Allentown, PA

Allentown has some fun historical claims to fame, including the fact that colonists smuggled the Liberty Bell out of Philadelphia and hid it under a downtown church floor during the Revolutionary War. Founded in the mid-1700s, the city grew into an industrial powerhouse along the Lehigh River during the canal and railroad booms of the 19th century. Today, you can still feel that mix of heritage and modern growth right in Center City, where historic brick buildings stand just down the block from newer downtown apartments, restaurants, and office spaces.

ATTRPaul Leiby / Public domain

The local job market has shifted quite a bit from the days of textile mills and heavy manufacturing. Healthcare networks, finance, professional services, and logistics anchor the regional economy today, with major employers like PPL keeping their headquarters downtown. Because Allentown sits conveniently between New York City and Philadelphia, it has also become a major hub for transport and regional commerce. Daily life extends across several distinct corridors, from the dining spots and businesses along Hamilton Street to the diverse mom-and-pop shops and eateries up on 7th Street.

ATTRUnknown author Unknown author / Public domain

Downtown's pedestrian Arts Walk makes it easy to explore the cultural scene on foot. This walkway links several key destinations, including Miller Symphony Hall and the Allentown Art Museum, which welcomes visitors with free admission and regular evening community events. Nearby on Hamilton Street, the Da Vinci Science Center offers interactive exhibits exploring science, invention, and the Lehigh River watershed. Having art galleries, live orchestral performances, and family-friendly science within a short stroll gives newcomers a great starting point for weekend outings.

ATTRUnknown Postcard Photographer / Public domain

Over on the west side, the setting shifts toward quiet neighborhoods and long-standing community traditions. West Park, designed in the early 1900s as an arboretum, features shaded walking paths and a historic bandshell that hosts open-air summer concerts. Just down the road, the Allentown Fairgrounds hosts the Great Allentown Fair each year, drawing crowds for concerts, farm exhibits, and carnival rides. Year-round, locals shop at the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market for fresh meats, produce, and baked goods, making it a favorite weekly stop for anyone settling into the area.