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Old 02-03-2011, 08:34 AM
 
42 posts, read 103,996 times
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We are considering moving to Macungie. My in-laws already have lived there for about 20 years. They keep harping on the fact that the area is "riddled with crime". I've never gotten that impression when I've visited. It seems safe. Could they mean Allentown (downtown)? I hope so. I think Macungie & its surrounding areas seem like a very nice place to live. Any help in clarifying this issue is much appreciated!
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Old 02-03-2011, 10:47 AM
 
1,245 posts, read 3,183,699 times
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You would be correct. Allentown and to a lesser extent Bethlehem do have crime problems. Macungie is a quiet quaint town. Macungie does have crime, but it is usually kids getting in trouble or locals drinking too much and the occasional drug bust.

I can't speak for your parents, but can tell you Allentown is a vastly different city than it was 20 years ago. Many people who were born and raised here, don't like the changes that have taken place in Allentown over the years.
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Old 02-03-2011, 12:16 PM
 
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Thanks for your thoughts. Sad to hear that it has changed that much over the past couple decades...
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Old 02-03-2011, 01:26 PM
 
1,245 posts, read 3,183,699 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CrazyKidsMommy View Post
Thanks for your thoughts. Sad to hear that it has changed that much over the past couple decades...
Everything changes with time. As has often been mentioned, not too long ago Macungie was a small village surrounded by nothing but farmland. Now it is a small farm surrounded by Macungie.

ETA:
I saw your post about moving from Hershey to Macungie. We will be moving from the hell that is NEPA in a little over a year. If we don't move back home (Lehigh Valley) we will probably move to the Hershey Harrisburg area. Let me know if your house is still for sale.
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Old 02-03-2011, 02:07 PM
 
Location: Lehighton/Jim Thorpe area
2,095 posts, read 3,103,217 times
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Macungie is a nice area and whomever is telling you that the area is "riddled" with crime really doesn't know what they are talking about. There is a certain element of criminal activity in Allentown, but it's confined to a very small area. I have never felt unsafe in Allentown nor Bethlehem.

One thing about Macungie, however, is that they are currently having a lot of problems within the town between the mayor and the police force. Here is a recent article from the Morning Call:

Macungie Borough controversies; Macungie controversies divide, embarrass residents - mcall.com

Your best bet is to do some online research in addition to asking questions here in order to get a true feeling about the area. Some people think that certain areas are really dangerous while others don't feel that way, so you'll get a mixed response when you ask if an area is "riddled with crime" or dangerous.
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Old 02-03-2011, 04:09 PM
 
42 posts, read 103,996 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lehigh Valley Native View Post
Everything changes with time. As has often been mentioned, not too long ago Macungie was a small village surrounded by nothing but farmland. Now it is a small farm surrounded by Macungie.

ETA:
I saw your post about moving from Hershey to Macungie. We will be moving from the hell that is NEPA in a little over a year. If we don't move back home (Lehigh Valley) we will probably move to the Hershey Harrisburg area. Let me know if your house is still for sale.

I've never been to NEPA before. Is it really that bad? If we do move it won't be until the summer of '12. So... Our house may still be for sale!
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Old 02-03-2011, 05:14 PM
 
Location: Emmaus, PA --> ABQ, NM
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I live in Emmaus and its as safe as safe can be. If something is gonna happen, its gonna happen. We had a bank robbery with a full blown shot out right before new years.
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Old 02-03-2011, 05:32 PM
 
1,245 posts, read 3,183,699 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CrazyKidsMommy View Post
I've never been to NEPA before. Is it really that bad? If we do move it won't be until the summer of '12. So... Our house may still be for sale!
The Wilkes - Barre / Scranton area has it's quirks for sure. I have never seen so many people covered with tattoos, and who want nothing but to smoke and drink. I don't want to sound judgmental, I really don't. But the area has very little cultural awareness, and the residents seem intent on keeping it that way.

My wife is an adjunct professor at a local college, and her contract is up next school year. At that point we will be leaving the area.
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Old 02-03-2011, 06:14 PM
 
Location: Hell
377 posts, read 670,533 times
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Allentown? Ya it's totally ghetto now. I've heard it called "The Little Apple". I work downtown and I don't think it's that bad but it's horrendous compared to how it was when I was a kid.

Macungie? I think it's fine. Only problems are like the other poster said...drunks, kids, etc.

Emmaus? My downtown friends refer to it as "Disneyland". LOL. I think Macungie is nicer however.
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Old 02-03-2011, 07:37 PM
 
Location: Emmaus, PA --> ABQ, NM
995 posts, read 2,728,297 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VegEm View Post

Emmaus? My downtown friends refer to it as "Disneyland". LOL. I think Macungie is nicer however.
Disneyland?
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