The Lehigh Valley fared well in two recent benchmarks that measure quality of life, which contributes to economic prosperity.
The Lehigh Valley ranked as the 21st hottest housing market in the nation, according to Realtor.com, a leading source of real estate analytics. And Livability.com, a website that ranks America’s most livable mid-sized cities, named Bethlehem as one of the Top 100 Best Places to Live in 2023.
"It's wonderful to see Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley continue to be recognized for the truly unique and special place that they are," said Don Cunningham, President and CEO of Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. (LVEDC). "The area is fast becoming an overnight sensation that has been decades in the making. Its combination of a great quality of life, good job opportunities, and a growing population in a very authentic location makes the city and the region standout in the country."
The rankings highlight the Lehigh Valley’s quality of life, which attracts the talent companies need to grow their business and compete. Located in eastern Pennsylvania about an hour north of Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley is among Pennsylvania’s fastest growing regions, particularly for young people, and was ranked No. 2 among regions its size in terms of new economic development. The number of jobs in the metro region is at an all-time high, with the manufacturing sector leading the way in terms of economic output.
Realtor.com determined the Lehigh Valley’s market as a top pick for May based on how quickly houses sell and how much interest there is in online listings.
Three Lehigh Valley zip codes were ranked among the top 100 hottest for May: 18017 (Bethlehem), 18064 (Nazareth), and 18104 (Allentown). The median listing price for homes in the Lehigh Valley in May was $384,520.
Livability.com’s Best 100 list is based on criteria such as the economy, housing, cost of living, cultural and leisure amenities, transportation, safety, health, education, and the environment.
Bethlehem, a city of 76,000, has reimagined its industrial economy into a diverse one with business parks, entertainment venues, and two downtowns that are undergoing a building boom with apartments under construction on both sides of the Lehigh River.
Bethlehem scored 757 on a scale of 1,000. It ranked highest in education, transportation, and the economy. Here’s how Livability.com summed up its findings, which were published June 14:
“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.”
Here’s more of what Livability.com said about Bethlehem:
“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.”