Tell me about some of PA's 2nd tier cities

[maf763]

Originally Posted by SteelCityRising

Scranton has the ever-expanding University of Scranton, Marywood University, Johnson College, Lackawanna College, and the new Commonwealth Medical College, along with several suburban campuses that include Penn State, Keystone College, and Baptist Bible College. Scranton also has three pretty large hospitals. To say that Lehigh University is a much larger economic driver to Bethlehem than the universities in Scranton are to the Electric City is a bit inaccurate.

I never said much, especially compared to a conglomeration of multiple schools and hospitals. I'll stand by saying it has a larger presence as a university with a national reputation than any of the organizations you have listed.

[toobusytoday]

Originally Posted by SteelCityRising

Scranton has the ever-expanding University of Scranton, Marywood University, Johnson College, Lackawanna College, and the new Commonwealth Medical College, along with several suburban campuses that include Penn State, Keystone College, and Baptist Bible College. Scranton also has three pretty large hospitals. To say that Lehigh University is a much larger economic driver to Bethlehem than the universities in Scranton are to the Electric City is a bit inaccurate.

Allentown and Bethlehem are two separate city's but geographically they are right next to each other and driving from one to another, you would not know where one starts and the other ends. Taken together then you have a combination of the following colleges West to East - Cedar Crest, Muhlenberg, Moravian and Lehigh. Go out 15 minutes in different directions and you have Lafayette, DeSales, PSU Lehigh Valley plus two community colleges. Lehigh's a great college, but it's not the only game in town.

There are also three large hospitals - Lehigh Valley, St. Luke's and Sacred Heart.

Economy-wise, I think that the Lehigh Valley is better off then many parts of the state, but I don't have the inclination to look it up, so maybe I'm wrong!

[Craziaskowboi]

Allentown and Bethlehem are both in growth mode thanks to their proximity to both Philadelphia and New York. Harrisburg is losing population but stable because it's the state capital. Scranton is also losing population, but its region grew for the first time in many decades, so it could be nearing an inflection point.

[danwxman]

Originally Posted by Gnutella

Allentown and Bethlehem are both in growth mode thanks to their proximity to both Philadelphia and New York. Harrisburg is losing population but stable because it's the state capital. Scranton is also losing population, but its region grew for the first time in many decades, so it could be nearing an inflection point.

Harrisburg gained population and the metro area is doing quite well in terms of economic and population growth.

[Lehigh Valley Native]

Originally Posted by jm02

Allentown
Bethlehem
Scranton
Harrisburg

From personal experience, as well as data that you can get off this site, as well as others. The most viable of the cities you have listed, IMHO, based off of economic growth, per capita income, cultural activities, school districts, crime, and what I perceive to be "a nice place to call home"

1) Bethlehem
2) Harrisburg (Harrisburg wins, if you incorporate suburbs, such as Hershey)
3) Scranton
4) Allentown

[Lehigh Valley Native]

Originally Posted by toobusytoday

There are also three large hospitals - Lehigh Valley, St. Luke's and Sacred Heart.
:

Actually, Allentown and Bethlehem have 6 major hospitals between the two cities.

LVH-Cedar Crest Allentown
LVH-Fairgrounds - Allentown
LVH - Muhlenberg - Bethlehem
Sacred Heart - Allentown
St. Lukes - Allentown
St. Lukes Bethlehem

Add in Easton Hospital and the Lehigh Valley has 7 hospitals. Are we that sick, we need 7 hospitals??? jeez

[Craziaskowboi]

Originally Posted by danwxman

Harrisburg gained population and the metro area is doing quite well in terms of economic and population growth.

Ah, silly me. I know that the Harrisburg region is growing, but I was speaking about the city proper. Being the state capital will make the city stable, though, regardless of whether it gains or loses population.