Panoramic aerial view of Bethlehem, PA

Best Places to Live in the US in 2022 Sponsored by: eXp RealtyeXp Realty

UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.

Bethlehem, PA is the #82 Best City to Live in the USA

Panoramic aerial view of Bethlehem, PA
iStock.com/AlexPotemkin
Bethlehem, PA
Quality of Life
Liv Score

603
How We Calculate Our Data
Civics 38
Demographics 65
Economy 61
Education 56
Health 62
Housing 54
Infrastructure 45
Amenities 64

Why Bethlehem is one of the best cities to live in

Bethlehem, PA, is known as the “Christmas City,” and the holiday season is definitely extra-special here, with the German-style Christkindlmarkt Market, the glow of the 81-foot-tall steel “Star of Bethlehem” and lit evergreens. But this Eastern Pennsylvania community remains one of the best places to live in the U.S. all year long, thanks to a strong economy and affordable housing. Consider innovation to be in Bethlehem’s DNA; the Moravians built the first waterworks in the American colonies back in 1754, creating a municipal water system, and the first American-made violin was crafted here.

This former steel city has gone through a recent renaissance, and the Lehigh Valley is now a place that churns out patents for new products and is home to companies like OraSure Technologies and Crayola. Community traditions (there’s a Peeps drop on New Year’s Eve!), good schools, and impressive arts and culture complement the innovation.

What are Bethlehem’s major industries and employers?

Key industries in the Lehigh Valley include manufacturing, transportation and logistics, food and beverage processing, health care, and education. 

What are the major colleges and universities in Bethlehem?

Lehigh University & Northampton Community College

What is the weather like in Bethlehem? 

The weather here is pretty moderate. As a result, Bethlehem gets all four seasons (and snow if you’re lucky at Christmas).

What is there to do outside in Bethlehem?

Just a few miles out of town, residents can hike a section of the Appalachian Trail or kayak along the Lehigh River.

Bethlehem, PA is Remote-Ready

What makes Bethlehem a great place for remote workers?

A large percentage of Pennsylvanians work from home full-time — over 5%. And with one of the largest economies in the country on top of a low cost of living in Bethlehem, it seems to be a good option for remote workers looking to relocate. Bethlehem is full of cafes, bars and coworking spaces for those looking to get out of a home office and plenty of parks for off-hours. All households in the city of Bethlehem have access to high-speed internet of up to 1,000 Mbps.

What Locals Love in Bethlehem, PA

What is the best local bookstore in Bethlehem?

The Moravian Book Shop is the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the world, dating back to 1745. You’ll find Bethlehem-themed gifts here, too. 

How do you spend a weekend in Bethlehem?

There is always something fun happening at ArtsQuest, a hip arts and culture nonprofit with festivals, concerts, comedy shows and movies in an alehouse-style cinema.

What can you do for free in Bethlehem?

Pay a visit to the Bethlehem Skateplaza. The plaza is a 23,000-square-foot park for bikers and skaters.

What’s the best way to spend happy hour in Bethlehem?

Enjoy Spanish plates, sangria and live music at Tapas on Main

What’s something only locals know about Bethlehem?

Bethlehem was settled by the Moravians, the oldest Protestant denomination in the world. The city was named on Christmas Eve in 1741 after Count Zinzendorf of Saxony visited a two-room log home that housed people and animals.

Is Bethlehem, PA a good place to live?

A strong economy, affordable housing and plenty of opportunities for community engagement make Bethlehem a best place to live in Pennsylvania.

Thinking of Moving to Bethlehem?

What is the Bethlehem, PA Real Estate Market Like?

With homes for sale in Bethlehem, PA, at a median price of only $301K and one of the most diverse housing supplies in Lehigh County, every homebuyer looking for Pennsylvania homes might feel like Santa has come early, no matter the time of the year. The Bethlehem, PA real estate includes gorgeous family-friendly townhomes east of the South Side Historic District, old multi-family properties perfect for rental investment, and spacious detached and semi-detached homes north of the Lehigh River and close to all the downtown conveniences. Buyers looking for newly constructed houses will fall in love with the new development communities northeast of Bethlehem, in the suburban area of Middletown. If Bethlehem has caught your eye, an eXp real estate agent can guide you through the home buying process.

Quick Facts About Bethlehem, PA

Average Commute
18.21
Median Home Value
$221,775
Med. Household Income
$59,787
Total Population
75,914
Median Property Tax
$3,022

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