The city\u2019s 80,677 residents are proud of its innovative culture. After all, the Moravians who settled here were inventors, building the first public water system in the American Colonies back in 1754.<\/p>\n
Today, the city\u2019s passionate community spirit carries over into the strong business community and the top-notch educational system. Bethlehem has excellent public and private schools, as well as 11 colleges in the Lehigh Valley that turn out a highly educated workforce. Manufacturing is in this city\u2019s DNA (think the steel industry), and companies here make everything from Mack Trucks to marshmallow Peeps. Other industries that flourish here include health care, business services and transportation and logistics. <\/p>\n
A location just 90 minutes west of New York City and an hour north of Philadelphia is also a boon for the city. Still, there\u2019s no need to venture far from home since the city offers all kinds of arts and culture, nightlife, creative dining spots, historical sites and more. SteelStacks<\/a>, for example, is a gathering place for all types of events and festivals that the whole family can enjoy. Once a manufacturer that made iron rail for railroads, the SteelStacks have been transformed into a community anchor for locals to come together and celebrate.<\/p>\n Top Reasons to Move to Bethlehem With major investments and a high-tech expansion, Bethlehem offers high-paying life science jobs. Getting around town in Bethlehem is a breeze. The city is perfectly positioned, just an hour from Philadelphia and 90 minutes from New York City. Bethlehem is family-friendly, with prestigious higher-ed options and highly rated school districts. Bethlehem is the \u201cChristmas City,\u201d and the number of festivals and museums make it a premier arts destination.\u00a0 Bethlehem, PA Top Categories<\/p>\n Bethlehem ranks highest for education, amenities and safety.<\/p>\n See Livscore Category Details <\/p>\n Amenities80<\/p>\n Amenities: things to do for every interest, plus access to parks and healthy food. Sample metrics: Dining Variety, Museums, Sporting Events & Stadiums, Political Engagement<\/p>\n Economy58<\/p>\n Economy: diverse, thriving local economies with strong employment opportunities and income growth. Sample metrics: Industrial Diversity, Unemployment, Income Relative Change<\/p>\n Education84<\/p>\n Education: feature an educated population and high-quality schools at all levels of education. Sample metrics: School Quality, Years of School, College Access<\/p>\n Environment28<\/p>\n Environment: minimize natural disaster risk, have good air quality and reasonable population density. Sample metrics: Earthquake Risk, Climate Suitability Subscore<\/p>\n Health61<\/p>\n Health: positive health outcomes and easy access to excellent healthcare. Sample metrics: Life Expectancy, Doctor & Hospital Access<\/p>\n Housing & Cost of Living70<\/p>\n Housing & Cost of Living: relatively affordable housing for renters and owners, reasonable taxes and an overall modest cost of living. Sample metrics: Tax Rates, Percent Below Poverty Level, Rental & Home Affordability Ratios<\/p>\n Safety77<\/p>\n Safety: relatively low crime rates. Sample metrics: Murder, Larceny<\/p>\n Transportation66<\/p>\n Transportation: drivable, walkable, bikeable and more with short commutes. Samplemetrics: Multimodal Intersection Density, Vehicles Per Household<\/p>\n Where Is Bethlehem, PA? <\/p>\n Bethlehem is a picturesque city tucked into the rolling Lehigh Valley, about 60 miles north of Philadelphia, where Interstate 78 and U.S. Route 22 crisscross, linking it seamlessly to the region. The nearest airport, Lehigh Valley International Airport, is a quick 5 miles northeast and is a midsize hub with flights to destinations like Charlotte and Chicago. When you\u2019re ready to venture out, here\u2019s how close you are to some major nearby cities:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Allentown, PA, is just 5 miles west; catch a Lehigh Valley Phantoms hockey game, browse the Allentown Art Museum or enjoy a concert at the PPL Center.\u00a0\u00a0 Philadelphia, PA, sits 60 miles south, tempting with the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the iconic Philly cheesesteak. New York City is 90 miles east; from Broadway shows to Central Park picnics and the Statue of Liberty, the Big Apple delivers endless excitement.\u00a0 <\/p>\n Weather and Climate <\/p>\n Residents enjoy a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, featuring warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The city experiences partial cloud cover year-round and is known for its picturesque, colorful autumns and pleasant springs, with moderate precipitation evenly distributed throughout the year.<\/p>\n Average Temperatures<\/p>\n 62 high \/ 41 low<\/p>\n Average Annual Rainfall<\/p>\n 47 in<\/p>\n Average Annual Snowfall<\/p>\n 33 in<\/p>\n Economy and Jobs <\/p>\n Bethlehem is small but mighty, making it a draw for professionals to plant roots. Key industries in the city include health care, manufacturing and educational services. St. Luke\u2019s University Health Network, Lehigh University and Bethlehem Area School District are among the largest employers. And to sweeten the deal? Just Born Quality Confections, the candy manufacturer known for Peeps marshmallows, is headquartered here. Living a stone\u2019s throw from major players in the country\u2019s economy, such as New York City and Philadelphia, doesn\u2019t hurt either.\u00a0<\/p>\n The cost of living in Bethlehem is below the national average. The median home value in Bethlehem is $272,603, and the average household income is $69,628.<\/p>\n Pennsylvania has a state income tax, and Bethlehem residents can expect a combined 6.0% sales tax rate in 2026.<\/p>\n Who are the major health care providers in Bethlehem, PA? <\/p>\n Thanks to top hospitals like St. Luke\u2019s University Hospital \u2013 Bethlehem Campus, Good Shepherd Specialty Hospital and Lehigh Valley Health Network\u2019s Highland Avenue campus, Bethlehem residents can stay in good health. St. Luke\u2019s is a nonprofit health care system with its flagship hospital in the city. It offers a wide range of medical services and is regionally ranked among the best hospitals in Northeastern Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n Quick Facts About Bethlehem, PA<\/p>\n Average Commute18 minutes<\/p>\n Median Home Value$272,603<\/p>\n Median Household Income$69,628<\/p>\n Total Population80,677<\/p>\n Median Property Tax$1,959<\/p>\n Median Monthly Rent$1,143<\/p>\n Display these facts on your site.<\/a><\/p>\n What Makes Bethlehem Unique <\/p>\n Bethlehem comes alive during the holiday season. Nicknamed the \u201cChristmas City,\u201d Bethlehem displayed a tree in 1747 decorated with apples, candles and Bible verses, likely making it the first place in America to adopt the Christmas tree tradition. To this day, the city goes all out for the holiday season, with businesses in historic Bethlehem competing in a holiday window-decorating contest and a cute Christkindl market at SteelStacks<\/a>, an arts and culture hub that took over the site of a former steel plant.\u00a0<\/p>\n Not only is Bethlehem a bona fide \u201cChristmas City,\u201d but there\u2019s also a giant Peep drop on New Year\u2019s Eve. In addition, the city is home to Just Born Quality Confections, the maker of the beloved marshmallow Easter candy.<\/p>\n Things to Do <\/p>\n Old meets new in Bethlehem. You can learn about its Moravian history at places like the Moravian Church Settlements, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Moravian Museum. Or discover its industrial past at the National Museum of Industrial History and the Colonial Industrial Quarter. With its preserved 18th-century architecture, Downtown Bethlehem is an excellent spot for enjoying shops and galleries, particularly during First Friday events on the South Side.\u00a0<\/p>\n Residents also have access to a lot of arts and entertainment. Places like SteelStacks, the Banana Factory and the Zoellner Arts Center host concerts, festivals and shows. Annual events like Musikfest and Christkindlmarkt draw crowds from far and wide, while the Crayola Experience offers family-friendly fun.<\/p>\n Enjoy sunny days and get active by visiting the Bethlehem Skateplaza. The plaza is a 23,000-square-foot park for bikers and skaters.<\/p>\n What are some things to do in Bethlehem, PA, with kids? <\/p>\n Learn about America\u2019s industrial machines and early innovators at the National Museum of Industrial History. More things to do at SteelStacks include toddler story times and a family movie series.<\/p>\n Where do locals shop in Bethlehem, PA? <\/p>\n Bethlehem\u2019s Main Street<\/a> is a hub for local shops and boutiques. You can find unique items, gifts and locally crafted goods. Be sure to pop into Moravian Book Shop, the world\u2019s oldest continuously operating bookstore, founded in 1745.<\/p>\n Where is the best place for live music or performing arts in Bethlehem, PA? <\/p>\n SteelStacks<\/a>, a campus formerly owned by Bethlehem Steel, now hosts more than 1,000 concerts a year and eight annual festivals. While they often put on paid events, you can also attend any of their 750 free performances throughout the year.<\/p>\n Outdoor Activities <\/p>\n Bethlehem residents have a bunch of fun when it comes to exploring the great outdoors. Mixing city trails with nature, it\u2019s easy to experience the outdoors in a city setting. Geographically, the city stretches across gentle hills with pockets of flat land. The Lehigh River carves its way nearby, a playground for kayakers, fishermen and anyone craving a riverside walk under the shade of towering trees. Ride a bike or walk along the South Bethlehem Greenway and Sand Island Park, which runs alongside the Lehigh River. For those seeking more adventurous pursuits, kayaking on the Lehigh River and hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail are easily accessible just outside the city. Monocacy Park and Illick\u2019s Mill & Monocacy Creek Park provide peaceful settings for nature walks and fishing.<\/p>\n The cooler winter temperatures don\u2019t deter residents, and the city has found ways to offer outdoor activities year-round. Dutch Springs has a water playground and scuba diving in a former quarry during the summer. Or explore the Lost River Caverns nearby. In winter, SteelStacks becomes an ice-skating rink, offering residents seasonal outdoor fun.<\/p>\n Restaurants, Breweries and Bars <\/p>\n Bite into Bethlehem\u2019s foodie scene, which is growing by the day. Historic establishments like The 1758 Sun Inn, where old meets new, serve contemporary food in historic buildings. Or tantalize your taste buds with Greek food at Yianni\u2019s Taverna. Local wineries like Black River Farms offer tastings, and you can sample craft drinks at Fegley\u2019s Bethlehem Brew Works and Colony Meadery. Residents can enjoy farm-to-table fare at Bolete. Looking for something hyper-local? The Bethlehem Farmers\u2019 Market<\/a> provides fresh, local produce and artisan foods.<\/p>\n What is one of the best places to eat in Bethlehem, PA? <\/p>\n Share Spanish-style tapas and pitchers of raspberry mint or blood orange berry sangria at Tapas on Main.<\/p>\n What is the best coffee shop in Bethlehem, PA? <\/p>\n Bitty & Beau\u2019s is a coffee shop run by people with disabilities. It is a \u201chuman rights movement disguised as a coffee shop.\u201d The Bethlehem shop is one of 23 nationwide.<\/p>\n Where is the best happy hour in Bethlehem, PA? <\/p>\n During the week, enjoy the happy hour at Zest Bar & Grill, where they serve discounted classic cocktails, local drafts and snacks. Be sure to make a reservation for Sunday brunch on the rooftop, too.<\/p>\n Educational Opportunities <\/p>\n Brainiacs can rejoice in Bethlehem. The Bethlehem Area School District (BASD) serves nearly 13,000 students and offers a range of programs and school types, from traditional K-12 classrooms to magnet schools and charter schools. Though performance varies from school to school, the district maintains a favorable student-to-teacher ratio. Residents also have their pick of private schools, including Moravian Academy, a historic independent school with a Moravian heritage.<\/p>\n What colleges and universities are in Bethlehem, PA? <\/p>\n![\"Bethlehem,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BethlehemPA-1688647940.jpg\")
Bethlehem, PA, is one of the best places to live in the country. What is something you can do for free in Bethlehem, PA? <\/p>\n