Advice for a newbie (Allentown, Bethlehem: apartment complex, rental, how much)

[workingstiff]

Hi, I'm going to be working at Lehigh starting in August and I was hoping for some advice about finding a place to live. Since the form is up I'll just use it.

When are you moving? Early August
Where are you coming from? Boston
Why are you moving? Job
Where will you be working? Lehigh University
Have you been here yet? Only for the interview. I'm heading down in a week to visit apartments.

Will you buy or rent? Rent
If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend? Looking for a 1BR, preferably no more than 1000.
Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up? No preference, although I would prefer off-street parking at the very least.

Are you married or single? Single, no kids.
Do you prefer public or private schools? N/A
Do you have pets? No
Do you want or need a yard? No
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
Train or subway stations

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood? Not a big concern.

Phillies or Mets? N/A

I also want to live in a safe place and preferably in a nice apartment complex rather than a converted old house. My research seems to indicate that North Bethlehem is a nice, safe place to live while South Bethlehem and Allentown are to be avoided.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[PA.Dutchman]

What area of the Valley will you be working in?

It would help to find you some place decent to live and maybe we could find a easy less hectic ride to work.

I live in center city, or we are Hold Up in center city. I worked west of Allentown.

I have many friends who came down North of us who have quiet pleasant lives in a single home on their own land.

They live a greater distance, but got to work almost as quickly as I did and did not have to Hold Up in downtown Allentown.

[vapama]

Since proximity is important:
If you are working at the main campus on Southside, I would look at the northside of Bethlehem.
If you are working on the mountaintop campus, then Hellertown/Saucon Valley.
There was a thread a few weeks ago with someone who was comparing about 5 different "luxury" apt rental places--might want to start there. I don't know if they have 1 bedrooms for $1000 or under though. Ok here it is http://www.city-data.com/forum/lehig...amily-4-a.html

Good luck!

[toobusytoday]

Great post by vapama. I think she's nailed it on the head about where you should be looking.