Allentown

Allentown is the largest city in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania, the county seat and largest city in Lehigh County, and the third-largest city in Pennsylvania after Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with a population of 125,845 as of 2020.

Understand
In the Lehigh Valley, Allentown borders South Whitehall Township to its northwest, Emmaus to its southeast, Whitehall Township to its north, and Bethlehem to its east. The city lies in the center of the highly populated U.S. Northeast megalopolis region, 19 mi west of the Skylands and the New Jersey state line, 63 mi north of Philadelphia, and 93 mi west of New York City.

History
Allentown was founded in 1762 by William Allen as "Northampton Towne." It was renamed Allentown in 1838, and was incorporated as a city in 1867.

Founded in 1762, Allentown has deep roots in American history. The city was among the first to support American independence, establishing a Committee of Observation as early as 1774. During the American Revolutionary War, the Liberty Bell was hidden under the floor boards of an Allentown church for nine months from September 1777 to June 1778 to avoid its capture by British troops. In the 19th century, following the Confederate victory at Fort Sumter in April 1861, Allentown deployed the Allen Infantry to aid the Union Army and protect the nation's capital from Confederate attack. Allen Infantry and its associated regiment proved among the Union Army's most effective and bold fighting forces, leading some of the Union Army's most daring attacks against Confederate bases in the deep southern states of Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina.

In the early part of the 19th century, Allentown was among the first U.S. cities to emerge as a hub for industrialization with significant mining and heavy manufacturing industries, including anthracite coal, iron, and other minerals, that helped spark America's Industrial Revolution. In the early 20th century, the city blossomed as a national hub for heavy manufacturing. The late 20th century erosion of these industries in the area was captured in the 1982 Billy Joel single "Allentown," which elevated the city globally as a symbol of industrial decay and the devastating social impact associated with the Rust Belt.

Geography
Allentown lies on the Lehigh River, and the river has historically been a centerpiece of the city's economy and culture, serving as a means of transport for its mining and manufacturing products and closely associated with its rise as an industrial city. Allentown is above sea level. It lies along the Lehigh River in the Lehigh Valley, which is so named because of the prominence of the river and because it is located in an actual geographic valley between two Appalachian mountain tips, South Mountain and Blue Mountain.

Climate
Allentown's climate is highly seasonal. July is the warmest month with an average high-temperature of 83.8°F (28.8°C). January is the coldest month with an average low-temperature of 21.6°F (-5.8°C).

The city experiences an annual average of 145.1 days of rain with 27.24 inches (692mm) of average annual rain precipitation and 20.4 days of snowfall with an average of 13.82 inches (351mm) of annual snow accumulation. July is the month with the most rain with a monthly average of 15.7 days of rain and monthly rain precipitation of 3.03 inches (77mm). March has the most snow with a monthly average of 5.3 days of snowfall and 4.37 inches (111mm) of snow precipitation.

September is the driest month in Allentown with 11.5 days of rain and a monthly average of 1.61 inches (41mm) of precipitation.

Tourist information

 * Discover Lehigh Valley, 1250 Simon Blvd., Easton,
 * Discover Lehigh Valley, 1250 Simon Blvd., Easton,

Talk
English is the dominant language and accents and tones are sometimes rough-edged and blunt as you might find in New York City or Philadelphia. Spanish is used by roughly five percent of the city's population. On the outskirts of Allentown, you may find people speaking Pennsylvania Dutch, a German dialect, that was the initial language at the time of the city and region's settlement but is vastly less common today. Other languages found here include Arabic, Portuguese, and Vietnamese.


 * Down the shore is used locally to describe the New Jersey beaches, approximately 75 miles southeast.
 * Hoagie refers to a submarine or sub sandwich.
 * Soda is used to refer to cola, pop, or any soft drink.
 * Youse is used to say "you all", similar to "y'all" in the south.

By plane
The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Allentown and other Lehigh Valley locations is Lehigh Valley International Airport, but three primary options exist:


 * Philadelphia International Airport , the busiest airport in Pennsylvania, is not nearly as close as ABE but offers an even greater selection of international and domestic flights to the area. PHL is 71 mi south of Allentown. Cars are available for rent at PHL, and roughly a dozen buses a day depart for Allentown from the airport or from Philadelphia Greyhound Terminal at 1001 Filbert St. in Center City Philadelphia. Phone: 1-800-PHL-GATE


 * Newark Liberty International Airport  in Newark. New Jersey, roughly 80 miles (129 km) east of Allentown, is even a bit further away than PHL but is sometimes worth considering, especially for international travelers. Like PHL, it offers car rentals and bus service to Allentown. Phone: 1-973-961-6000

By train

 * 30th Street Station, a major East Coast United States train station at 2955 Market Street in Philadelphia, is the third busiest Amtrak station in the U.S. and the closest commercial rail station, 61 mi south of Allentown. Cars are available for rent inside the station.

By bus
The Allentown bus terminal is at 325 Hamilton Street in center city Allentown, and several commercial bus companies offer transportation to Allentown, including:
 * Trans-Bridge Lines offers daily service to Allentown from New York City and Newark, New Jersey. There are several express buses per day into New York City.
 * Trailways offers service from most major Northeastern cities.
 * OurBus offers daily service from New York City and weekend service from Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Binghamton, and Ithaca, arriving at the I-476 Allentown Service Plaza near Wescosville.

By car
Allentown is easily accessible by several major highways. The two interstates most commonly used are:
 * Interstate 78, which is a major east-west highway that runs from central Pennsylvania in the west to the Holland Tunnel and Manhattan in the east. Allentown-area exits are 57, 58, and 59.
 * U.S. Route 22, which is a major freeway that runs from Cincinnati, Ohio in the west through Newark, New Jersey in the east. Exits 45, 49A, and 49B (Fogelsville) are all Allentown or Allentown-area exits.
 * If you are driving to Allentown from New Jersey, note that all of the major bridges across the Delaware River are free eastbound, but some require tolls westbound. Locating the free bridge in Phillipsburg is possible, but not recommended to those unfamiliar with the area. It is called Northampton Street and adds only about half a mile to the trip.
 * From points southeast and northwest of Allentown, PA Route 309 provides fairly quick access and is a good road to travel.
 * PA Route 33 from I-80 is the best approach for travelers coming to Allentown the Poconos.

Get around
Once in the city, Allentown is relatively easy to navigate and most of it is even walkable or bikeable. The main east-west streets are listed from north to south: Sumner, Whitehall, Greenleaf, Cedar, Washington, Green, Tilghman, Allen, Liberty, Gordon, Chew, Turner, Linden, Hamilton, Walnut, and Union. Numbered streets run from north to south. They begin towards the west at 1 and continue to 42.

By bus
Extensive public bus service in Allentown and South Whitehall Township is provided by  Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA).

By cab
Multiple cab and limousine companies operate throughout Allentown and Lehigh Valley, including:


 * Allentown Taxi
 * Always Available Transportation
 * Skyline Taxi,

By limo

 * A&A Limousine Service, or
 * Bella Luxury Limo,
 * J&J Transportation, or
 * Your Way Taxi & Limo,

By car
Most visitors to Lehigh Valley will want to either rent a car or drive their own.
 * Because 7th street in Allentown is one-way, if you aim to go north to Whitehall Township, you will want to be on 6th street. Route 145 turns off 6th Street at Greenleaf Street for one block, and then joins 7th Street (beginning as two ways). Continuing on 6th will bring you to the same place, but will not carry the PA-145 designation.
 * Hamilton Street is a continuation of US 222/Hamilton Boulevard and provides easy access for travelers from Reading and Lancaster. Hamilton Street continues into nearby Bethlehem as Hanover Avenue, providing direct access to its downtown as well.
 * Tilghman Street is also a useful east-west urban thoroughfare that also provides access to Bethlehem and Easton as Union Boulevard.
 * US Route 22 is a four-lane limited-access freeway across the north side of the city, and is often the best route of approach. However, this road is prone to minor traffic jams and accidents, especially during rush hour.  Don't panic, though; most traffic jams are only a mile or so long, and usually take less than half an hour before opening up into freer travel.
 * Interstate 78 is a better bet during rush hours as it is as wide as eight lanes in some areas.

By bike
Riding a bike can also get you around in Allentown and its fabulous park system. The city is known for its extensive trail and park systems, especially the Bridle Path in Lehigh Parkway (stop to feed the fish in the Fish Hatchery, go to the Museum of Indian Culture, or pedal along a trail that takes you to a covered bridge).

On foot
The main Allentown downtown area is small and easy to walk. You may want to park your car in one of the many garages and walk downtown.

See

 * There are several covered bridges in South Whitehall Township.
 * There are several covered bridges in South Whitehall Township.
 * There are several covered bridges in South Whitehall Township.
 * There are several covered bridges in South Whitehall Township.
 * There are several covered bridges in South Whitehall Township.
 * There are several covered bridges in South Whitehall Township.
 * There are several covered bridges in South Whitehall Township.

Learn
Allentown is home to two four-year colleges, Muhlenberg College and Cedar Crest College, and Lehigh Carbon Community College-Allentown campus, a two-year satellite campus of Lehigh Carbon Community College.

Work
The largest employer in Allentown is Lehigh Valley Hospital, Pennsylvania's third-largest hospital, with over 7,800 workers. Other companies headquartered here are Air Products & Chemicals, St. Lukes Hospital, Capital Blue Cross, and PPL. Throughout most of the 20th century until the 1980s, Allentown and the Lehigh Valley were globally-recognized leaders in heavy manufacturing, especially steel, coal, and iron. But those industries faced multiple challenges and diminished or dissolved completely beginning in the late 1970s,. Today, small scale manufacturing is still an important part of the local economy.

Allentown is the county seat for Lehigh County. Center City Allentown is an important employment center with approximately 15,000 people working there.

Buy

 * Much of the Allentown area's shopping is actually located in neighboring Whitehall, which is about five minutes north of downtown via PA Route 145, which is also Whitehall's main commercial street. Shopping malls in and around Allentown include:

Other shopping locations include:


 * The 19th Street area near Muhlenberg College is a funky little commercial district with a coffee shop and art house movie theatre.
 * A small commercial district is also available on the eastern portion of Union Blvd., near Plymouth Street, Club Avenue, and Pennsylvania Avenue. This area houses Giant Food, Marshalls, Dan Schantz Greenhouse, Wells Fargo, Staples, HomeGoods, a Big Lots and other stores.
 * For an original shopping experience, try the Allentown Farmers Market at 17th and Chew Streets, this farmers market features everything from fresh meat and produce to local gifts.
 * For local produce, go to the Plaza Growers Market on Wednesdays at lunch over the growing season, May through October. It's on Hamilton Street in the downtown between 8th and 9th.
 * More shopping is available at Crest Plaza on the west side of Allentown, on Cedar Crest Boulevard, including Weis Markets, Fashion Bug and Target Greatland.


 * From the area of Cedar Beach Park to Dorney Park there are a slew of shops along Hamilton Street/Hamilton Boulevard/PA-222 (same street, three names). Heading from downtown Allentown going north toward Interstate 78, there's Phoebe Floral & Home Decor, PopCorn To Go, and the shops at 3900 Hamilton Center, like a Robbin's Jewelers.
 * From the area of Cedar Beach Park to Dorney Park there are a slew of shops along Hamilton Street/Hamilton Boulevard/PA-222 (same street, three names). Heading from downtown Allentown going north toward Interstate 78, there's Phoebe Floral & Home Decor, PopCorn To Go, and the shops at 3900 Hamilton Center, like a Robbin's Jewelers.
 * From the area of Cedar Beach Park to Dorney Park there are a slew of shops along Hamilton Street/Hamilton Boulevard/PA-222 (same street, three names). Heading from downtown Allentown going north toward Interstate 78, there's Phoebe Floral & Home Decor, PopCorn To Go, and the shops at 3900 Hamilton Center, like a Robbin's Jewelers.
 * From the area of Cedar Beach Park to Dorney Park there are a slew of shops along Hamilton Street/Hamilton Boulevard/PA-222 (same street, three names). Heading from downtown Allentown going north toward Interstate 78, there's Phoebe Floral & Home Decor, PopCorn To Go, and the shops at 3900 Hamilton Center, like a Robbin's Jewelers.

Eat
Allentown offers numerous family-run eateries featuring various authentic ethnic cuisine, including Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese, Mexican, Jamaican, Dominican, and Puerto Rican restaurants. A variety of casual dining and fast food restaurants are available around the Whitehall Township and Cedar Crest Boulevard business districts, as well as in Center City. You can even catch a hot dog on the street from a vendor on Hamilton Street or 7th Street. A good number of national chain restaurants also exist in the city.

Drink
Allentown is well known for its nightlife, and many Allentown clubs feature major New York City, Philadelphia, and Allentown DJs and live bands. They include:



Stay safe
Allentown has a crime rate almost twice the national average in every category, including rape, robbery, theft, auto theft, murder, assault, and burglary. Rougher areas include parts of East Allentown and some neighborhoods of Center City north of Linden St. and south of Tilghman St. and the area between the American Parkway and Lehigh River, just east of Center City. Random acts of violence and crime against visitors are rare; most of the crime in the city and region involves drugs, gang rivalries, and other illicit activities. It would be unwise to try to buy drugs or other contraband in the city.

It is fairly easy to stay safe by following common sense. Car and other forms of theft are issues, so be sure to lock cars and stay out of poorer areas at night. Prostitution and street racing are also very prevalent in Allentown. Don't walk alone late at night or on dimly lit streets. The most likely victim of a mugging on an Allentown street is someone who is alone and intoxicated, so keep your wits about you. If homeless approach you for change, just keep walking if you don't want to give anything. Pickpocketing is not a large problem, but don't flash around your money.

There is a large police presence in the neighborhoods most frequented by visitors, especially Hamilton Street, and many officers in Center City Allentown patrol by bicycle.

Stay healthy
If you are in need of medical attention, here are the primary hospitals in the area:


 * Lehigh Valley Hospital - 17th Street, 1627 W Chew St.
 * Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest, 1200 S Cedar Crest Blvd. The third largest hospital in Pennsylvania with 877 beds and 46 operating rooms.
 * Sacred Heart Hospital, 421 Chew St.
 * St. Luke's Hospital, 1736 Hamilton St.

Respect
As in many parts of the country, residents may not want to share religious or political views.

Tourist information

 * Allentown at Visit PA

Phones
In Allentown, you must dial an area code when you place a call. Area codes in Allentown and the Lehigh Valley are 610, 484, and (since 2022) 835.

Religious services
Catholic churches: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: Episcopal churches: Hindu: Jewish: Lutheran: Muslim:
 * Diocese of Allentown
 * Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena is the home of the bishop of the Allentown diocese..
 * Immaculate Conception..
 * Our Lady Help of Christians..
 * St. Francis of Assisi..
 * St. John the Baptist Slovak Church..
 * St. Stephen of Hungary..
 * St. Thomas More..
 * SS. Peter and Paul..
 * Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints..
 * The Episcopal Church of the Mediator..
 * Grace Episcopal Church..
 * Hindu Temple Society..
 * Congregation Sons of Israel..
 * Christ Lutheran Church..
 * St. John's Evangelical Church..
 * St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church of America..
 * Lehigh Valley Islamic Center..

Other Lehigh Valley locations

 * Bangor, 28.3 mi
 * Bethlehem, 6.2 mi
 * Easton, 17.2 mi
 * Emmaus, 6.2 mi
 * Fogelsville, 11.4 mi
 * Hellertown, 8.1 mi
 * Nazareth, 15.2 mi
 * Phillipsburg, NJ, 19.3 mi
 * Slatington, 15.7 mi
 * Whitehall Township, 4.6 mi

Regional cities and locations

 * Atlantic City, 125.8 mi
 * Harrisburg, 84 mi
 * New York City, 93 mi
 * Philadelphia, 63.8 mi
 * Reading, 40.1 mi
 * The Poconos, 54.7 mi