Welcome to Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.
Imagine a place where you can breathe in fresh air from the top of a mountain and be back in a thriving downtown in less time than it took you to hike to the top.
Consider the possibilities of added free time in your schedule when your doorto-door commute is cut in half and your spending power is multiplied thanks to an affordable cost of living.
Picture the opportunities for learning— ranging from numerous public, charter, and private K-12 offerings to nationally-ranked colleges and universities—that will enable you and your family to thrive.
To top it off, you’ll be surrounded by worldclass healthcare providers offering everything from general practice to specialized surgery, rehabilitation, and athletic performance training.
All that (and more) is Made Possible in Lehigh Valley. The region has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing economies in the nation, and is just a short drive away from major mid-Atlantic cities including New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C.
3.2 million
people within an hour’s drive Chmura Economics JobsEQ
Lehigh Valley is conveniently located within a day’s drive of nearly one-third of the total U.S. population. We’re 90 miles from New York City, 60 miles from Philadelphia, and accessible by air to 15 nonstop destinations via the Lehigh Valley International Airport.
In Lehigh Valley, you’ll quickly find that the pace of life allows for less time commuting back and forth from the office and more time establishing a homebase within the community, plus some extra time (and money) to taste your way through the local food scene, immerse yourself in arts and culture, and explore the great outdoors with an impressive lineup of parks, trails, and waterways.
In the pages ahead, we offer a look at the region through the eyes of locals who call Lehigh Valley home. Explore opportunities
for living, working, and learning in this land of makers and dreamers, fueled by heritage and tradition that build strong, thriving communities.
Getting here &
Getting around
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) is a convenient, family-friendly airport offering daily nonstop flights to leisure and business destinations served by Allegiant, American, Delta, and United Airlines to 15 nonstop destinations. Your neighborhood airport provides the perfect travel
Downtown Allentown
environment for you and your family, with a children’s play area, sensory room, and therapy dog program.
Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA) provides accessible daily bus and paratransit service throughout Lehigh Valley.
Bus service to the nearby metro areas is available via Trans-Bridge Lines, Inc. to various locations in New York City and Newark-Liberty International Airport. In addition to regional public transit, Uber & Lyft services are prevalent in Lehigh Valley.
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE)
photo
photo by paul
s. bartholomew
1744-1772 Single Sisters’ House, Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
experience lehigh valley
Four seasons of adventure.
Discover a place with the vibrancy of your favorite Crayola® colors, the soundtrack of your favorite Martin® guitar riff, and the romance of historic covered bridges. Steeped in pre-Colonial, early American, and industrial history, Lehigh Valley is bursting with nationally-recognized events, exciting nightlife, adventurous outdoor activities, and modern and contemporary arts—not what you’d expect from a place that is also home to rolling hills and calming countrysides.
Explore all that Lehigh Valley has to offer. If there was ever a place to lift your spirits in the most unexpected ways, this is it.
Visitors to Lehigh Valley can take advantage of a wide variety of accommodations from nationally-recognized brands in easily accessible locations, full-service resorts, or quaint bed & breakfasts offering a relaxing escape.
Lehigh Valley Phantoms
see how lehigh valley does festivals.
From the magic of the holiday season to food-centric celebrations, Lehigh Valley has a festival to fit all tastes. Mark your calendars for annual favorites including Blues Brews & Barbecue, Musikfest™, Lehigh Valley Pride, the Wheels of Time Hot Rod Jamboree, Great Allentown Fair, PA Bacon Fest, Christkindlmarkt, and more. On top of these large-scale festivals, you’ll find upwards of 50 events happening each weekend throughout the region, ensuring that there’s always fun to be had!
Cheer for the home team.
Lehigh Valley marks the path for athletes looking to hit the major leagues. Catch the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, in action at Coca-Cola Park (and be sure to enjoy some bacon-centric treats). During the winter months, head indoors to the PPL Center for a Lehigh Valley Phantoms game, AHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers.
Watch Olympic hopefuls speed around the banked track at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center, one of the top destinations in the world for track cycling.
Wow your family.
Kids of all ages will find things to see and do in Lehigh Valley, and parents won’t
have to worry about breaking the bank! Race down rollercoasters at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom. Create your next piece of artwork at the Crayola Experience™. Uncover the science of how things work at the Da Vinci Science Center and see animals from all over the world at the Lehigh Valley Zoo.
Crayola Experience™
Three Oak Steakhouse, Easton
Immerse yourself in culture & history.
Lehigh Valley’s historic Moravian Bethlehem, a National Historic Landmark District, nominated to the UNESCO World Heritage List, preserves a historically rich, and culturally significant way of life for over 300 years. For a dose of culture, tour facilities including the Allentown Art Museum (which is FREE!), the National Museum of Industrial History (a Smithsonian affiliate), and the C.F. Martin Guitar Museum.
Stay the night.
The area boasts award-winning accommodations including the Historic Hotel Bethlehem, named one of the top five historic hotels in the nation. Plan a weekend of fun at Bear Creek Mountain Resort or Wind Creek Bethlehem where you can enjoy fun,
Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania
Musikfest™
Americus Hotel, Allentown
food, and comfortable accommodations under one roof. You’ll find everything from quaint, countryside bed & breakfasts to top-of-the-line downtown hotels, like the Renaissance® Allentown Hotel and unique boutique inns, like Sayre Mansion and Glasbern—all sure to provide a good night’s rest.
Breathe in fresh air.
Whether you’re looking to explore on foot, by bike, or via the water, Lehigh Valley offers an unparalleled outdoor recreation scene. Don’t miss the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor which spans 165 miles of rail trails, 48 of them passing through Lehigh Valley. Find more trails via THE LINK, an interconnected, multi-use trail network, online at thelinktrails.com.
taste the local flavors.
From fresh produce at area farmers markets to James Beard-nominated restaurants, the food scene in Lehigh Valley is flourishing. Look beyond traditional sit-down restaurants for dining opportunities at food halls in downtown Allentown and Easton, both featuring vendors cooking up everything
from ramen to tacos, barbecue, Korean cuisine, and more. Or, scope out food trucks that can often be found popping up at breweries and special events. Perhaps you’re looking to put your own cooking skills to the test. With multiple farmers markets throughout Lehigh Valley, including a number of year-round offerings, you’ll always have fresh, local produce within
reach. These local flavors extend beyond foodie-favorite restaurants with a booming craft beverage scene of nearly 50 makers of wine, beer, and distilled spirits. Lehigh Valley is recognized as an American Viticultural Area and features internationally-acclaimed winemakers who are revitalizing Old World styles in the hillsides of the region.
Galen Glen Winery
National Canal Museum, Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor
Eight Oaks Farm Distillery
Vibrant & caring communities
From the downtowns of its three cities to the main streets of smaller communities, Lehigh Valley has the right neighborhood for you to call home. You will find world-class health care, outstanding educational opportunities, affordable housing options in urban, suburban, and rural settings, and more than enough things to do and places to eat. Lehigh Valley is the very definition of neighborhood living. Get to know the various regions of Lehigh Valley:
Allentown
The city has seen a resurgence with massive development in the walkable downtown area, bringing thousands of employees into new Class-A office space, welcoming residents to newly-constructed apartments, and ushering in new businesses to fill the needs of new clientele. The city stays true to its roots with the Allentown Fair & Fairgrounds Farmers Market, the expansive grounds of Lehigh Parkway, impressive history of the Liberty Bell Museum, and more.
Bethlehem
Segmented by the Lehigh River, the city of Bethlehem blends pre-Colonial history with modern arts, dining, and more. Explore the North Side, which is home to Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, the luxurious Historic Hotel Bethlehem, and picturesque Main Street. Cross the river to the South Side Arts District to dive into the arts and cultural scene with ArtsQuest™ and the SteelStacks™ campus at its core.
Easton
Discover a city that is continually redefining itself as a hub for creatives, food-lovers, and more. Easton’s sense of community is palpable at its events including Easton Out Loud, where downtown restaurants and merchants open their doors and host Fourth Friday celebrations. Stroll along the Bushkill Creek to the newly established Simon Silk Mill property where you’ll find a variety of new businesses popping up in renovated industrial spaces.
Northern Lehigh Valley: Slate Belt Region & Nazareth
A region of small towns and big experiences, in the Slate Belt you can sip locally made wines, enjoy canoeing or tubing on the Delaware River, explore the outdoors for a peaceful walk or brisk hike, or tour the home of world-famous Martin Guitar.
Northwestern Lehigh Valley: Schnecksville & Slatington
A short distance from the region’s cities is a countryside of rolling hills with farms, parks and trails. Find picturesque covered bridges, America’s oldest drive-in movie theatre, and access to hike the famed Appalachian Trail.
Western Lehigh Valley: Macungie, Emmaus, & Trexlertown
Known to be a prime location for raising a family, the communities of Emmaus, Macungie, and Trexlertown keep their roots and true hometown feel with main streets full of small businesses.
Southern Lehigh Valley: Center Valley & Hellertown
Explore the convergence of history and convenient lifestyle centers featuring shopping, dining, nightlife, and more. These communities bridge the gap between open spaces and urban vibrancy.
Connect with Community Community engagement and interaction are as strong as ever. Residents give back through organizations ranging from Main Street development initiatives, local ambassador programs, and volunteer opportunities through diverse places of worship, arts communities, and nonprofits.
Find connections with like-minded groups through networking and affinity programming sponsored by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce with various business and diversity councils including Young Professionals, Hispanic, Women’s, African American Business Leaders, LGBTQ, Veterans & Military, and more.
Organizations like the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Center take initiatives a step further offering community-driven programming at their brick and mortar location ranging from art gallery openings, performances, movie nights, and more. The organization also hosts the annual Pride festival each summer.
When you’re ready to dive in and get involved, consider connecting with some of these groups to establish a network through the region. Additionally, the Volunteer Center of Lehigh Valley can help connect you with organizations that fit your interests.
Lehigh Valley ZIP Codes Ranked Among America’s Hottest Two Years in a Row
Realtor.com
U.S. Census Bureau
Townley House Hotel
Outstanding Schools for all levels of learning
Lehigh Valley has been a center for education since the mid-1700s. The region boasts outstanding pre-K, primary, secondary, technical, and post-secondary schools that prepare their students for future success.
Lehigh Valley has 17 public school districts under Pennsylvania’s community-based public education system, as well as private, parochial, and charter schools that offer parents multiple educational choices for their children.
The region’s three career and technical schools are aligned with Lehigh Valley school districts and provide quality, skillsbased education that prepares students for a wide range of in-demand jobs in manufacturing, industrial trades, and technical fields.
Two community colleges in Lehigh Valley award 15% of the associate degrees granted in Pennsylvania. They also provide a variety of certificate and specialized programs, and dual enrollment opportunities for qualifying high school students.
15% of community college degrees in Pennsylvania are from Lehigh Valley.
National Center for Education Statistics 11
colleges & universities in lehigh valley
Cedar Crest College
DeSales University
East Stroudsburg University
Kutztown University
Lafayette College
Lehigh Carbon
Community College
Lehigh University
Moravian university
Muhlenberg College
Northampton
Community College
Penn State Lehigh Valley
Lehigh Valley is home to 11 colleges and universities that award more than 10,000 degrees in a wide range of subjects from science and engineering, to business, to education and the liberal arts each year.
Higher education options in addition to our community colleges include six private colleges and universities and three public, state-affiliated universities. We’re also home to the nation’s oldest, continuously operated nursing school and a medical school option offered by St. Luke’s University Health Net-
work and the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.
In addition to the outstanding local colleges and universities, Lehigh Valley is within easy driving distance of several top-rated U.S. research universities.
extracurriculars
The arts thrive in Lehigh Valley. Performing arts at our colleges and universities include the
Moravian University
Lehigh Valley schools prepare students for success.
renowned Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival hosted each summer by DeSales University.
High school performers have the opportunity to shine in Lehigh Valley’s unique FREDDY® Awards program, which recognizes outstanding achievement in musical theater. The program was created by Lehigh Valley’s State Theatre Center for the Arts in Easton. Each year it involves nearly 3,000 students in theater performance and production.
Younger performers have a range of opportunities to develop their talents with organizations such as the Pennsylvania Youth Theatre, Civic Theatre School, and the Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley.
Allentown’s Baum School of Art and Bethlehem’s Banana Factory Arts Center offer classes, workshops, and programs in art and design for children and adults. You can try your hand at glassblowing, pottery, figure drawing,
painting, photography, digital design, fashion, cartooning, and other creative outlets.
For the sports fans, Lehigh Valley colleges and universities participate in various levels of NCAA competition. College sports traditions run deep in Lehigh Valley: the annual football game between Lehigh University and Lafayette College is the longest uninterrupted rivalry game in the country, and has been played each year since 1884.
the FREDDY Awards
Freddie Awards, State Theatre Center For The Arts
There’s a reason why Lehigh Valley is different
A pet-friendly community that’s a major center for pet food manufacturing
Make no bones about it – Lehigh Valley is a pet paradise.
From the region’s many hiking trails and community dog parks, to pet days at the IronPigs minor league baseball games, Lehigh Valley is a place where our furry friends can have a ball.
They can even eat local.
Nearly half of Pennsylvania’s jobs in dog and cat food production are in Lehigh Valley. We’re home to Nestle Purina, Spot & Tango, and Freshpet.
Freshpet CEO Billy Cyr grew up here. He said Lehigh Valley’s secret is sourcing local for pet food ingredients.
“There’s a ton of chicken between here, the Delmarva Peninsula and eastern Pennsylvania,” he said. “The chicken we buy has to be fresh. So, we need to be very close to the place where the chicken is harvested.”
Pet food is one of many products made here in Lehigh Valley, which has a rich tradition of innovation and remains a manufacturing hub for iconic brands such as Crayola, Mack Trucks, Marshmallow Peeps, and
top 10 for business growth
consistently ranked top 10 in the country for business growth among mid-sized markets (populations 200k-1m)
Site Selection Magazine, March 2020
Martin Guitar. Manufacturing is the largest segment of the region’s economy. While manufacturing has been in decline in many parts of the United States, it continues to grow and thrive in Lehigh Valley.
Freshpet, for example, moved its manufacturing facility to Lehigh Valley in 2013 and has since expanded twice. Its operations here include manufacturing, distribution, and a testing center for innovative new products to keep pets happy and healthy. Freshpet employs 600 in Lehigh Valley. Cyr said there’s room for growth as more pet owners prioritize their pets’ health and the quality of the food they feed them.
That makes pet food manufacturing in Lehigh Valley a recipe for success.
resources for entrepreneurs start your business here
Lehigh Valley, Pa., is home to makers and dreamers. We have resources that help turn great ideas into growing businesses. Entrepreneurs, launch your dreams here.
Small Business Support
Small Business Development Center at Lehigh University
Business Incubators
Ben Franklin Tech Ventures
Bridgeworks Enterprise Center
Pi: Partnership for Innovation University
Entrepreneurship Programs
Lehigh University Baker Institute
Lafayette College Dyer Center
Penn State Lehigh Valley LaunchBox
Prototype Lab
Northampton Community College Fab Lab
Sam Masotto, Owner of Bonn Place Brewing Co.
From Broadway to Bethlehem
Couple
finds a community they love, that loves them back
When traveling actors Gina and Sam Masotto first arrived in Bethlehem, they had spent years crisscrossing the country as ‘Tony’ and ‘Tina’ in the popular theater comedy production ‘Tony n’Tina’s Wedding’. Searching for a community to put down roots, they fell in love with the city’s historical charm and culture.
After spending time in New York City and New Jersey, the couple decided to take a break from the stage and pursue a different passion: brewing beer. When he wasn’t acting, Sam bartended at the famous Pony Bar and landed brewing gigs at places like Newburgh Brewing. In Bethlehem he and his wife saw an opportunity to bring something unique to the city’s SouthSide and opened their own brewery, Bonn Place Brewing Company, in 2016.
Quickly becoming a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, the brewery’s wares have won several awards including two
prestigious Great American Beer Festival medals. Not just a source of delicious ales and lagers, the space serves as a community gathering place where neighbors can come together to enjoy good drinks, pick up an order from a local farm CSA, and take in live reggae. With local artists adorning the walls and Pennsylvania-grown malt in the brews, Bonn Place is truly a place that keeps it local. After moving to Bethlehem, the couple started a family and are ecstatic to raise their son in a city they love and loves them back. The brewery has grown from a fledgling startup to a staple of Bethlehem’s SouthSide Arts District. Now, the duo are preparing to open a second location in nearby Fountain Hill in a former tavern frequented by steelworkers. The Masotto’s success is a testament to the powerful combination of passion and place that can not only bring love, but success and a true sense of belonging.
resources
Discover Lehigh Valley®
Find inspiring trip ideas, attractions, festivals, and places to stay. DiscoverLehighValley.com
Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation
Find resources for entrepreneurs, employment opportunities, cost of living calculator, and more. LehighValley.org
Cost of Living Calculator
See just how affordable we are. LehighValley.org/Cost
Job Searches
Seek new opportunities. LVMadePossible.com/Work CareerLinkLehighValley.org
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Member Directory
Find the businesses you need. LehighValleyChamber.org
Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors Search for a home GLVR.org
LINC
Supporting successful transitions to the Lehigh Valley linc-lv.org
photo by
jeremiah reardon
@nilohodgephoto
@mattatroyer
@citycenterallentown
@okletseat_
@ssigafoos
@theroccosays
Welcome to Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.
Imagine a place where you can breathe in fresh air from the top of a mountain and be back in a thriving downtown in less time than it took you to hike to the top.
Consider the possibilities of added free time in your schedule when your doorto-door commute is cut in half and your spending power is multiplied thanks to an affordable cost of living.
Picture the opportunities for learning— ranging from numerous public, charter, and private K-12 offerings to nationally-ranked colleges and universities—that will enable you and your family to thrive.
To top it off, you’ll be surrounded by worldclass healthcare providers offering everything from general practice to specialized surgery, rehabilitation, and athletic performance training.
All that (and more) is Made Possible in Lehigh Valley. The region has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing economies in the nation, and is just a short drive away from major mid-Atlantic cities including New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C.
3.2 million
people within an hour’s drive Chmura Economics JobsEQ
Lehigh Valley is conveniently located within a day’s drive of nearly one-third of the total U.S. population. We’re 90 miles from New York City, 60 miles from Philadelphia, and accessible by air to 15 nonstop destinations via the Lehigh Valley International Airport.
In Lehigh Valley, you’ll quickly find that the pace of life allows for less time commuting back and forth from the office and more time establishing a homebase within the community, plus some extra time (and money) to taste your way through the local food scene, immerse yourself in arts and culture, and explore the great outdoors with an impressive lineup of parks, trails, and waterways.
In the pages ahead, we offer a look at the region through the eyes of locals who call Lehigh Valley home. Explore opportunities
for living, working, and learning in this land of makers and dreamers, fueled by heritage and tradition that build strong, thriving communities.
Getting here &
Getting around
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) is a convenient, family-friendly airport offering daily nonstop flights to leisure and business destinations served by Allegiant, American, Delta, and United Airlines to 15 nonstop destinations. Your neighborhood airport provides the perfect travel
Downtown Allentown
environment for you and your family, with a children’s play area, sensory room, and therapy dog program.
Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA) provides accessible daily bus and paratransit service throughout Lehigh Valley.
Bus service to the nearby metro areas is available via Trans-Bridge Lines, Inc. to various locations in New York City and Newark-Liberty International Airport. In addition to regional public transit, Uber & Lyft services are prevalent in Lehigh Valley.
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE)
photo
photo by paul
s. bartholomew
1744-1772 Single Sisters’ House, Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
experience lehigh valley
Four seasons of adventure.
Discover a place with the vibrancy of your favorite Crayola® colors, the soundtrack of your favorite Martin® guitar riff, and the romance of historic covered bridges. Steeped in pre-Colonial, early American, and industrial history, Lehigh Valley is bursting with nationally-recognized events, exciting nightlife, adventurous outdoor activities, and modern and contemporary arts—not what you’d expect from a place that is also home to rolling hills and calming countrysides.
Explore all that Lehigh Valley has to offer. If there was ever a place to lift your spirits in the most unexpected ways, this is it.
Visitors to Lehigh Valley can take advantage of a wide variety of accommodations from nationally-recognized brands in easily accessible locations, full-service resorts, or quaint bed & breakfasts offering a relaxing escape.
Lehigh Valley Phantoms
see how lehigh valley does festivals.
From the magic of the holiday season to food-centric celebrations, Lehigh Valley has a festival to fit all tastes. Mark your calendars for annual favorites including Blues Brews & Barbecue, Musikfest™, Lehigh Valley Pride, the Wheels of Time Hot Rod Jamboree, Great Allentown Fair, PA Bacon Fest, Christkindlmarkt, and more. On top of these large-scale festivals, you’ll find upwards of 50 events happening each weekend throughout the region, ensuring that there’s always fun to be had!
Cheer for the home team.
Lehigh Valley marks the path for athletes looking to hit the major leagues. Catch the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, in action at Coca-Cola Park (and be sure to enjoy some bacon-centric treats). During the winter months, head indoors to the PPL Center for a Lehigh Valley Phantoms game, AHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers.
Watch Olympic hopefuls speed around the banked track at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center, one of the top destinations in the world for track cycling.
Wow your family.
Kids of all ages will find things to see and do in Lehigh Valley, and parents won’t
have to worry about breaking the bank! Race down rollercoasters at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom. Create your next piece of artwork at the Crayola Experience™. Uncover the science of how things work at the Da Vinci Science Center and see animals from all over the world at the Lehigh Valley Zoo.
Crayola Experience™
Three Oak Steakhouse, Easton
Immerse yourself in culture & history.
Lehigh Valley’s historic Moravian Bethlehem, a National Historic Landmark District, nominated to the UNESCO World Heritage List, preserves a historically rich, and culturally significant way of life for over 300 years. For a dose of culture, tour facilities including the Allentown Art Museum (which is FREE!), the National Museum of Industrial History (a Smithsonian affiliate), and the C.F. Martin Guitar Museum.
Stay the night.
The area boasts award-winning accommodations including the Historic Hotel Bethlehem, named one of the top five historic hotels in the nation. Plan a weekend of fun at Bear Creek Mountain Resort or Wind Creek Bethlehem where you can enjoy fun,
Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania
Musikfest™
Americus Hotel, Allentown
food, and comfortable accommodations under one roof. You’ll find everything from quaint, countryside bed & breakfasts to top-of-the-line downtown hotels, like the Renaissance® Allentown Hotel and unique boutique inns, like Sayre Mansion and Glasbern—all sure to provide a good night’s rest.
Breathe in fresh air.
Whether you’re looking to explore on foot, by bike, or via the water, Lehigh Valley offers an unparalleled outdoor recreation scene. Don’t miss the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor which spans 165 miles of rail trails, 48 of them passing through Lehigh Valley. Find more trails via THE LINK, an interconnected, multi-use trail network, online at thelinktrails.com.
taste the local flavors.
From fresh produce at area farmers markets to James Beard-nominated restaurants, the food scene in Lehigh Valley is flourishing. Look beyond traditional sit-down restaurants for dining opportunities at food halls in downtown Allentown and Easton, both featuring vendors cooking up everything
from ramen to tacos, barbecue, Korean cuisine, and more. Or, scope out food trucks that can often be found popping up at breweries and special events. Perhaps you’re looking to put your own cooking skills to the test. With multiple farmers markets throughout Lehigh Valley, including a number of year-round offerings, you’ll always have fresh, local produce within
reach. These local flavors extend beyond foodie-favorite restaurants with a booming craft beverage scene of nearly 50 makers of wine, beer, and distilled spirits. Lehigh Valley is recognized as an American Viticultural Area and features internationally-acclaimed winemakers who are revitalizing Old World styles in the hillsides of the region.
Galen Glen Winery
National Canal Museum, Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor
Eight Oaks Farm Distillery
Vibrant & caring communities
From the downtowns of its three cities to the main streets of smaller communities, Lehigh Valley has the right neighborhood for you to call home. You will find world-class health care, outstanding educational opportunities, affordable housing options in urban, suburban, and rural settings, and more than enough things to do and places to eat. Lehigh Valley is the very definition of neighborhood living. Get to know the various regions of Lehigh Valley:
Allentown
The city has seen a resurgence with massive development in the walkable downtown area, bringing thousands of employees into new Class-A office space, welcoming residents to newly-constructed apartments, and ushering in new businesses to fill the needs of new clientele. The city stays true to its roots with the Allentown Fair & Fairgrounds Farmers Market, the expansive grounds of Lehigh Parkway, impressive history of the Liberty Bell Museum, and more.
Bethlehem
Segmented by the Lehigh River, the city of Bethlehem blends pre-Colonial history with modern arts, dining, and more. Explore the North Side, which is home to Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, the luxurious Historic Hotel Bethlehem, and picturesque Main Street. Cross the river to the South Side Arts District to dive into the arts and cultural scene with ArtsQuest™ and the SteelStacks™ campus at its core.
Easton
Discover a city that is continually redefining itself as a hub for creatives, food-lovers, and more. Easton’s sense of community is palpable at its events including Easton Out Loud, where downtown restaurants and merchants open their doors and host Fourth Friday celebrations. Stroll along the Bushkill Creek to the newly established Simon Silk Mill property where you’ll find a variety of new businesses popping up in renovated industrial spaces.
Northern Lehigh Valley: Slate Belt Region & Nazareth
A region of small towns and big experiences, in the Slate Belt you can sip locally made wines, enjoy canoeing or tubing on the Delaware River, explore the outdoors for a peaceful walk or brisk hike, or tour the home of world-famous Martin Guitar.
Northwestern Lehigh Valley: Schnecksville & Slatington
A short distance from the region’s cities is a countryside of rolling hills with farms, parks and trails. Find picturesque covered bridges, America’s oldest drive-in movie theatre, and access to hike the famed Appalachian Trail.
Western Lehigh Valley: Macungie, Emmaus, & Trexlertown
Known to be a prime location for raising a family, the communities of Emmaus, Macungie, and Trexlertown keep their roots and true hometown feel with main streets full of small businesses.
Southern Lehigh Valley: Center Valley & Hellertown
Explore the convergence of history and convenient lifestyle centers featuring shopping, dining, nightlife, and more. These communities bridge the gap between open spaces and urban vibrancy.
Connect with Community Community engagement and interaction are as strong as ever. Residents give back through organizations ranging from Main Street development initiatives, local ambassador programs, and volunteer opportunities through diverse places of worship, arts communities, and nonprofits.
Find connections with like-minded groups through networking and affinity programming sponsored by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce with various business and diversity councils including Young Professionals, Hispanic, Women’s, African American Business Leaders, LGBTQ, Veterans & Military, and more.
Organizations like the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Center take initiatives a step further offering community-driven programming at their brick and mortar location ranging from art gallery openings, performances, movie nights, and more. The organization also hosts the annual Pride festival each summer.
When you’re ready to dive in and get involved, consider connecting with some of these groups to establish a network through the region. Additionally, the Volunteer Center of Lehigh Valley can help connect you with organizations that fit your interests.
Lehigh Valley ZIP Codes Ranked Among America’s Hottest Two Years in a Row
Realtor.com
U.S. Census Bureau
Townley House Hotel
Outstanding Schools for all levels of learning
Lehigh Valley has been a center for education since the mid-1700s. The region boasts outstanding pre-K, primary, secondary, technical, and post-secondary schools that prepare their students for future success.
Lehigh Valley has 17 public school districts under Pennsylvania’s community-based public education system, as well as private, parochial, and charter schools that offer parents multiple educational choices for their children.
The region’s three career and technical schools are aligned with Lehigh Valley school districts and provide quality, skillsbased education that prepares students for a wide range of in-demand jobs in manufacturing, industrial trades, and technical fields.
Two community colleges in Lehigh Valley award 15% of the associate degrees granted in Pennsylvania. They also provide a variety of certificate and specialized programs, and dual enrollment opportunities for qualifying high school students.
15% of community college degrees in Pennsylvania are from Lehigh Valley.
National Center for Education Statistics 11
colleges & universities in lehigh valley
Cedar Crest College
DeSales University
East Stroudsburg University
Kutztown University
Lafayette College
Lehigh Carbon
Community College
Lehigh University
Moravian university
Muhlenberg College
Northampton
Community College
Penn State Lehigh Valley
Lehigh Valley is home to 11 colleges and universities that award more than 10,000 degrees in a wide range of subjects from science and engineering, to business, to education and the liberal arts each year.
Higher education options in addition to our community colleges include six private colleges and universities and three public, state-affiliated universities. We’re also home to the nation’s oldest, continuously operated nursing school and a medical school option offered by St. Luke’s University Health Net-
work and the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.
In addition to the outstanding local colleges and universities, Lehigh Valley is within easy driving distance of several top-rated U.S. research universities.
extracurriculars
The arts thrive in Lehigh Valley. Performing arts at our colleges and universities include the
Moravian University
Lehigh Valley schools prepare students for success.
renowned Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival hosted each summer by DeSales University.
High school performers have the opportunity to shine in Lehigh Valley’s unique FREDDY® Awards program, which recognizes outstanding achievement in musical theater. The program was created by Lehigh Valley’s State Theatre Center for the Arts in Easton. Each year it involves nearly 3,000 students in theater performance and production.
Younger performers have a range of opportunities to develop their talents with organizations such as the Pennsylvania Youth Theatre, Civic Theatre School, and the Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley.
Allentown’s Baum School of Art and Bethlehem’s Banana Factory Arts Center offer classes, workshops, and programs in art and design for children and adults. You can try your hand at glassblowing, pottery, figure drawing,
painting, photography, digital design, fashion, cartooning, and other creative outlets.
For the sports fans, Lehigh Valley colleges and universities participate in various levels of NCAA competition. College sports traditions run deep in Lehigh Valley: the annual football game between Lehigh University and Lafayette College is the longest uninterrupted rivalry game in the country, and has been played each year since 1884.
the FREDDY Awards
Freddie Awards, State Theatre Center For The Arts
There’s a reason why Lehigh Valley is different
A pet-friendly community that’s a major center for pet food manufacturing
Make no bones about it – Lehigh Valley is a pet paradise.
From the region’s many hiking trails and community dog parks, to pet days at the IronPigs minor league baseball games, Lehigh Valley is a place where our furry friends can have a ball. They can even eat local.
Nearly half of Pennsylvania’s jobs in dog and cat food production are in Lehigh Valley. We’re home to Nestle Purina, Spot & Tango, and Freshpet.
Freshpet CEO Billy Cyr grew up here. He said Lehigh Valley’s secret is sourcing local for pet food ingredients.
“There’s a ton of chicken between here, the Delmarva Peninsula and eastern Pennsylvania,” he said. “The chicken we buy has to be fresh. So, we need to be very close to the place where the chicken is harvested.”
Pet food is one of many products made here in Lehigh Valley, which has a rich tradition of innovation and remains a manufacturing hub for iconic brands such as Crayola, Mack Trucks, Marshmallow Peeps, and
top 10 for business growth
consistently ranked top 10 in the country for business growth among mid-sized markets (populations 200k-1m)
Site Selection Magazine, March 2020
Martin Guitar. Manufacturing is the largest segment of the region’s economy. While manufacturing has been in decline in many parts of the United States, it continues to grow and thrive in Lehigh Valley.
Freshpet, for example, moved its manufacturing facility to Lehigh Valley in 2013 and has since expanded twice. Its operations here include manufacturing, distribution, and a testing center for innovative new products to keep pets happy and healthy. Freshpet employs 600 in Lehigh Valley. Cyr said there’s room for growth as more pet owners prioritize their pets’ health and the quality of the food they feed them.
That makes pet food manufacturing in Lehigh Valley a recipe for success.
resources for entrepreneurs start your business here
Lehigh Valley, Pa., is home to makers and dreamers. We have resources that help turn great ideas into growing businesses. Entrepreneurs, launch your dreams here.
Small Business Support
Small Business Development Center at Lehigh University
Business Incubators
Ben Franklin Tech Ventures
Bridgeworks Enterprise Center
Pi: Partnership for Innovation University
Entrepreneurship Programs
Lehigh University Baker Institute
Lafayette College Dyer Center
Penn State Lehigh Valley LaunchBox
Prototype Lab
Northampton Community College Fab Lab
Sam Masotto, Owner of Bonn Place Brewing Co.
From Broadway to Bethlehem
Couple
finds a community they love, that loves them back
When traveling actors Gina and Sam Masotto first arrived in Bethlehem, they had spent years crisscrossing the country as ‘Tony’ and ‘Tina’ in the popular theater comedy production ‘Tony n’Tina’s Wedding’. Searching for a community to put down roots, they fell in love with the city’s historical charm and culture.
After spending time in New York City and New Jersey, the couple decided to take a break from the stage and pursue a different passion: brewing beer. When he wasn’t acting, Sam bartended at the famous Pony Bar and landed brewing gigs at places like Newburgh Brewing. In Bethlehem he and his wife saw an opportunity to bring something unique to the city’s SouthSide and opened their own brewery, Bonn Place Brewing Company, in 2016.
Quickly becoming a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, the brewery’s wares have won several awards including two
prestigious Great American Beer Festival medals. Not just a source of delicious ales and lagers, the space serves as a community gathering place where neighbors can come together to enjoy good drinks, pick up an order from a local farm CSA, and take in live reggae. With local artists adorning the walls and Pennsylvania-grown malt in the brews, Bonn Place is truly a place that keeps it local. After moving to Bethlehem, the couple started a family and are ecstatic to raise their son in a city they love and loves them back. The brewery has grown from a fledgling startup to a staple of Bethlehem’s SouthSide Arts District. Now, the duo are preparing to open a second location in nearby Fountain Hill in a former tavern frequented by steelworkers. The Masotto’s success is a testament to the powerful combination of passion and place that can not only bring love, but success and a true sense of belonging.
RESOURCES
Discover Lehigh Valley®
Find inspiring trip ideas, attractions, festivals, and places to stay. DiscoverLehighValley.com
Lehigh Valley Economic
Development Corporation
Find resources for entrepreneurs, employment opportunities, cost of living calculator, and more. LehighValley.org
Cost of Living Calculator
See just how affordable we are. LehighValley.org/Cost
Job Searches
Seek new opportunities. LVMadePossible.com/Work CareerLinkLehighValley.org
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Member Directory
Find the businesses you need. LehighValleyChamber.org
Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors Search for a home GLVR.org
LINC
Supporting successful transitions to the Lehigh Valley linc-lv.org
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jeremiah reardon
@nilohodgephoto
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@citycenterallentown
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