? I am a straight single guy in his late 20's that has a sweet job offer at St Luke's. What is public transit like? Is most the city safe (every city has ghettos I know but in general)? How are racial relations? Any info would help!

[SteelCityRising]

Originally Posted by stx12499

I know its no NYC, or even Louisville from where I come, but are there at least some things to do for a single young professional in Bethlehem and environs? Is there a walkable, urban neighborhood with younger people? Strips of bars? Bohemian restaurants from Hookah bars to Vietnamese to Ethiopian? I am a straight single guy in his late 20's that has a sweet job offer at St Luke's. What is public transit like? Is most the city safe (every city has ghettos I know but in general)? How are racial relations? Any info would help!

Wow!

I know you and censusdata to be two of our forum's most prolific Louisville boosters, and it would be awesome to have your upbeat attitude about urban living in the Lehigh Valley!

Out of the three primary cities in the metropolitan area I've always had a special place in my heart for Bethlehem. I'd advise you to check out my Historic Bethlehem Photo Tour
if you haven't done so already as it can give you some great angles of a great city!

I live a little over an hour north near Scranton, but I head down to the Lehigh Valley whenever I can. Bethlehem has a decent spattering of single professionals---young and old and gay and straight alike. I've always thought that the South Side of the Lehigh River was a bit more "happening" for the younger crowd with the Banana Factory, Sands BethWorks, Lehigh University, and a number of bars whereas the north side of the river seems to be more tourist-oriented with specialty gift shops, a popular brew pub, the Moravian historic district, etc.

Member DaSkorpion (wherever he has been as of late) relocated last year I do believe to Bethlehem from NJ and is very happy there. KristyLiz and toobusytoday should both be by soon as well to offer their always helpful insight, and I'm sure EmmausRocks will be by shortly as well to advise you to not buy a home.

[jimmyrocks]

Bethlehem isn't too bad of a place. There are a lot of collegey bars on southside Bethlehem (look around 4th street and New) and in Allentown. You gotta watch out in Allentown though, some of those bars have.. a reputation. Public transit is pretty bad in the valley. The "ghettos" are pretty much the on southside, although the neighborhood near St. Lukes is pretty nice. The area is mostly whites and Puerto Ricans.

I don't think there are any hookah places. There's one Vietnamese Pho place on Union blvd between Bethlehem and Allentown I believe, but I've never been there. I don't know about Ethiopian, I think you'll need to go to New York or Philly to find that. There are some great Ethiopian places in West Philly!

I kind of feel that the Lehigh Valley doesn't have as much culture as other cities of its size because people can easily get in their cars and drive to Philly or take a day trip to New York. Which kind of kills the market for it in the valley.


I'm actually going to Louisville this weekend for a Field Hockey game (D1 All Stars) Just a quick search of the area turned up so many great places to visit. I'm kind of disappointed that I'll only be there one night, it seems like a great town.

[Mark Fierce]

Actually, I believe it is Element, in Easton that is now a hookah bar/club!

Check it out.