Why Live in 1st Ward
The 1st Ward in Allentown, dating back to 1852, is the city's oldest neighborhood, located along the Lehigh River. Historically an industrial hub, the area has seen many factories vacated by the early 21st century. Recently, the 1st and 6th Ward Neighborhood Plan aims to revitalize the waterfront with new commercial and residential developments. The neighborhood features tight city streets lined with brick and stone row homes and duplexes, some adorned with murals. The area is accessible by foot or bus, making it convenient for residents without vehicles. Children in the 1st Ward attend schools in the Allentown School District, which serves over 16,000 students. Local schools include Mosser or Sheridan Elementary, Harrison-Morton Middle, and Louis E. Dieruff High School, which offers various pathways for student success. Bucky Boyle Park, situated on the Lehigh River, provides multiple recreational facilities, including playgrounds, a splash pad, basketball courts, and baseball fields. Public transit is available through the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANta), with stops throughout the ward. The American Plaza on American Parkway features small shops, cultural markets, and restaurants like Sarandonga Latin Bistro and Wun Wu Garden. The Riverside Restaurant and Lounge offers outdoor seating and Mediterranean cuisine. Less than a mile away, the PPL Center hosts the Lehigh Valley Phantoms hockey games and various events. The neighborhood plan aims to build more housing, support small businesses, and improve after-school programs, reflecting community input from local residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1st Ward a good place to live?
1st Ward is a good place to live. 1st Ward is considered fairly walkable and bikeable with some transit options. 1st Ward has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 10.6 people per acre and a median age of 31. The average household income is $42,728 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 8.1% of residents. A majority of residents in 1st Ward are renters, with 75.6% of residents renting and 24.4% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving 1st Ward can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
1st Ward neighborhood guide.
Is 1st Ward, PA a safe neighborhood?
1st Ward, PA is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 7 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in 1st Ward?
The median home price in 1st Ward is $478,995. If you put a 20% down payment of $95,800 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,480 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $106K a year to afford the median home price in 1st Ward. The average household income in 1st Ward is $43K.
What are the best public schools in 1st Ward?
The best public schools that serve 1st Ward are:
What are the best private schools in 1st Ward?
The best private schools that serve 1st Ward are:
What are the most popular zip codes in 1st Ward, Allentown, PA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near 1st Ward, Allentown, PA?
Are home prices dropping in 1st Ward?
Yes, home prices in 1st Ward are down 16% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in 1st Ward, PA
On average, homes in 1st Ward, Allentown sell after 94 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in 1st Ward, Allentown over the last 12 months is $461,811, down 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$461,811
Median Single Family Sale Price
$461,900
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$592
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Last 12 months Home Sales
36
Median List Price
$478,995
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-10%