Bethlehem, PABest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Located in the picturesque Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem is a vibrant city that blends history and modernity. From the thriving arts scene and ample outdoor activities to the welcoming community and low cost of living, it’s easy to see the magic of Christmas City.
Bethlehem, PA, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Bethlehem, PA, may be known as the “Christmas City” to tourists, but the more than 75,000 residents who call this Eastern Pennsylvania city home know that it’s one of the best places to live in the U.S. all year long.
Part of Bethlehem’s magic is its long history of innovation, with the Moravians developing the colonies’ first public water system in the mid-1700s all the way up to today’s impressive redevelopment of the SteelStacks. Once a manufacturer that made iron rail for railroads, the SteelStacks have been transformed into a community anchor for locals to come together and celebrate festivals, laugh at comedy shows, marvel at art exhibits and grab a bite to eat with friends.
Easy commutes and an ideal location 90 minutes west of New York City and an hour north of Philadelphia also help make Bethlehem one of the best places to live in the U.S.
Education is also stellar in Bethlehem, with excellent public and private schools plus 11 colleges in the Lehigh Valley that award 10,000 degrees annually across a breadth of disciplines. In addition, the region has made a name for itself in manufacturing, with everything from dog food to crayons and Mack Trucks and marshmallow Peeps made here. Other industries with a stronghold include business services, health care, transportation and logistics.
Bethlehem residents feel the love all year as this tight-knit community promotes togetherness and has a welcoming vibe for newcomers. But that spirit really comes alive during the holiday season. The German-style Christkindlmarkt Market, 81-foot-tall steel “Star of Bethlehem,” and lit evergreens all add to Bethlehem’s reputation as the jolliest city in the country.
Bethlehem, PA Quality of Life LivScore
Bethlehem, PA Top Categories
Education
Transportation
Economy
Bethlehem ranks highest for education, transportation and economy.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Bethlehem, PA
Bethlehem gets all four seasons (and is a place that dreams of a White Christmas). The average highs and lows are 83°F and 62°F (summer) and 39°F and 23°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Bethlehem is 38 inches, with the heaviest snowfall occurring from December to February.
The average annual rainfall in Bethlehem is around 45 inches a year, with slightly higher averages occurring in the summer months.
Bethlehem averages 202 sunny days a year.
Go ice skating at the SteelStacks during the holiday season. The refurbished steel manufacturing plant has been transformed into a hub for festivals, music, art exhibits and restaurants and is a community hub.
Bethlehem Weather
202 days
Average Annual Sun
45 inches
Average Annual Rain
38 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Bethlehem, PA
The holiday season! Not only is Bethlehem a bonafide “Christmas City,” but there’s also a giant Peep drop on New Year’s Eve. In addition, Bethlehem is home to Just Born Quality Confections, the maker of the beloved marshmallow Easter candy.
Learn about America’s industrial machines and early innovators at the National Museum of Industrial History. More things to do in the SteelStacks include toddler story times and a family movie series.
Share Spanish-style tapas and pitchers of raspberry mint or blood orange berry sangria at Tapas on Main.
Bitty & Beau’s is a coffee shop run by people with disabilities. It bills itself as a “human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop.” The Bethlehem shop is one of 23 nationwide.
The Local and State Economy in Bethlehem, PA
Key industries in Bethlehem include health care, manufacturing and educational services. St. Luke’s University Health Network, Lehigh University and Bethlehem Area School District are among the largest employers.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Bethlehem is 6%.
Yes, Pennsylvania has a state income tax.
Thanks to top hospitals like St. Luke’s University Hospital-Bethlehem Campus, Good Shepherd Specialty Hospital and Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Highland Avenue campus, Bethlehem residents can stay in good health. St. Luke’s is a nonprofit health care system whose flagship hospital is in the city and is regionally ranked as one of the best hospitals in Northeastern Pennsylvania, offering a wide range of medical services.
There are several colleges and universities in Bethlehem, PA, including Lehigh University and Northampton Community College.
Quick Facts About Bethlehem, PA
- Median Household Income
- $59,787
- Median Home Value
- $221,775
- Average State Property Tax
- $3,022
- Total Population
- 75,914
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $1,028
- Average Commute
- 18.21 minutes
Bethlehem is one of the best places to live in the U.S. thanks in part to top-tier education, a strong local economy and diverse amenities. Read even more about what makes Bethlehem a great community and consider other Pennsylvania cities perfect for families. Also, read what Pennsylvania residents love about living there.
