Bethlehem, PA
Looking to move to Bethlehem, PA? You’ve come to the right place. Livability helps people find their perfect places to live, and we’ve got everything you need to know to decide if moving to Bethlehem, PA is right for you.
Let’s start with the basics: Bethlehem, PA has a population of 75914. What about cost of living in Bethlehem, PA? The median income in Bethlehem, PA is $59,787 and the median home value is $221,775.
Read on to learn more about Bethlehem, PA, and if you’d like some tips and advice for making your big move, check out our Make Your Move page, where you’ll find all kinds of stories and insights including How to Start Over in a New City, Tips for Getting to Know a New City Before You Move and so much more.
Why You’ll Love Living in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Nestled in eastern Pennsylvania in the storied Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem is a city of about 75,000 with a rich heritage in colonial history and industry. While it may be small, Bethlehem is experiencing an economic and cultural renaissance, which makes it a natural draw for families and professionals to set down roots. Downtown is bursting with charm, thanks to the many original historic buildings dating back to the early 1740s. Living a stone’s throw from major players in the country’s economy, such as New York City and Philadelphia, doesn’t hurt either.
Thinking of moving to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Bethlehem, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Bethlehem, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.
What Makes Bethlehem, PA, a Best Place to Live in 2024
With a name like Bethlehem, PA, it’s hard not to think of Christmas, so why not celebrate the holiday in a big way? In fact, the city embraces the season with an 81-foot-tall steel “Star of Bethlehem,” sparkly trees and a German-style Christkindlmarkt Market. But, it earns a spot as one of the best places to live in the U.S. for many other reasons, too. Chief among them is affordable housing and a robust economy.
The city’s 76,000-plus residents are proud of Bethlehem’s innovative culture. After all, the Moravians who settled here were inventors, building the first public water system in the American Colonies back in 1754.
Today, the city’s strong community spirit carries over into the strong business community and the top-notch educational system. Bethlehem has excellent public and private schools and 11 colleges in the Lehigh Valley that turn out a highly educated workforce. Manufacturing is in this city’s DNA (think the steel industry), and companies here make everything from Mack Trucks to marshmallow Peeps. Other industries that flourish here include health care, business services, and transportation and logistics.
A location just 90 minutes west of New York City and an hour north of Philadelphia is also a boon for Bethlehem, but there’s no need to venture far from home since the city offers all kinds of arts and culture, nightlife, creative dining spots, historical sites and more. SteelStacks, for example, brings people together for all types of events and festivals the whole family can enjoy.
Bethlehem, PA Quality of Life LivScore
Bethlehem, PA Top Categories
Education
Amenities
Economy
Bethlehem ranks highest for education, amenities 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 33 inches, with the heaviest snowfall occurring from December to February.
The average annual rainfall in Bethlehem is around 47 inches a year, with slightly higher averages occurring in the summer months.
Bethlehem averages 203 sunny days a year.
Go ice skating at the SteelStacks during the holiday season. The refurbished steel manufacturing plant has been transformed into a community hub for festivals, music, art exhibits and restaurants. During the rest of the year, travel just a few miles out of town and hike a section of the Appalachian Trail or kayak along the Lehigh River.
Things To Do in Bethlehem, PA
Enjoy sunny days and get active by paying a visit to the Bethlehem Skateplaza. The plaza is a 23,000-square-foot park for bikers and skaters.
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.
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.
Bethlehem’s Main Street is a hub for local shops and boutiques. You can find unique items, gifts and locally crafted goods. Be sure to tuck into Moravian Book Shop, the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the world, founded in 1745.
Share Spanish-style tapas and pitchers of raspberry mint or blood orange berry sangria at Tapas on Main.
SteelStacks, a campus formerly owned by Bethlehem Steel, now hosts more than 1,000 concerts a year and eight annual festivals. While they often put on paid events, you can also attend any one of their 750 free performances throughout the year.
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 2024, 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 offers a wide range of medical services and is regionally ranked as one of the best hospitals in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
There are several colleges and universities in Bethlehem, including Lehigh University and Northhampton Community College.
Weather in Bethlehem, PA
Average Temperatures
62 High / 41 Low
Average Annual Rainfall
47 Inches
Average Annual Snowfall
33 Inches
Quick Facts about Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
- Median Home Value
- $226,329
- Median Property Tax
- $2,620
- Total Population
- 76,804
- Average Commute
- 18 min
- Median Household Income
- $69,096
- Median Rent per Month
- $1,013
Map of Bethlehem, PA
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