Possible Relocation to Bethlehem (Allentown, Harrisburg: section 8, apartment complex, rental)

[Video Monkey13]

Hi!

I'm interviewing for a job in Bethlehem and I was wondering if anyone could suggest some good neighborhoods to live in.

The job that I'll be interviewing for is located in a corporate park off of Highland Ave. Basically, I'm looking for a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment (I'm planning on renting privately as opposed to the apartment complex route. You seem to get more for your money renting privately.). Ideally, I'd like something within 10 minutes to work and that's in a safe neighborhood but fairly close to conveniences (grocery store, pharmacy, etc.)

I'm in my early 30's, single, and my budget is within the $800 range. If it makes a difference...I'd be relocating from Harrisburg, PA.

Thanks in advance for your help!

VM13

[Video Monkey13]

Oh yeah...

...I should probably mention that I'm currently paying $630 per month in rent for the 1 BR apartment I'm living in (That includes central A/C, garbage disposal, dishwasher, & full size W/D). Naturally, I'd like to find something comparable to what I'm living in now...if not nicer.

If anyone could steer me in the right direction of good neighborhoods & good realtors, I'd really appreciate it! Thanks again!

VM13

[bemyantimatter]

I'm in the same situation.

I'm moving from Harrisburg, currently staying in a hotel in Easton, pa courtesy of my new employer.

But I'm looking to relocate to Bethlehem because I hear it is more people my age (I'm 23, single)

Any help from anyone?


Would prefer a 2BR apartment, furnished or not. Cost is not a factor.

[toobusytoday]

If you want to rent an apartment that is part of a house then my guess is that you should be looking at Craigslist lehigh valley apts/housing for rent classifieds - craigslist or the local paper, The Morning Call - Allentown & Vicinity*Pennsylvania Apartment Finder | Search Southeast Pennsylvania Apartment Rental

The area around Main Street and Moravian College is where most of the restaurants, bars, shops are but there are a lot of young people on the South side also, because of Lehigh University. You just need to be careful because there have been break-in's in that area. This may be of some help Lehigh Valley Crime Map: Police reports from Allentown, Easton, Bethlehem from The Morning Call

[Video Monkey13]

[quote=toobusytoday;10547364]If you want to rent an apartment that is part of a house then my guess is that you should be looking at Craigslist lehigh valley apts/housing for rent classifieds - craigslist or the local paper, The Morning Call - Allentown & Vicinity*Pennsylvania Apartment Finder | Search Southeast Pennsylvania Apartment Rental

Yeah, I've been checking out Craigslist already. From what I've ascertained from the posters on this forum, I should avoid Allentown like the plague, but Bethlehem is reasonably safe (which is fine, given that that's where my job will be.). Anyway, what I was hoping someone could tell me is what the safe, desirable neighborhoods in Bethlehem are. I'll take 'safe' over 'trendy'. Thanks!

VM13

[Video Monkey13]

Okay, I guess I'll clarify further:

What are good, safe, residential neighborhoods that are within a 5-10 mile radius of Highland Ave./Bath Pike area? I'm trying to get an idea so I know what to look out for when scouring Craigslist & The Morning Call. I'd really appreciate some help here.

Thanks!
VM13

[JohnZ963]

There are some nice apartment complexes close to where you work but the prices are likely out of your range. You could try something in north Bethlehem. There are numerous apartments within regular-looking houses. North Bethlehem is generally anything north of the Lehigh river and east of Rt. 378. Most areas in north Bethlehem would put you within a 10-15 minute drive of your workplace. For $800 you should be able to find a nice 1BR apartment, anything less expensive is probably older/crappier. The closer you get to downtown/Main Street, the more the availability of off-street parking becomes an issue. Maybe something in the Moravian College area (although not right next to the school) or somewhere a little east of there would work for you. Check craigslist and the Morning Call newspaper classifieds. Drive around and you may see some for rent signs.

[Video Monkey13]

Originally Posted by JohnZ963

There are some nice apartment complexes close to where you work but the prices are likely out of your range. You could try something in north Bethlehem. There are numerous apartments within regular-looking houses. North Bethlehem is generally anything north of the Lehigh river and east of Rt. 378. Most areas in north Bethlehem would put you within a 10-15 minute drive of your workplace. For $800 you should be able to find a nice 1BR apartment, anything less expensive is probably older/crappier. The closer you get to downtown/Main Street, the more the availability of off-street parking becomes an issue. Maybe something in the Moravian College area (although not right next to the school) or somewhere a little east of there would work for you. Check craigslist and the Morning Call newspaper classifieds. Drive around and you may see some for rent signs.

Thank you! That's just what I wanted to know! Incidentally, at what point does Bethlehem end and Allentown begin? There's an apartment available on Union Blvd./New, it's listed as Bethlehem, but comes up as Allentown on Google Maps.

[JohnZ963]

Originally Posted by Video Monkey13

Thank you! That's just what I wanted to know! Incidentally, at what point does Bethlehem end and Allentown begin? There's an apartment available on Union Blvd./New, it's listed as Bethlehem, but comes up as Allentown on Google Maps.

I don't have a map handy, but in general terms, west Bethlehem meets Allentown around Pennsylvania Ave, Catasaqua Rd, Club Ave, etc.
The area of Union Blvd/New St. you are talking about is in north Bethlehem. There is a Union Blvd and a Union Street in Allentown which may be why the map you looked at is off.

I would avoid the area along Union Blvd between New Street and Main Street. There is a stretch of section 8/HUD rental rowhomes there with a few questionable inhabitants. Also the two blocks of Main Street across from the Sunoco station and Nick's Pizza are kinda trashy for some reason. Otherwise I don't have anything bad to say about the area. From that intersection of Union & New, New generally gets nicer the further north you go.

[toobusytoday]

John, I can't rep you again, but thanks for your helpful posts!