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

Bethlehem, PA Quality of Life Liv Score 603 How We Calculate Our Data |
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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.
Key industries in the Lehigh Valley include manufacturing, transportation and logistics, food and beverage processing, health care, and education.
Lehigh University & Northampton Community College
The weather here is pretty moderate. As a result, Bethlehem gets all four seasons (and snow if you’re lucky at Christmas).
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
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
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.
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.
Pay a visit to the Bethlehem Skateplaza. The plaza is a 23,000-square-foot park for bikers and skaters.
Enjoy Spanish plates, sangria and live music at Tapas on Main.
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.
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?
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
- 23.1
- Median Home Value
- $301,006
- Med. Household Income
- $56,034
- Total Population
- 75,571
- Median Property Tax
- $3,798