Bethlehem, PA

Located in the heart of Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem is home to about 72,000 residents. It was founded on Christmas Eve in 1741 and has long been established as "Christmas City, USA." Bethlehem has a long religious history; members of the Moravian Church first occupied the city and did not allow anyone other than Moravian followers to live there until the 1850s. The city has been included in Money magazine's Top 100 Best Places to Live.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Manufacturing and health care dominate Bethlehem's economy. Administrative and support services, the retail trade, and the hospitality industry also have large roles. Major employers in the area include Micro Tool Company, Trexler Industries, Keystone Fabricating, Saint Luke's Hospital and Health Network, Muhlenberg Hospital Center, Lehigh University, and Northampton Area Community College.

The city has established an exceptional system of resources to help business owners who want to get started in Bethlehem. Some of these resources include technical assistance, loan programs, and help with site selection.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

About 37 percent of the housing in Bethlehem consists of single-family homes, while 31 percent is made up of rowhouses. Almost 41 percent of homes have three bedrooms, while 23 percent have two bedrooms. The proportion of older and historic homes is high at almost 80 percent.

There are several notable districts in the city:

• City Center: Located downtown, this artsy, urban area is home to middle-income people. This district is walkable.
• Johnston Drive/Center Street: This district is on the north side of town and encompasses Bethlehem Golf Club. Its residents are highly educated executives. The median home value in this suburban area is quite high.
• Market Street/Main Street: This historic district is on the west side of town and is primarily made up of apartment complexes and high-rises. Mainly renters live here; rental rates for the area are average.
• Middletown: This urban district is on the north side of town and consists of mostly older, single-family homes. Residents in this area are of mixed ages, although many seniors reside here.
• University Heights/Spring Valley: Located on the south side of town adjacent to Lehigh University, this sophisticated suburban district is home to wealthy residents.
• Westgate Hills: This is an upscale suburban area with highly educated, upper-middle-class residents,located on the northwest side of town. The median home values and rental rates are high.
• William Penn Manor/Farmersville: This suburban area is home to urban sophisticates with school-age children. It is a quiet neighborhood with medium and large dwellings.

BEST BETS

Burnside Plantation: This was a Moravian farm built in the 18th century. It is open during the summertime for tours; it also hosts the annual Blueberry Festival each July.

Gemeinhaus: A log cabin built without nails in 1741, this building was once a Moravian church. It now houses the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem, where visitors can see true Moravian artifacts. Tours are available from April through December.

Colonial Industrial Quarter: This historic property contains several buildings that were used for industrial production back in the 1700s. Walking tours are available through the Historic Bethlehem Welcome Center.

The Star of Bethlehem: This large, lighted star was constructed on South Mountain to remind residents and visitors of the religious history of the town. The star is meticulously maintained, and it stays lit from 4:30 in the afternoon until midnight every day. It can be seen all over the city.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Banana Factory: This is actually an art museum that is housed in what used to be a banana warehouse. Art from both national artists and local artists is on display; classes and youth programs are also offered here. The Bethlehem Opera Theatre is located in this building as well.

Pennsylvania Playhouse: This is a small, cozy theater that puts on numerous performances each year. Auditions for local talent are held each time a new play starts casting.

EVENTS

Celtic Classic: This event is held every September along Monocacy Creek in celebration of Celtic culture. There are sporting events, musical performances, handmade crafts, and authentic foods.

Musikfest: Held over a period of ten days in July and August, this annual festival showcases a variety of musical talent on 14 stages. In addition, there are children's activities, fireworks, and craft shows.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Three members of the Andretti family (Jeff, John, and Michael) of NASCAR fame were born in Bethlehem.
• The first I-beam came out of Bethlehem Steel, a factory that operated in the city for about 140 years.
• Bethlehem lies in both Northampton and Lehigh counties and is about 60 miles north of Philadelphia, the largest city in the state.