Economic Growth of Lehigh Valley Area (Allentown, Reading: real estate, how much, hotels)

[NYS2PA]

Considering a move to the LV area...
Any thoughts about the economic growth of the LV area (Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton)? I know a lot of people are moving to this area, or so it seems, from NYC/NJ and perhaps other areas, and driving up the real estate costs. All this is, probably, really due to the high cost of living/housing/taxes in NYC/NJ, but in terms of real economic growth, how is this area growing in terms of jobs/business/quality of life etc... and how is the suppot from government?

How will the housing prices grow in the coming 5-10 years?

What is the best municipality/area to buy a house that will appreciate well in value, if it will?

Looking at the map (google) it looks like the the NYC/NJ/Philly metro area is expanding in the LV area direction (NW)...or already has, but how much sustainaible is this growth??

Any thoughts...pointers, weblinks will be appreciated...hope to have a good discussion going on this topic. Best regards!

[toobusytoday]

According to this article in Tuesday's Morning Call (local newspaper) we're doing very well: http://www.mcall.com/business/local/...,2157081.story

''Overall, the Lehigh Valley economy is doing rather well,'' said Scott Meckley, an industry and business analyst with the labor department.

The jobless rate is 3.8%, which sounds low to me. I know my area is doing very well and growing a bit too fast for my taste. The positive note is that it's good growth. Olympus moved it's headquarters here about a year ago and a sort of upscale shopping center opened up in the fall. A couple of nice hotels are also supposed to be built within the year. Everyday at the library where I work we're giving out new library cards to people that just moved to the area.

In the larger LV area, a casino will be built in Bethlehem. Lehigh U seems to be cleaning up it's frats and the southside of Bethlehem is being renovated. How is the support of government? I don't know, around here the general feeling is slow and steady and let's try to hold onto our open space. I don't especially want to become a trendy spot that people want to move to. I like the church and family focused area that we are right now.

[flyingscarf]

Geographically, the Lehigh Valley is poised for growth. At the near intersection between NYC, NJ, Philly, and DC, the Lehigh Valley has several colleges and universities, including the prestigious Lehigh University. The Lehigh Valley offers a good blend of rural (farmer's markets and fruit stands), suburban (schools), and urban (fun festivals in Bethlehem and downtown shopping) communities.

The largest employers in the Lehigh Valley are Lehigh and St. Luke's Hospitals. Unfortunately, the Lehigh Valley suffers a dearth of corporate headquarters and cultivating a rewarding career is somewhat difficult. Jobs tend to pay less than compared on salary.com. Many who earn above median income work in NYC and NJ. Commuting to NYC and NJ requires much stamina and dedication. Interested in waking at 3AM each morning?

Although the housing market has cooled within the past year, housing prices in the Lehigh Valley will almost certainly appreciate in the long run. Parkland and East Penn school districts are the best in Lehigh County. However, watch out for Allentown's skyrocketing taxes.

Personally, the best part of the Lehigh Valley is the greenery. I am an avid photographer (flyinscarf.com) and enjoy visiting the parks in Allentown.

If you decide to relocate to the Lehigh Valley, welcome!

[toobusytoday]

I disagree slightly with a couple of points of yours flyingscarf. We're not really that close to Washington DC - not at the intersection anyway.

Also, It's not a fact that East Penn and Parkland have the best school districts. If you do a comparison on schoolmatters.com, you'll see that Southern Lehigh is higher then East Penn overall and better then Parkland in Reading, but Parkland comes out on tops in math. Overall, Parkland, Southern Lehigh and Saucon are the best school districts academic wise. Unless you're comparing football teams, then our smaller schools don't come out so well!

Three area business that are doing well are Air Products, Olympus and Lutron. Olympus chose to leave Long Island I believe partly because the CEO lived here in the Center Valley area and was tired of commuting. (or something like that).

I agree that our natural beauty is enough to move here for. We've sure enjoyed it.