$275,471Average Value$225Average Price per Sq Ft21Homes For Sale
Downtown Bethlehem is known for its festivals
The Downtown Bethlehem community is as strong as the steel once produced here. For years, the Bethlehem Steel Corporation supplied steel for iconic American landmarks such as the Empire State Building and the Golden Gate Bridge. After closing in 2003, city residents rallied to bring new life to the plant and ultimately, it was transformed into a lively entertainment venue for music concerts and festivals. “When big industries leave, people usually find a new city to move to, but people here reinvented themselves so they could stay because they loved living here so much,” says Realtor Lenore Mohr, owner of Pure Light Reinvest, who has been selling homes in the area for eight years.
Bethlehem hosts so many celebrations that locals refer to this Pennsylvania city as “Fest-lehem.” In addition to the festive events, downtown residents relish living in a highly walkable neighborhood that’s home to a wealth of restaurants, shops and two universities.
Visit downtown Bethlehem for Seasonal events.
Enjoy arts and entertainment downtown at Bethlehem's steel stacks
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Main and Broad streets serve as shopping and dining hubs
Main Street and Broad Street intersect to greet residents with a multitude of eateries offering outdoor seating. Apollo Grill, which is regularly voted as Bethlehem’s best restaurant by Lehigh Valley Style magazine, has been a mainstay for 25 years. Customers can expect upscale favorites, such as shrimp limoncello and short ribs.
A stroll along Main Street leads to eclectic shops such as Donegal Square, where patrons can rent a kilt or purchase Irish whiskey, and Cigar International Store which boasts a worldwide collection. For the full Bethlehem experience, stop by Moravian Book Shop, the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the world, which opened in 1745.
A grocery run can be easily handled at C-Town Supermarket on East Third Street.
Grab a sweet treat at Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop in Downtown Bethlehem.
Downtown Bethlehem features a beautiful historic area along Main Street.
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Downtown Bethlehem offers a wealth of century-old homes
The northern section of downtown features an abundance of Craftsman-style homes and Cape Cods with rooftop dormer windows. It’s a bit leafier and quieter than other parts of downtown with more yard space and sidewalks for a peaceful stroll through the neighborhood.
For those who prefer to be close to the action, the commercial part of town known as the historic district offers a mix of well-maintained Colonial Revivals and colorful Victorians from the late 1800s and early 1900s. When residents step outside their front door, they’re on sidewalks leading to all of downtown’s local shops and restaurants. “The historic district has strict building codes, so they’ve maintained a high level of consistency over the years,” Mohr says.
The average sale price hovers in the high-$200,000s and homes are snatched up a few weeks after being listed. A cozy two-bedroom, one-bath may sell for $225,000, while a six-bedroom, four-bath Victorian could fetch $900,000.
Beautiful Victorian style homes in downtown Bethlehem
Colorful historic homes in downtown Bethlehem
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Christkindlmarkt and Peepsfest are beloved traditions
The community gathers at the iconic SteelStacks on Founders Way for dozens of year-round celebrations, including Peepsfest, where locals ring in the New Year with a giant Peeps chick that drops for the countdown, followed by fireworks. It’s put on by Just Born Quality Confections, a candy manufacturer in Bethlehem that makes the popular marshmallow candy.
Christkindlmarkt, a German-inspired holiday market, has been named one of the best of its kind in the world by Travel + Leisure. The event takes place over several weeks during November and December on First Street and features thousands of handmade gifts.
Enjoy the outdoors at Sand Island Park
Situated next to the Lehigh River, on River Road, Sand Island Park is a popular spot among walkers and bikers alike. In addition to its trails, the park features a playground, basketball and tennis courts. Payrow Plaza, on East Church Street, offers scenic views of the city and the towering “Symbol of Progress” public art sculpture.
Go for a midday walk on the trails at Sand Island Park.
Practice your jump shot on the courts at Sand Island Park.
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Students attend well-rated Bethlehem Area School District schools
Public school students may attend William Penn Elementary, Northeast Middle and Liberty High. Part of the Bethlehem Area School District, the elementary and high schools earn B Niche grades, while the middle school scores a B-minus. Home of the Hurricanes, the high school offers dozens of extracurricular programs ranging from Latin ballroom to jigsaw puzzle clubs.
Northeast Middle School serves 749 students in grades 6-8.
Liberty High School serves 2,800 students in grades 9-12.
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Downtown Bethlehem hosts Moravian and Lehigh universities
Downtown Bethlehem is home to Moravian University and Lehigh University. Established in 1742, Moravian is the sixth-oldest college in the country and the first to educate women. Lehigh University prides itself as one of the country’s top research institutions.
Lehigh University is a private research university in Bethlehem founded by Asa Packer in 1865.
Moravian University in Downtown Bethlehem can trace its founding back to 1742,
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Randyl Walters,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Elmwood Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Illick's Mill Park
Bike Trails
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Martin Luther king Jr park
Picnic Area
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Sand Island Park
Bike Trails
Trails
Playground
Bernie Fritz Playground
Basketball
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Rockland Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Bethlehem Skateplaza
Transit
Airport
Lehigh Valley International
12 min drive
Bus
3rd & Banana Factory
Bus
Pembroke & Wood Wb
Bus
Broadway & Wyandotte Sb
Bus
New & Wall
Bus
Goepp & High Wb
Bus
Fahy Bridge South Eb
Bus
Broadway & Fiot Sb
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Bethlehem
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Bethlehem Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Bethlehem, Bethlehem sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Bethlehem, Bethlehem over the last 12 months is $330,000, down 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Gorgeous Brick Colonial, located on Bethlehem's Prestigious Main Street, has been thoughtfully designed and has a stunning floor plan. The 1st floor features a generously sized living room with brick fireplace, french doors leading to a large dining room that features hardwood floors, a well appointed den also offers hardwood. The well kept kitchen offers a wrap-around breakfast bar with well
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS AND YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS IT. Welcome to 488 Birkel Ave in South Bethlehem, a total turn-key investment with a 9% cap rate, just steps away from the Lehigh University campus. This large brick and stone townhouse has many recent updates. All flooring was updated to maintenance-free vinyl plank flooring, bathrooms were updated, and the kitchen was updated, including tile
Welcome to this well-maintained single-family home in desirable North Bethlehem where pride of ownership is evident throughout. This 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath gem features an open-concept living and dining area that flows seamlessly into the kitchen, which boasts a stainless steel gas oven/range, dishwasher, granite countertops, and a stylish tile backsplash. Enjoy the comfort and efficiency of gas
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity just 3 blocks from Lehigh University! Whether you're looking for a spacious family home, an investment rental, or student housing potential, this fully renovated turnkey property has it all—new roof, siding, high-efficiency gas furnace, central AC, updated bathrooms, flooring, and more. Enjoy rare off-street parking for 8 vehicles plus a wooden garage for 2
Anderson Zuleta MedinaIronValley RE of Lehigh Valley
This apartment with ground floor living convenience combines early 20th-century grandeur with modern comforts, sending you back in time. This luxurious one-bedroom unit in the Normandy/English Tudor Mansion incorporates the charm of the past with the comfort of the modern. Grand fireplace mantel, coffered ceiling with quarter sawn red wood beams are just one example of old-fashioned
With fantastic views, this unique and opulent one-bedroom apartment is part of history, within a Normandy/English Tudor mansion, and is just a short walk from downtown Bethlehem, Lehigh University, and St. Luke's Hospital. Commuting is easy, as Route 378 is only a block away. The flat is on the second floor of the building. The kitchen is spacious and has many upgrades and conveniences. Newer
Welcome to Dream Boyd Theatre, where history meets luxury living in the heart of the Lehigh Valley. For over 85 years, the Boyd Theatre stood as a beacon of entertainment in Bethlehem. Initially opened in 1921, this architectural gem was a hub of excitement, showcasing vaudeville acts and silent films to captivated audiences. Its legacy lives on as we share the rebirth of this iconic building as
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Randyl Walters,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
31,227
Median Age
33
Population Density
15 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$54,318
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$75,349
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
88%
College Graduates
28.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
11.7%
% Population in Labor Force
57.6%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
22°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
21''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
60/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
78/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
41/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.