$285,309Average Value$180Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
No longer known for steel, other industries bring workers to South Bethlehem
Sandwiched between Hellertown and the vibrant historic South Side of Bethlehem, South Bethlehem is a mish-mash of industry and education, with limited housing opportunities. As large as the neighborhood is, much of that ground is taken up by the extensive Lehigh University campus, as well as the distribution centers looking to make use of the convenient location along Route 78. These are busy neighbors, and have an impact on the neighborhood – there are plenty of student rentals, and the traffic of the distribution centers runs around the clock. However, they are major jobs providers for the region, Lindsey Kleinberg, long-time resident and President of the nearby Emmaus Arts Commission says, “There are a lot of great places that bring people here to work - Lehigh Valley Health Network and St Luke’s, factories, lots of distribution centers.”
I-78 is a major highway connecting South Bethlehem with Allentown to the west.
South Bethlehem is notable as being the home of Lehigh University, a major engineering college.
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Eclectic housing options
The neighborhood is varied due to the housing being scattered around the fringes, and it mixes apartments and other rentals in liberally. A number of homes across the northern edge of South Bethlehem are set into the mountainside, featuring single-car garages that sit at street level while the rest of the home – often featuring Dutch and other European design influence – sits above it. Those without garages have concrete stairs and retaining walls. Flatlands around the other portions of the neighborhood lead to more conservative homes with traditional and Colonial features, while town houses and apartment complexes fit to the same motif. Most homes in the neighborhood sell for between $175,000 and $375,000, although new builds can break through to $500,000 and above.
Being situated near South Mountain calls for homes to have long stairs leading to the street.
South Bethlehem has many home styles including these unusual colonial rowhomes.
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Lots of extracurricular opportunities in the Bethlehem Area School District
The community’s students may start out at one of three Bethlehem Area School District elementary schools – Freemansburg, Fountain Hill or Donegan Elementary, all rated a C-plus by Niche. From there, students may move on to either Broughal Middle School and then to Liberty High School, rated C-plus and B respectively, or to East Hills Middle School followed by Freedom High School, both earning a B grade. Liberty High School still operates on the same campus that opened in 1922, once hailed as “one of the greatest achievements of the City of Bethlehem.” Freedom, meanwhile, is home of The Freedom Forum student newspaper that has received national accolades over the years.
Exterior of Freemansburg Elementary School a K-5 school serving approximately 350 students
Freedom High School offers a large and safe campus for children to excel in learning.
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A highly commutable area, with plenty within reach
A handful of bus routes service the South Bethlehem neighborhood, but most residents will need a car – it’s not walkable, nor is it bikeable, and amenities require traveling outside of the neighborhood. However, as Kleinberg points out, the nearby highway network is a boon for the area - “Lehigh Valley is so easy for commuters, it’s had a huge boom in the last few years with people moving from Philly, Baltimore and New York.” Lehigh Valley International Airport, with commercial service around the region to hub airports, is roughly 10 miles outside of the neighborhood. Emergency care, meanwhile, is less than 10 minutes away for most residents, with St. Luke’s University Hospital – Bethlehem Campus just outside of the neighborhood.
Lanta buses run regularly along Pierce St and other places throughout South Bethlehem.
St Luke's Hospital Bethlehem Campus is a major healthcare center for South Bethlehem.
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Limited offerings within the neighborhood, but options nearby
Within the neighborhood, Machu Picchu Peruvian is the star, serving traditional roast chicken with yucca fries and arroz chaufa. National chain spots are prevalent, although nearby Hellertown offers the opportunity to eat at interesting locally owned joints like Vassi’s Drive-In. Most residents are served by small, local grocery stores like CTown Supermarket and Rite-stop Deli and Grocery, while retail is limited – residents will need to head out of the area and into Hellertown or across the river into the heart of Bethlehem for their everyday needs.
Locals grab a bite at Machu Picchu Peruvian on Fourth Street in South Bethlehem.
CTown Market is a locally-owned, favorite grocery spot for shoppers in South Bethlehem.
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Baseball is big in the region
While the neighborhood is home to the forested hillsides of South Mountain, much of it falls under the purview of Lehigh University and is off-limits. Instead, residents may head to Saucon Park, home to three baseball diamonds as well as a soccer field, walking trail and a playground. Further up Saucon Creek, itself a prime spot for fishing, Southside Little League has their home fields with three more baseball diamonds.
Saucon Park in the South Bethlehem neighborhood features picnicking, soccer, and softball fields
A South Bethlehem fisherman wades through the shallow waters of Saucon Creek.
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Events take residents to town
The expansiveness of the neighborhood means that residents head out in different directions for holidays and events. Some may make the short trip north to the SteelStacks, and enjoy the Bethlehem MusikFest or the annual Cristkindlmarkt, while others find Hellertown’s spooky Halloween parade to be up their alley. Lehigh University also hosts numerous events throughout the year, from homecoming and football games to artists and musicians, many of which are open to the public.
A pastel-hued sculpture greets visitors to Lehigh University's Zoellner Arts Center.
The old Bethlehem Steel Plant has been repurposed as Steel Stacks, an unique outdoor venue.
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Mountain Hawks soar high
Founded in 1865, Lehigh University spreads thousands of students across its three campus locations, all in South Bethlehem. This means plenty of traffic for the neighborhood as students go about their business, and it can be even busier when the Philadelphia Eagles set up training camp in the summer on the Mountain Hawks’ field. Kleinberg notes that Lehigh is part of the unique Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges where “they have a reciprocity program, children and spouses can go to school or take classes at any of the six colleges in the valley if their parent works at one of them.” It’s a unique educational opportunity that is a rare find in the college world.
Lehigh's Goodman Stadium is quiet now but will come alive as the fall football season arrives.
Lehigh's Mountaintop Campus is a major technological hub based high above South Bethlehem.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
South Bethlehem
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
South Bethlehem Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in South Bethlehem, Bethlehem sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in South Bethlehem, Bethlehem over the last 12 months is $263,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Stever Mills is more than a neighborhood — it’s a private retreat for those who value craftsmanship, privacy, and ease. Built by Blair Custom Homes, this carriage residence blends timeless architecture with elevated finishes, creating a home that feels both refined and welcoming. Inside, natural light and rich textures set the tone. Stone, wood, & custom millwork define an expansive open-concept
South Bethlehem unique and desirable 3 Bedroom home includes additional parcel w/expandable attic close proximity to Lehigh University, Hospitals, Schools and easy commute to highways. Large front porch with serene views of the city and mountains. Enjoy the perfect yard for relaxation or fun cookouts. 2 Car Parking in the rear, or you can rebuild garage as previously stood. Updated Kitchen and
Unique Opportunity in South Bethlehem! Welcome to 1521 E 6th St—a former church brimming with potential and endless possibilities. This distinctive property was previously converted to residential use, featuring large open spaces, soaring ceilings, generous natural light from oversized windows, and a spacious lower-level basement perfect for additional creative, or commercial space. Located
1611 East 8th Street in Bethlehem is now being made available for purchase. The sale of this parcel will also include the purchase of the adjoining parcel, 1613 East 8th Street.These parcels were previously adjoining halves of a ‘twin’ home and is located in Southside Bethlehem. Only a portion of the masonry foundations of the homes are still present and the primary opportunity for a buyer
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS for Investors & developers to purchase a 6.74 acre Parcel bordering Saucon Valley. Sub-Division plans have been filed and are in the APPROVAL stage. Included is an Income producing remodeled Cape cod & 4 stall Horse barn. Buy it all or Separate Lots. Current remodeled Building is used as rental. Horses Permitted.
Opportunity to restore and reimagine this early 1900s Colonial in Lower Saucon Township. This detached home offers over 1,000 square feet above grade with public water and sewer. The property requires repairs, updating, and reconfiguration and is being sold as-is. Buyers should anticipate improvement work throughout. Located along Route 378 with convenient access to commuter routes. Due to the
City Views is the Hottest, Brand New residence building in the heart of Southside, Bethlehem. This building has 1-2 bedroom apartments with open living space. Includes a resident lounge and a fitness room. Corner Unit on the 3rd floor with sweeping views. Off-street parking, bike rack, water/sewer/trash included in the rent, elevator service in the building, coin-operated laundry room, heat/AC
Fully Remodeled 2 Bedrooms apartment with Off steet Parking. New Kitchen, new flooring and freshly painted. Electric utilities paid by tenants. minutes away from all the amneties on E 3rd and E 4th st. and few minutes to 378. Tenants must supply themselves with renters' insurance. There is a $45.00 non-refundable application fee per adult. Schedule your showing today through ShowingTime
Saucon Square is a newly constructed luxury 33 unit multifamily development located in the City of Bethlehem. This picturesque site is less than one mile from I-78, walking distance to Hellertown Park, Ride bus terminal with transportation to NYC, and the 250 acre Saucon Park, of which, includes picnic areas, swimming pool, pavilions, and ball parks. It is also near historic downtown Bethlehem
Modern 2024 Construction: 1-Bedroom Apartment for Rent Available Now – Prime Location! Perfect for professionals and couples. One-bedroom, One-bathroom with plush carpeting in bedroom. Luxury Finishes: Quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances (dishwasher, microwave and refrigerator). Open-concept living areas with stylish luxury vinyl flooring. 9-foot-high ceilings for a bright, airy
BRAND NEW 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bathroom townhome in a private neighborhood with one-car garage, stainless steel appliances, washer/dryer, and outdoor living space. All lawncare is included in rent. PETS are WELCOME - $400 non-refundable deposit and additional monthly charges apply.Owner pays for lawn care and garbage. Tenant pays for electric, sewer, water, cable/internet, recycling.Pets
Modern 2024 Construction: 2-Bedroom Apartment for Rent Available Now – Prime Location! Perfect for professionals and couples. Two-bedroom, Two-bathroom with plush carpeting in bedroom. Luxury Finishes: Quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances (dishwasher, microwave and refrigerator). Open-concept living areas with stylish luxury vinyl flooring. 9-foot-high ceilings for a bright, airy
Modern 2024 Construction: 1-Bedroom Apartment for Rent Available Now – Prime Location! Perfect for professionals and couples. One-bedroom, One-bathroom with plush carpeting in bedroom. Luxury Finishes: Quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances (dishwasher, microwave and refrigerator). Open-concept living areas with stylish luxury vinyl flooring. 9-foot-high ceilings for a bright, airy
Modern 2024 Construction: 1-Bedroom Apartment for Rent Available Now – Prime Location! Perfect for professionals and couples. One-bedroom, One-bathroom with plush carpeting in bedroom. Luxury Finishes: Quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances (dishwasher, microwave and refrigerator). Open-concept living areas with stylish luxury vinyl flooring. 9-foot-high ceilings for a bright, airy
Now available for rent at 836 Wyandotte St in Bethlehem is a spacious, one-of-a-kind 1-bedroom apartment with a unique design and tons of character. It features a large, open living room, a large kitchen that gives you plenty of room to cook, host, or simply spread out and enjoy the space. The bedroom upstairs has some great views of Bethlehem. Best of all, there is no issues finding parking.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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