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Downtown Bethlehem

Downtown Bethlehem

Suburban Neighborhood in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Northampton County 18015, 18017, 18018

$271,213 Average Value
$184 Average Price per Sq Ft
27 Homes For Sale

Downtown Bethlehem is known for its festivals

The Downtown Bethlehem community is as strong as the steel once produced here. For years, the Bethlehem Steel Corporation supplied steel for iconic American landmarks such as the Empire State Building and the Golden Gate Bridge. After closing in 2003, city residents rallied to bring new life to the plant and ultimately, it was transformed into a lively entertainment venue for music concerts and festivals. “When big industries leave, people usually find a new city to move to, but people here reinvented themselves so they could stay because they loved living here so much,” says Realtor Lenore Mohr, owner of Pure Light Reinvest, who has been selling homes in the area for eight years. Bethlehem hosts so many celebrations that locals refer to this Pennsylvania city as “Fest-lehem.” In addition to the festive events, downtown residents relish living in a highly walkable neighborhood that’s home to a wealth of restaurants, shops and two universities.

Visit downtown Bethlehem for Seasonal events.
Visit downtown Bethlehem for Seasonal events.
Enjoy arts and entertainment downtown at  Bethlehem's steel stacks
Enjoy arts and entertainment downtown at Bethlehem's steel stacks
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Main and Broad streets serve as shopping and dining hubs

Main Street and Broad Street intersect to greet residents with a multitude of eateries offering outdoor seating. Apollo Grill, which is regularly voted as Bethlehem’s best restaurant by Lehigh Valley Style magazine, has been a mainstay for 25 years. Customers can expect upscale favorites, such as shrimp limoncello and short ribs. A stroll along Main Street leads to eclectic shops such as Donegal Square, where patrons can rent a kilt or purchase Irish whiskey, and Cigar International Store which boasts a worldwide collection. For the full Bethlehem experience, stop by Moravian Book Shop, the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the world, which opened in 1745. A grocery run can be easily handled at C-Town Supermarket on East Third Street.

Grab a sweet treat at Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop in Downtown Bethlehem.
Grab a sweet treat at Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop in Downtown Bethlehem.
Downtown Bethlehem features a beautiful historic area along Main Street.
Downtown Bethlehem features a beautiful historic area along Main Street.
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Downtown Bethlehem offers a wealth of century-old homes

The northern section of downtown features an abundance of Craftsman-style homes and Cape Cods with rooftop dormer windows. It’s a bit leafier and quieter than other parts of downtown with more yard space and sidewalks for a peaceful stroll through the neighborhood. For those who prefer to be close to the action, the commercial part of town known as the historic district offers a mix of well-maintained Colonial Revivals and colorful Victorians from the late 1800s and early 1900s. When residents step outside their front door, they’re on sidewalks leading to all of downtown’s local shops and restaurants. “The historic district has strict building codes, so they’ve maintained a high level of consistency over the years,” Mohr says. The average sale price hovers in the high-$200,000s and homes are snatched up a few weeks after being listed. A cozy two-bedroom, one-bath may sell for $225,000, while a six-bedroom, four-bath Victorian could fetch $900,000.

Beautiful Victorian style homes in downtown Bethlehem
Beautiful Victorian style homes in downtown Bethlehem
Colorful historic homes in downtown Bethlehem
Colorful historic homes in downtown Bethlehem
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Christkindlmarkt and Peepsfest are beloved traditions

The community gathers at the iconic SteelStacks on Founders Way for dozens of year-round celebrations, including Peepsfest, where locals ring in the New Year with a giant Peeps chick that drops for the countdown, followed by fireworks. It’s put on by Just Born Quality Confections, a candy manufacturer in Bethlehem that makes the popular marshmallow candy. Christkindlmarkt, a German-inspired holiday market, has been named one of the best of its kind in the world by Travel + Leisure. The event takes place over several weeks during November and December on First Street and features thousands of handmade gifts.

Enjoy the outdoors at Sand Island Park

Situated next to the Lehigh River, on River Road, Sand Island Park is a popular spot among walkers and bikers alike. In addition to its trails, the park features a playground, basketball and tennis courts. Payrow Plaza, on East Church Street, offers scenic views of the city and the towering “Symbol of Progress” public art sculpture.

Go for a midday walk on the trails at Sand Island Park.
Go for a midday walk on the trails at Sand Island Park.
Practice your jump shot on the courts at Sand Island Park.
Practice your jump shot on the courts at Sand Island Park.
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Students attend well-rated Bethlehem Area School District schools

Public school students may attend William Penn Elementary, Northeast Middle and Liberty High. Part of the Bethlehem Area School District, the elementary and high schools earn B Niche grades, while the middle school scores a B-minus. Home of the Hurricanes, the high school offers dozens of extracurricular programs ranging from Latin ballroom to jigsaw puzzle clubs.

Northeast Middle School serves 749 students in grades 6-8.
Northeast Middle School serves 749 students in grades 6-8.
Liberty High School serves 2,800 students in grades 9-12.
Liberty High School serves 2,800 students in grades 9-12.
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Downtown Bethlehem hosts Moravian and Lehigh universities

Downtown Bethlehem is home to Moravian University and Lehigh University. Established in 1742, Moravian is the sixth-oldest college in the country and the first to educate women. Lehigh University prides itself as one of the country’s top research institutions.

Lehigh University is a private research university in Bethlehem founded by Asa Packer in 1865.
Lehigh University is a private research university in Bethlehem founded by Asa Packer in 1865.
Moravian University in Downtown Bethlehem can trace its founding back to 1742,
Moravian University in Downtown Bethlehem can trace its founding back to 1742,
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Claudia Pinto
Written By
Claudia Pinto
Jay Ratchford
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Jay Ratchford
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Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Shabana Pathan, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Lehigh Valley International

12 min drive

Bus

3rd & Banana Factory

Bus

Pembroke & Wood Wb

Bus

Broadway & Wyandotte Sb

Bus

New & Wall

Bus

Goepp & High Wb

Bus

Fahy Bridge South Eb

Bus

Broadway & Fiot Sb

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Downtown Bethlehem US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$257,000
Median Single Family Price
$259,900
Median Townhouse Price
$362,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$250,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$209,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$184
Number of Homes for Sale
27
Last 12 months Home Sales
265
Months of Supply
1.20
Median List Price
$259,900
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
7%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
6,340
Median Year Built
1925
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,576
Below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,723
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,244
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
810
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
2,613

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    1 - 3pm

    1710 Memorial Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18017

    $495,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,446 Sq Ft
    • 1710 Memorial Ave
    • New 2 days ago

    Welcome to 1710 Memorial Ave – a charming, fully renovated retreat tucked into its own island-like haven, wrapped in mature landscaping and full of thoughtful eco surprises. Before you even step inside, a spacious deck with custom sunshades invites you to imagine sunny brunches, or evening gatherings. Inside, the home blends comfort and creativity with wide-open living spaces that make everyday

    Hannah Cisar Weichert Realtors

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12 - 2pm

    746 Linden St, Bethlehem, PA 18018

    $489,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,986 Sq Ft
    • 746 Linden St
    • New 10 days ago

    Talk about location! This 2-unit investment property is right up the street from Liberty High School and conveniently located near numerous eateries and local businesses. This two unit investment property has been completely re-done and is ready to rent. Downstairs is a 1 bedroom unit with a large living space, in-unit laundry and access to the basement for storage. Out the back door is a small

    Brianna Villani Morganelli Properties LLC

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    12am - 2pm

    11 W 2nd St Unit 360, Bethlehem, PA 18015

    $214,900

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 934 Sq Ft
    • 11 W 2nd St
    • Unit 360

    Prime location! Just a short walk to garage parking and overlooking a stunning courtyard. This unique one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit at Riverport stands out with its spacious design and distinctive layout, offering more square footage than most other one-bedroom units in the community. This INTERIOR unit in the prestigious Riverport community features a private balcony, an open-concept layout,

    Melanie Onesto HowardHanna TheFrederickGroup

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Shabana Pathan, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
31,227
Median Age
33
Population Density
15 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$54,318
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$75,349

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
88%
College Graduates
28.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
11.7%
% Population in Labor Force
57.6%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
22°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
21''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

60 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

78 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

41 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown Bethlehem