LEHIGH COUNTY
Administration
17 South 7th Street
Allentown 610-782-3000
www.lehighcounty.org
Chamber of Commerce
840 Hamilton Street
Allentown 610-437-9661
www.lehighvalleychamber.org
The password in Lehigh County is “Community” with its centuries-old history of hardy farmers and small-town living. From the time the Pennsylvania Dutch first tilled the fertile soil and cleared patches of woodlands for their homes, this picturesque corner of the America has been characterized by a strong sense of cooperation and an attitude that combines vision, determination, and sheer hard work. Whether they are revitalizing a town center or organizing a performing arts workshop for children, the people of Lehigh County understand the meaning of productivity.
The City of Allentown is serves as the hub of the county’s cultural and educational resources, as well as a vital employment and health-care center for the region. Surrounding Allentown are many suburban communities — some as tranquil as they were at the turn of the century, others with booming residential enclaves and shopping malls skirted by beautiful new industrial parks.
In spite of the area’s strong historic significance, the signs of progress and vitality are evident throughout the county — from the bustling urban milieu of Allentown to the quiet, unspoiled countryside of the rural townships. This ability to harmonize tradition with innovation is embodied in the thriving business of Rodale Press book publishers. Spurred by the discoveries of the local organic farm and research center, Rodale focuses on topics such as natural medicines and alternative lifestyles.
Economy
Home to leading corporations like Mack Truck, Air Products, and Fuller Company, Lehigh County has long flexed its industrial muscles. While agricultural activity has remained a viable segment of the economy, the Industrial Revolution took the region by storm. Even today, entrepreneurs continue to incubate their businesses on the solid foundation of the area’s unsurpassed infrastructure, including an excellent transportation network.
Unusual within the context of the economic picture is the outstanding partnership between business and academia evident throughout Lehigh County. Real-world solutions for manufacturers are innovated through ground-breaking programs affiliated with the area’s institutions of higher education.
The Northern Tier Ben Franklin Technology Center at Lehigh University is a prime example of this synergy, where some of the nation’s finest minds are harnessing technology to create new jobs and protect existing employment. These powerful organizations play a key role in assisting start-up operations or in helping existing companies meet the challenges of growth and competition.
Services
The same cooperative attitude that’s demonstrated in the economic arena also enhances the educational resources of Lehigh County. Local colleges and training centers offer an abundance of night and weekend study to accommodate the needs of working students. The academic community not only develops specific workshops and classes to meet the needs of local businesses, but academic research enhances productivity and efficiency.
For example, continuing research at the Electrotechnology Applications Center of Northampton Community College provides innovation solutions to local manufacturers. Via satellite links, Lehigh-Carbon Community College allows engineers, educators and other professionals to stay current on evolving technologies through national teleconferences.
The county operates an outstanding public school system, although options for private education are extensive in local parochial schools and respected academies. Small classrooms enhance the opportunities for individualized instruction from well-qualified staff members. In addition to the traditional curriculum, area schools keep pace with the latest in technological advances. The possibilities for higher education close to home are abundant in community colleges, specialized training facilities, or in one of the Valley’s many four-year colleges and universities.
Residents of Lehigh County have a wide range of health-care services from which to choose, from local clinics and medical centers to the specialized services of such leading institutions as Lehigh Valley Hospital. Boasting 790 beds and a medical staff that exceeds 700, the hospital serves as a regional referral center for trauma, burn, kidney transplant, prenatal, cardiac and cancer-care patients. The small town of Fountain Hill is home to St. Lukes Hospital, claiming the busiest emergency department in Eastern Pennsylvania.
Every aspect of life in Lehigh County is enhanced by a complex and efficient transportation network, anchored by well-maintained roadways like Route 309, 222, 220, and 262 as well as the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Greyhound buses offer convenient transportation schedules to the world-class amenities of New York City or Philadelphia and other key destinations. For commuting within the county, the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority provides a quick and easy mass transit system.
Lifestyle
With the subject turns to shopping, entertainment, cultural attractions, or performing arts, the Allentown metropolitan area begins to shine. Here, you’ll find night spots, restaurants, malls, health clubs, movie houses, and recreational facilities to please every age and interest.
Many of the town’s cultural organizations have risen to regional and even international fame, including the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, the Allentown Band, and the Municipal Opera Company. The Pennsylvania Stage Company performs in the magnificent Rodale Theatre, offering audiences the intimate setting and beauty of are stored Victorian church.
The visual arts are equally well represented, including the Open Space Gallery, the Raymond E. Holland Art Collection, and the world-class exhibits of the Allentown Art Museum. With Baroque and Renaissance works serving as the centerpiece, the museum boasts a new $2 million wing with coveted collections that rival those found in the Big Apple.
Sports represent a major attraction for Lehigh County residents of all ages, although the big-league teams of New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia are just a 90-minute drive. Closer to home, fans can cheer their favorite college team to victory, or watch as cyclists from around the world compete at the Trexlertown Velodrome. From horseshoes to hang-gliding, Lehigh Valley creates the ideal setting for any recreational activity.
Families flock to such entertainment centers as Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom on the western side of Allentown, complete with thrilling rides, hair-raising roller coasters, entertainment spots, restaurants, a children’s center, and a bevy of refreshing water slides.
Over 50 species of exotic animals and birds share the natural habitat and petting zoo. Hawk Mountain bird sanctuary embraces over 2,000 acres of rugged terrain in the Blue Mountains northwest of Allentown, highlighting the spectacular flight patterns of over 15,000 birds of prey.
Many of the county’s colorful festivals draw hundreds of thousands of visitors. The Mayfair Festival of the Arts in Allentown’s Cedar Beach Park features five days of theater, dance, music and visual arts.
The Great Allentown Fair spans seven days around Labor Day weekend, rewarding agricultural accomplishments while it offers a midway, games and rides.
Other local favorites include the Kutztown Folk Festival, Historic Covered Bridge Festival, Historic Bethlehem Folk Festival, and the Shakespeare Festival at Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales.
With a population as diverse as the communities and landscape, Lehigh County offers endless lifestyle choices. Some prefer the charming Victorian row homes beneath the glow of Allentown’s brightest lights, while others are drawn to remote farmhouses. Architectural choices include Colonial, Victorian, Federal, modern, and even ultra-modern styles in a variety of price ranges. Most of the new construction consists of two-story, single-family designs, although townhouses and condominiums are also common.
The distinct charm and clear sense of pride that pervades Lehigh County is mirrored in the seasonal plantings and fresh flowers and plants that hang from baskets from the street lights of Allentown.
Naturally beautiful and beautifully maintained – these simple words describe every aspect of life in Lehigh County. Little wonder that so many are choosing this verdant Valley as the ideal place to work, play, and call home.
Allentown City
City Hall
610-439-5999
www.allentownpa.gov
Chamber of Commerce
610-437-9661
www.lehighvalleychamber.org
Along with a strong and diverse economy, the Lehigh Valley’s All-American City of Allentown is distinguished by a “roll up your sleeves” spirit of cooperation between local government, business, and education.
Here, verdant parklands grace an abundance of historic homes and buildings. The spirit of renewal is intense throughout the inner city, where many are choosing the economies of refurbishing charming old Victorian row houses.
Heading toward the suburbs, homes become more luxurious. Sprawling ranches or stately Colonials are often nestled in rolling hills of mature forests or fruit
orchards.
The city has embarked on a downtown revitalization project which includes a new attraction, Lehigh Landing. The city has developed plans for a multi-purpose complex on former industrial property along the Lehigh River. Several industrial facilities will be renovated for the complex, and a combination of public and private funds will be used The anchor for this project will be the America On Wheels Museum, to be located in a former Lehigh Valley Transit Company building. The Lehigh Landing project will also include a river walk, a tie-in to the Delaware and Lehigh Canal and boating activities along the river.
Catasauqua/Hanover Twp.
City Hall
610-264-0571
www.catasauqua.org
Chamber of Commerce
610-437-9661
www.lehighvalleychamber.org
Catasauqua is a residential haven with minimal commercial or industrial activity. The adjacent township of Hanover has only 2,300 residents in 4 square miles, although the area is highly industrialized. Both communities offer local shopping opportunities.
Apartments are available in both communities for maintenance-free living. The housing stock reflects a pleasing mix of well-kept older homes in quiet neighborhoods and new construction in a variety of architectural styles and price ranges.
A quality education is available in both private and public schools, including nearby institutions of higher education.
Heidelberg/Lowhill/Lynn/Weisenberg
Town Halls
Heidelberg
610-767-1344
Lowhill
610-285-6660
Lynn
610-298-3440
Weisenberg
610-285-6660
Chamber of Commerce
610-437-9661
www.lehighvalleychamber.org
The sprawling townships of Lowhill and Weisenberg are home to 1,700 and 2,500 residents, respectively. Both areas are still primarily agricultural, offering home sites surrounded by rolling fields and a serene country atmosphere. Those who prefer the open spaces to city living can find some very reasonable housing options within minutes of urban amenities.
Heidelberg Township claims 3,250 residents, while 3,500 people have made their home in Lynn Township’s 41 square miles.
Lower housing costs, unspoiled beauty, and a relaxed rural lifestyle are the primary attractions to these relatively undeveloped areas.
Alburtis/Emmaus/Lower Macungle/Macungle/Upper Milford Twp.
Town Halls
Alburtis
610-966-4777
Emmaus
610-965-9292
www.borough.emmaus.pa.us
Lower Macungie
610-966-4343
www.lowermac.com
Macungie
610-966-2503
www.macungie.pa.us
Upper Milford Township
610-966-3223
www.uppermilford.net
Chamber of Commerce
610-437-9661
www.lehighvalleychamber.org
With 17,243 residents in 22 square miles, Lower Macungle Township also surrounds the boroughs of Alburtis and Macungle. Upper Milford Township with a population of 6,350 is considered to be one of Allentown’s western suburbs, offering an abundance of prime housing in a convenient, country atmosphere. Emmaus Borough is ideally situated between Upper Milford and Allentown.
Every type of dwelling is possible in these communities, from stone farmhouses to modern Colonials. Newcomers can choose from a quaint Victorian bungalow in one of the boroughs, or a garden townhouse with a country club atmosphere.
North Whitehall Twp./South Whitehall Twp./Upper Macungle Twp.
Town Halls
North Whitehall
610-799-3411
www.northwhitehall.org
South Whitehall
610-398-0401
https://southwhitehall.com
Upper Macungle
610-395-4892
www.uppermac.org
Chamber of Commerce
610-437-9661
www.lehighvalleychamber.org
An area of rapid growth, both North Whitehall and South Whitehall offer some of the Valley’s most coveted residential choices surrounded by rolling green hills, woods, farmland, and sparkling streams. North Whitehall development is centered around Schnecksville, home of Lehigh County Community College. South Whitehall is more urbanized but still heavily wooded and picturesque.
Upper Macungle Township balances residential, commercial, and industrial activity. The minimum lot size of 1 acre is sure to preserve the area’s “open” feeling in spite of growth.
Salisbury Twp./Fountain Hill
Town Halls
Salisbury
610-797-4000
www.salisburytownshippa.org
Fountain Hill
610-867-0301
www.fountainhill.org
Chamber of Commerce
610-437-9661
www.lehighvalleychamber.org
With the urban amenities of Allentown just minutes away, Salisbury Township offers a tranquil residential haven for its 13,260 residents. Covering a full 12 square miles, the township offers an excellent housing stock along with local shopping facilities. Newcomers can choose from a pleasing mix of older homes along tree-lined streets or new construction in a variety of architectural styles.
The adjacent Fountain Hill Borough, less than one square mile in size, is part of the Bethlehem School District. Home to 14,800 residents, Fountain Hill is primarily residential with a pleasing mix of commercial activity.
Slatington/Washington Township
Town Halls
Slatington
610-767-2131
http://slatington.org
Washington Township
610-767-8108
http://washingtonlehigh.com
Chamber of Commerce
610-437-9661
www.lehighvalleychamber.org
Comparable in population, Slatington Borough (4,600) and Washington Township (6,320) vary greatly in physical size. The borough is slightly over one square mile, while the township covers nearly 25 square miles
Although primarily residential, Slatington offers a pleasing balance of commercial activity and local shopping facilities. In fact the borough serves as a retail center for residents of the township, with more expansive opportunities available in Allentown or Walnutport.
Washington’s open spaces are ideal for the newcomer who desires acreage or spacious lots in a relatively undeveloped area.
Upper Saucon/Lower Milford/Coopersburg
Town Halls
Upper Saucon
610-282-1171
www.uppersaucon.org
Lower Milford
610-967-4949
www.lowermilford.org
Cooperburg
610-282-3307
www.coopersburgborough.org
Chamber of Commerce
610-437-9661
www.lehighvalleychamber.org
The one-square-mile Borough of Coopersburg is primarily surrounded by the 25 square miles of Upper Saucon Township. As with many sparsely populated townships, the borough serves as a retail center for its residents. For expanded shopping needs, Quakertown, Allentown, and Bethlehem are all just minutes away.
Lower Milford Township is home to 3,400 in 18 square miles. With a minimum lot size of one and a half acres, the township offers an open, country atmosphere and abundant options for acreage.
Today, nearly the entire township is comprised of picturesque farmland or residential communities.
Whitehall Twp./Coplay Borough
Town Hall
Whitehall
610-437-5524
www.whitehalltownship.org
Coplay
610-262-6088
http://coplayborough.org
Chamber of Commerce
www.lehighvalleychamber.org/whitehall.html
Whitehall represents a premier residential choice, attracting a significant number of commuting executives. Home to 22,800 residents in 13 square miles, rapid growth is sure to continue. Few areas offer such a pleasing mix of amenities against a backdrop of natural beauty. Three of the four county-maintained parks are located here. A strong commercial sector has grown up along the Golden Strip of Route 145 leading to Allentown.
Whitehall neighbors the small Borough of Coplay. An outstanding public school system serves both the township and borough, offering four libraries, a planetarium, a pool and environmental laboratory.
