Good place with a few drawbacks
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5/28/2011
We live in Center Valley, right between Bethlehem and Allentown, PA. We've lived here for a little over 20 years.
Housing costs are a little higher than they should be, but there is a wide range of housing at different cost levels available. Medical care around here is *superb* (lots of hospitals and health networks with good doctors and we are an hour from Philadelphia). Local taxes are reasonable and state tax is low. Utilities are fairly dear here in the Northeast and winters can be cold and often snowy (up to 6' of snow). For those with allergies, the Lehigh Valley can be a challenge, depending on what you are allergic to.
The people are nice in general, although there is some Northeast reserve. (Folks in line seldom talk with one another. Contrast this with impromptu conversations in grocery store lines in many places in the South.) There are *lots* of local colleges and universities, so there are plenty of cultural opportunities. Further, Bethlehem holds MusicFest every August and closes the streets for 10 days of music, food and acts. Much excellent music is free. In September the town hosts Celtic Classic, complete with highland games. Once again, one does not need to spend money in order to have a good time. Allentown does MayFair at the end of May and it has good offerings as well.
The Sands Casino opened here a couple of years ago, so now the community has gambling. That is either a pro or a con, depending on one's point of view. They are converting the old Bethlehem Steel plant into a mall, hotel, arts space and casino and it already has an Emeril restaurant and other food venues.
There is very little public transportation outside the center city, so one typically needs a car to get around here. Gas prices tend to be slightly higher in PA than in VA, MD or NC. This is likely due to state gas taxes.
Crime is not much of a problem in the suburbs, but there is notable crime in parts of Allentown and Bethlehem. Unemployment in this area is slightly lower than in the big cities of the state. The quality of the schools varies, with some excellent schools in the surrounding areas (like Saucon Valley, Parkland and Southern Lehigh) and some challenged schools in the cities (like Allen High School and Broughal Middle School).
Ward | Center Valley, PA