Moving to Allentown and looking for apartment and area info (Pittsburgh: where to stay, rental)

[mel.e.D]

When are you moving? Late October
Where are you coming from? Pittsburgh
Why are you moving? Job
Where will you be working? Whitehall Township
Have you been here yet? yes

Will you buy or rent? Rent first buying later
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?Doesn't matter and below $800 a month

Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up?doesn't matter

Are you married or single? Yes
Do you have children? no
Do you prefer public or private schools?
Do you have pets? Yes 2 dogs and 2 cats
Do you want or need a yard?would be nice!
Are you keeping a car?Yes
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet?calm

What do you want to be closest to?
Work
ShoppingYes
Basic services (supermarket, drugstore, etc.)Yes
Nightlife
Train or subway stations

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preferenceYes

I'm moving from a town called Ambridge which is about 25 miles outside Pittsburgh so a 10 to 20 mile commute does not bother me. Just wondering what areas to look at and where to stay away from. When I was out there for my interview, I stayed in Folgelsville(sp?) and it seemed like pretty nice area.

Also how does Allentown compare to Pittsburgh? Cost of living and people wise.

Thanks

mel

[mel.e.D]

I found out I need to be moving by the last weekend of October and will be starting work on Oct 6.

I really need some info on areas to look at.

Thanks

mel

[pennsynative]

Whitehall, Catasauqua, Northampton, Laurys Station, and Hanover Township are all nice areas and a close drive. They are all also close to shopping and nightlife. They are all pretty safe areas but I'd think you might have better luck finding a rental for your pets in Catty or Northampton. JMO. Best of luck and welcome to the Lehigh Valley.

By the way, GO STEELERS!

[Jillzilla]

I am moving to PA soon too and was up there visiting a few weeks ago. I liked the outskirts of Allentown, Bethlehem and Macungie (though, it was extremely quiet, cute town).

[mel.e.D]

I've looked out as far as Kutztown(?) so it's not like I need to live in Allentown just with in a 15 to 20 mile range.

Macungie has been mentioned in previous posts so it's worth a look.

Our big problem seems to be that she wants to rent a house and all I care about is being able to keep our demented little family together. Most places have a 2 pet limit, we have 2 cats and 2 dogs and i don't think I could give anyone up.

mel

[Love2Golf09]

Originally Posted by mel.e.D

I've looked out as far as Kutztown(?) so it's not like I need to live in Allentown just with in a 15 to 20 mile range.

Macungie has been mentioned in previous posts so it's worth a look.

Our big problem seems to be that she wants to rent a house and all I care about is being able to keep our demented little family together. Most places have a 2 pet limit, we have 2 cats and 2 dogs and i don't think I could give anyone up.

mel

If you will be working in Whitehall, why not live there? It's a safe area and there are tons of apts there, within a few blocks of rt22. it's also real close to lehigh valley mall and macarthur rd. i'd say that would be a nice choice for you.

[mel.e.D]

I guess the problem is the pet situation. Most places have a limit on pets and we have 2 cats and 2 dogs and I/we cannot give them up. They're our kids.

We were looking for a house to rent and most of them seem to be outside the city.

mel