First Post - Looking to Possibly Move to LV (Bethlehem: apartment complex, renting)

[looknround]

Hi everyone. I'm looking at possibly moving to the LV area, depending on a job. I was hoping someone might be able to help me find an area that would work well for me. I'll show my preferences based on the sticky for this forum:

When are you moving? Early-mid Feb

Where are you coming from? Central NJ (not from NJ)

Why are you moving? NJ just isn't for me. Too expensive to start a life here and people just seem to have less respect for one another in general.

Where will you be working? Easton

Have you been here yet? Yes, but only for an interview and for a couple hours driving around exploring.

Will you buy or rent? Rent initially (a house hopefully) , looking to buy a house within a few years.

If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? I would prefer a house or a decent apartment complex. I would really like a garage, which I noticed is rare, at least in the areas I noticed. I didn't venture outside the busy areas, however.

How much can you spend? Hoping around $800/month

Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up? Walk up

Are you married or single? Single
Do you have children? Gotta meet someone first!
Do you have pets? No
Do you want or need a yard? No
Are you keeping a car? Yes
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? Activity nearby, but would prefer not to be right in a city.

What do you want to be closest to?
Work (within 20-30 min of Easton would be fine)
Shopping (doesn't need to be too close)
Basic services (supermarket, drugstore, etc.)
Nightlife (nearby would be nice)
Train or subway stations

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood? I'm 24, white, straight, would prefer a crowd of young professionals similar to me

I noticed that there are some very nice historical sections of Easton, but there are a lot of areas that are pretty "beat up" as well. I would prefer to be in an area that is a little more on the "fresh" side. I'm also into outdoor activities as well (hiking, biking, camping, etc.). Is LV a good place for outdoor type activities?

Thanks for any help you can provide!

[KristyLiz]

If I were single, I would want to live in Bethlehem - the cool, downtown part.

[valentine92]

I think Bethlehem would be a good choice for you also.

[toobusytoday]

I agree with Bethlehem but poster says, "would prefer not to be right in a city."

I think you might have to figure out your priorities. If you don't mind living amongst families and older people, you will be happy in any of the small towns surrounding Easton or Bethlehem. However, if you want to live with people in your demographic and actually have things to do in the evening, then you should consider living in the city. And if you agree with that, most of us on this forum like Bethlehem better then Easton. Welcome to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania There are festivals during the year, two great colleges in the city (Moravian and Lehigh), a lively Main Street and just a cool atmosphere. Oh, and a Casino.

If you really don't want to live in a city, Emmaus would be my pick for a younger vibe town. It's about 30 minutes from Easton. It's small main street has coffeeshops, a few restaurants and shops and a new bookstore. Emmaus Main Street Program

[looknround]

Thank for the replies, everyone! My main concerns with city living are vehicle storage (would prefer not to park on the street, garage if possible) and noise (not necessarily from others, but I work out at home which includes some jumping exercises that can make noise and I don't want to make neighbors mad). I will definitely check out Bethlehem for somewhere that would meet my needs/wants! Thanks again!

[valentine92]

Im sure you will be able to find something in Bethlehem, if you dont want to be down-town, there are many other great neighborhoods in the area that have lots of parking.