What to know when moving to Allentown, PA

Allentown at a Glance

The Vibe:
A community where 92.3% of residents are renters and the median household income is $41,542.
The Major Draw:
Access to 21 postsecondary institutions nearby, including Muhlenberg College.
The Reality Check:
A poverty rate of 25.8% may be a concern for some.
Commute:
Only 3.9% use public transit for commuting.
Top Tip:
Budget for median gross rent of $1,337, which is manageable compared to larger cities.

The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?

Allentown is characterized by a high renter population, with 92.3% of residents renting their homes. The area has a median household income of $41,542 and a notable education level, with 19.2% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. However, the poverty rate is significant at 25.8%, which may impact the overall community dynamics.

Probably not your spot if you are looking for a high public transit share, as only 3.9% of residents use it for commuting.

Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot

  • Median gross rent is $1,337, while the median home value is $153,800.
  • Approximately 25.8% of the population lives below the poverty line, reflecting some economic challenges.
  • 92.3% of residents are renters, indicating a strong rental market.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.

Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say

Pennsylvania's crime rates present a mixed picture. The violent crime rate stands at 228.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 29.8% lower than the national average. Meanwhile, property crime is at 1,363.9 per 100,000, also below the national average of 1,546.9.

  • Violent crime: 228.5 per 100k vs. national 325.3
  • Property crime: 1,363.9 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9
  • Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 55% since 2022.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Pennsylvania).

Schools & Higher Ed

Allentown has access to a range of educational institutions, with a total of 21 postsecondary options available in the area. Notable schools include Muhlenberg College, Cedar Crest College, and Lincoln Technical Institute.

  • Total postsecondary institutions: 21
  • Nearby options include Cedar Crest College and Muhlenberg College.

Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.

Weather & Getting Outside

While specific weather details are unavailable, Allentown offers several outdoor spots worth visiting. Check out Trexler Nature Preserve and Cedar Beach Park for some fresh air and scenic views.

  • Coca-Cola Park - Rating: 4.7 (4,783 reviews)
  • Trexler Nature Preserve - Rating: 4.7 (3,343 reviews)
  • Cedar Beach Park - Rating: 4.6 (2,510 reviews)
  • Lost River Caverns - Rating: 4.5 (2,136 reviews)

Source: Google Places API.

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Who regulates Allentown interstate movers?

Allentown moving companies are required to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if they perform interstate moves. No matter if it is a moving company or a broker, they should have a valid DOT number. You can look up a mover here.

Agency: United States Department of Transportation
Address: 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE, Washington DC 20590
Phone: (855) 368-4200
Website: www.fmcsa.dot.gov

To see if a specific movers complies with regulations, simply select a company from the list.

Moving within vs moving out of Pennsylvania

Let's see how many people move within Pennsylvania versus those who moved from Keystone State to another state.

Moved Within PA
27%
Moved out of PA
73%

From a statistical point of view, 27% of all moves in Pennsylvania have been local while 73% of them have been interstate ones – that is, to another U.S. state.

It looks like the majority of Pennsylvanians have moved out of Philadelphia or another big city in the state in search of a better home, a better job, or a better life in general. It’s important to remember that any cross-country move should begin with accurate moving cost estimation performed after an in-home survey.

Who regulates Pennsylvania local movers

The Public Utility Commission is the authority that regulates the moving companies in Pennsylvania. According to PA Public Utility Commission, household carriers have to comply with certain safety and insurance rules in order to acquire the proper license. Here is a list of Pennsylvania registered companies. Here is some more information when hiring a Pennsylvanian household goods mover.

Agency: Public Utility Commission
Address: 400 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120-0211
Phone: (800) 692-7380
Website: http://www.puc.state.pa.us

What do people move within Pennsylvania?

Ever wondered which are the most popular move sizes when people move locally in PA?

Studio (7%)
1 Bedroom (24%)
2 Bedroom (24%)
3 Bedroom (17%)
4 Bedroom (8%)

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How much does it cost to hire movers

As it turns out, the cost to hire professional movers will effectively solve the ever-present dilemma of whether you should hire a mover or do it yourself. The cost depends on a number of important factors, including the type of the move itself (local move or a long distance). See the breakdown.

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