Lehigh Valley
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
City (spans Northampton and Lehigh counties)
A steel city reborn as an arts and events destination
Bethlehem sits on the Lehigh River in the Lehigh Valley, with neighborhoods in both Northampton and Lehigh counties. Its South Side former Bethlehem Steel site has become SteelStacks, a cultural campus with a performing arts center and festival grounds, while the historic Moravian settlement on the north side is a National Historic Landmark District.
History & Local Character
Founded in 1741 by Moravian settlers, Bethlehem was a planned religious community before becoming a major industrial city. Bethlehem Steel, founded in 1857, supplied steel for bridges and skyscrapers worldwide until its bankruptcy in 2001.
Housing & Real Estate
The city offers Moravian-era stone homes on the north side, rowhouses in South Bethlehem and newer development near the river, at prices between Allentown's and Easton's.
Restaurants & Shopping
Main Street and the South Side's East Third Street host a strong restaurant and brewery scene, with Musikfest and Christkindlmarkt drawing regional crowds each year.
Schools & Education
Bethlehem Area School District serves the city, and Lehigh University and Moravian University are both within its boundaries.
Parks & Recreation
Sand Island Park along the Lehigh River, the Bethlehem Greenway and the nearby Monocacy Creek trail provide recreation.
Transportation & Accessibility
Route 22, I-78 and Route 378 serve the city, LANTA buses connect the valley, and Lehigh Valley International Airport is just north.
Local Businesses
Independent restaurants, breweries, shops and galleries cluster on Main Street and the South Side, with a growing technology and healthcare presence.
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Nearby Attractions
- SteelStacks
- Moravian Historic District
- Lehigh University
- Sand Island Park
- Bethlehem Christmas Market
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Walkable historic districts
- Festival and arts economy
- Two universities within the city
- Highway access to New York and Philadelphia
Considerations
- Industrial brownfields require cleanup
- Property taxes above neighboring townships
- Parking pressure during festivals
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SteelStacks?
SteelStacks is a cultural campus built around the preserved blast furnaces of the former Bethlehem Steel plant, with a performing arts center and festival grounds.
Which counties does Bethlehem span?
Bethlehem lies mostly in Northampton County, with some neighborhoods extending into Lehigh County.