Easton? (Allentown, Bethlehem, Penn: low income, rent, crime)

[3divina]

The rent is cheaper in Easton than it is in Bethlehem and Allentown, why is this? Furthermore, my boyfriend's parents, who are from Bethlehem, say that Easton is "not so nice". Can someone elaborate? Is Easton ridden with crime, drugs, gangs? What is going on in Easton to make it "not so nice"?

[toobusytoday]

Easton is closer to the NJ/NY border so many people that want to move out of those areas will choose Easton for a closer commute. The majority of people that move are fine and upstanding new residents. However, there is the feel that gang members and undesirable people also move in. Like any city, there are good parts and bad parts to it.

[3divina]

Originally Posted by toobusytoday

Easton is closer to the NJ/NY border so many people that want to move out of those areas will choose Easton for a closer commute.

But wouldn't that make it a more expensive place to live?

[toobusytoday]

Not all of the new residents are earning the big bucks and planning to buy McMansions.

[househuntinginPA]

Rents are comparable in all three cities. All three cities have areas that are "undesirable": that is not to say "unsafe". Allentown is the largest of the three; Easton is the smallest. All three cities have very beautiful, historic districts and lovely homes. All three have areas of low income housing. There is really no generalization. All three cities are somewhat "up and coming" with attention being paid to revitalizing neighborhoods.

It depends on what you are looking for. I suggest you look at housing in all three cities and make an educated choice. I have several posts about Easton that you can research. For the record, I live downtown and absolutely love it. I can walk to more than 10 restaurants, the bank, the post office, many shops and art galleries. I feel perfectly safe. Good luck to you!

[toobusytoday]

Thank you househuntinginPA. I like your response much better then mine!

[3divina]

Originally Posted by toobusytoday

Not all of the new residents are earning the big bucks and planning to buy McMansions.

I thought that was the point of commuting, to earn the big bucks and buy the McMansions.

[househuntinginPA]

Since moving to Easton, I volunteer with several organizations whose sole purpose is to beautify downtown Easton and encourage people to change their attitudes that Easton is "crime ridden" and dangerous. I also work for a non profit organization that is helping to change similiar attitudes about Allentown and Bethlehem. It will take awhile to change perceptions, but for those of us who have made a commitment to living in a real neighborhood ( as opposed to the suburbs) the rewards are great.

[Pennsport]

As a born and raised Eastonian, I'm not sure I agree with the statement that Easton is up-and-coming. I certainly hope that's the case, and Lafayette College continues to expand, which will only benefit the city and tax base, but ultimately, it never transformed into the "residence of choice" for the wealthy New Jersey workers. This was the pitch in the late 90s, but only a few northern NJersians moved in.

There remains stagant industry, few jobs, and a relatively depressed downtown. With this said, having traveled the world over the last decade, the historical component and small city feel of Easton are impressive and under appreicated by most residents.

[3divina]

Originally Posted by Pennsport

As a born and raised Eastonian, I'm not sure I agree with the statement that Easton is up-and-coming. I certainly hope that's the case, and Lafayette College continues to expand, which will only benefit the city and tax base, but ultimately, it never transformed into the "residence of choice" for the wealthy New Jersey workers. This was the pitch in the late 90s, but only a few northern NJersians moved in.

So, who did move in?