Relocation
Relocating to the Lehigh Valley: A Newcomer’s Guide
- The Lehigh Valley is in eastern Pennsylvania, made up mainly of Lehigh and Northampton counties, anchored by Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton.
- It is roughly an hour from Philadelphia and about 90 minutes from New York City, and it borders New Jersey on its eastern edge.
- The regional median sale price of about $375,000 is well below the broader Northeast median, which is a primary draw for newcomers.
The Lehigh Valley has quietly become one of the most attractive places to land in the Northeast — affordable relative to nearby metros, well-located for commuters, and full of genuine character. If you’re considering a move here, this guide covers the essentials before you start touring homes.
Where exactly is the Lehigh Valley?
The Lehigh Valley sits in eastern Pennsylvania, made up primarily of Lehigh and Northampton counties, with the three anchor cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. It’s roughly an hour to Philadelphia, about 90 minutes to New York City, and right on the New Jersey border on its eastern edge, which makes it popular with commuters and remote workers who want space without big-city prices.
Why people are moving here
- Relative affordability. The regional median sale price sits around $375,000 — well below the broader Northeast median, which topped $500,000.
- Location. Easy access to Philadelphia, NYC, and New Jersey employment, plus major highways (I-78, Route 22, Route 33).
- Quality of life. A revitalized dining and arts scene, historic downtowns, parks and rivers, and strong healthcare (St. Luke’s and Lehigh Valley Health Network are major employers).
- Colleges and culture. Lehigh, Lafayette, Muhlenberg, Moravian, and Kutztown all sit in or near the Valley.
Choosing your town
Each anchor city has a distinct feel. Allentown offers the widest range of prices and a revitalizing downtown. Bethlehem is the walkable, historic, university-driven favorite. Easton combines a booming riverfront downtown with quick NJ access. Beyond the cities, family-focused suburbs like Emmaus and Nazareth draw buyers for their schools and space.
What to know before you buy here
The market favors sellers, with inventory near one month’s supply and homes selling at roughly 101% of list. For a newcomer, that means two things: get fully pre-approved before you shop, and be ready to move on the right home. It also helps to work with an agent who knows the micro-differences between towns and school districts — the kind of local knowledge that doesn’t show up in an online search.
Selling a home elsewhere first?
If your move depends on selling a current home in another area, you don’t have to leave that to chance. Our programs are built to coordinate a sale and a purchase so you can relocate on a clear timeline rather than juggling two open-ended transactions.
The Lehigh Valley rewards newcomers who do a little homework. Get to know the towns, get your financing ready, and lean on local expertise for the parts an online search can’t tell you.
If you’re mapping out a move, we’re happy to talk through which town fits your commute, budget, and lifestyle — no pressure, just local guidance.
Relocating to the area? Let's find your fit.
We help newcomers match the right town to their life. Reach out or get a valuation on your current home.
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Market data: Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors (GLVR), 2026, covering Lehigh & Northampton counties. Figures move month to month — verify current numbers before republishing.