Urban Living? (Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton: condo, how much, townhouses)

[wangka]

Hi,

I've always been interested in living in a large townhouse in a walkable community. Which parts of Allentown/ Bethlehem/ Easton (or NEPA) would fit the bill? (Or mayabe are getting there in the next 5 to 10 years).

When are you moving? 5+ years
Where are you coming from? northern NJ
Why are you moving? cost of living, change of pace
Where will you be working? unsure
Have you been here yet? very briefly a few times

Will you buy or rent? buy
If buying, are you looking for a house or a condo? How much can you spend? townhouse, <500k or so

Are you married or single? Do you have children? married
Do you have pets? dog
Do you want or need a yard? a very small backyard/outdoor space is fine
Are you keeping a car? yes
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? moderate

What do you want to be closest to? some basic services, shopping

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood? theoretically would like living near university/educators etc at.

Thanks!

[Patmcpsu]

You didn't mention if you have/want kids, but if they aren't in the picture, there are some beautiful victorian houses in North Bethlehem in your price range. Anything just-north of the river and close to Main Street, really, but consider East Market Street ground zero. This area would be walkable to Main Street Bethlehem and even Lehigh University if the weather isn't bad. Do a Google Street view of the area; it's very charming.

I know you said townhouse, but the houses are mostly twins or even standalone (there are some rowhomes). You can get a nice place for under $500k, easily.

The reason these houses are such a good value is that the school district isn't very good and the taxes are higher-than-average (about $1,600 per $100,000 of house).

[ringler24]

Downtown Easton fits the bill. Everything walkable and you can get a beautiful brick row-home for well under that budget.

[wangka]

Thanks, very much appreciate the information!

[j_ws]

The townhouses in Allentown around West Park are amazing. This area of Allentown, in general, has arguably some of the best urban residential architecture in the entire state. I don't see a lot on the market right now but it is for sure an area to watch.

https://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sal...ct/16_zm/1_fr/

No longer on the market, but a good example of the aesthetics I'm talking about: https://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sal..._zm/1_rs/1_fr/

https://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sal..._zm/1_rs/1_fr/