Lynn Township offers rural ambiance and tons of outdoor opportunities
Lynn Township is a largely rural community in Lehigh County, about 20 miles northwest of Allentown. The area is characterized by rolling hills and is covered in a mix of farmlands and woodlands. The Blue Mountain Ridge forms the northern border and is home to a leg of the Appalachian Trail. The township was founded as an agricultural hub, and farming is still the lifeblood of the community; however, most residents these days are about as likely to commute to Allentown as they are to work in farming. The area has also developed a small tourism industry centered around hunting, fishing and, more recently, wine tasting. While there are no full-scale towns in the area, a few villages in Lynn Township, particularly New Tripoli, serve as gathering points for community events.
Everything from modern townhouses to historic farmhouses
Lynn Township's housing inventory includes everything from modern townhouses in New Tripoli to midcentury ranch-style homes to historic farmhouses. Most properties sit on large yards surrounded by woods or farmlands, and scenic views of nearby hills and valleys are common. Cozy midcentury homes can sell for anywhere from $160,000 to $360,000, while larger properties go for $300,000 to $600,000. Townhouses usually sell for between $240,000 and $260,000. The community has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, well below the national average of 4 out of 10.
Close to the Appalachian Trail, with lots of hunting and fishing
The area is known for its wide variety of outdoor amenities. The Blue Mountain Ridge on the north side of the township is home to a scenic portion of the Appalachian Trail. Leaser Lake Park is home to the largest lake in Lehigh County and is popular with hikers, boaters and fishing enthusiasts. Hunting is a popular pastime, both on public lands and at private spots like Bittner's Wild Wings Shooting Preserve. Ontelaunee Park in New Tripoli has walking trails, a playground, a dog park and a well-groomed disc golf course. It also hosts community events throughout the year. Just east of the park, the public Olde Homestead Golf Club features a rustic 18-hole course.
Quaint local restaurants, but a little far from shopping
Most of the community's retail is concentrated on the stretch of state Route 309 just north of New Tripoli. The area is home to a few shops, including convenience store Blose's Market and Carey & Schnalzer Quality Meats. A number of farm stalls can also be found around the township during various harvest seasons. Most residents are a 10- to 15-mile drive from the nearest supermarkets in Fogelsville and Schnecksville, and it's a little farther than that to the big-box retailers in the Allentown suburbs. High-quality restaurants can be found closer to home, including highly rated spots like The Buttered Crumb Bakery and the Thunderhead Lodge. Blue Mountain Vineyards & Cellars offers wine, cheese and a patio with great views.
Northwestern Lehigh public schools
The area is served by the Northwestern Lehigh School District, which has a B on Niche. Weisenberg Elementary School and Northwestern Lehigh Middle School both have B grades as well. Northwestern Lehigh High School has a B-plus. The high school offers dual enrollment courses for college credit through partnerships with Lehigh Carbon Community College and Moravian University.
The Pioneer Apple Fest draws crowds
Every August the township hosts the A Night in the Country festival at the Northwestern Recreation Fields, featuring live music, a car show and fireworks. The October Pioneer Apple Fest at Ontelaunee Park pairs historical demonstrations with food vendors and craft booths.
State routes connect local villages
State routes 309 and 143 are the township's main thoroughfares, connecting most of its villages. Interstate 78 runs about 10 miles south of the township and is the nearest major highway. There is no public transportation in the area, so locals generally rely on cars to get around. It's a little over 20 miles to central Allentown by car, and a few miles farther to Allentown Queen City Municipal Airport, which offers direct flights to about a dozen destinations around the country.
