📍 About ABE & Allentown
Allentown Tower (ABE) is located at Lehigh Valley International Airport in eastern Pennsylvania. The area combines affordability, convenience, and access to outdoor recreation, with short drives to Philadelphia, NYC, and the Pocono Mountains. Whether you prefer a walkable town, a suburban neighborhood, or rural countryside, Lehigh Valley has something for everyone.
🏡 Where to Live
Pennsylvania – Singles & Couples
- Downtown Bethlehem – Walkable, historic charm, restaurants and nightlife.
- West End Allentown – Quiet, artsy, affordable apartments and rowhomes.
- Emmaus – Trendy coffee shops, local breweries, small-town vibe.
- Catasauqua – Close to ABE, affordable housing, up-and-coming area.
Pennsylvania – Families
- Macungie – Excellent schools, suburban feel, parks and trails.
- Lower Macungie Township – Safe, spacious homes, great for kids.
- Fogelsville – Quiet, upscale developments with easy highway access.
- Nazareth – Strong school district, historic downtown, rural charm.
- Whitehall – Suburban, shopping nearby, solid schools.
🚗 Commute Times to ABE (Allentown)
- 5–15 min: Catasauqua, East Allentown, Whitehall, Northampton
- 15–30 min: Emmaus, Macungie, Fogelsville, Bethlehem, Trexlertown
- 30–45 min: Nazareth, Quakertown, Kutztown, Coopersburg
🎓 Top School Districts
- Parkland School District – Consistently top-rated in the region; serves South Whitehall, Fogelsville, and parts of Allentown.
- East Penn School District – Covers Emmaus and Macungie with strong academics and extracurriculars.
- Whitehall-Coplay School District – Safe, suburban, and improving district just north of the airport.
- Nazareth Area School District – Rural-suburban mix, known for strong test scores and sports.
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
🌲 Outdoor Activities
- Lehigh Parkway: Scenic running trails, fly fishing, and picnic spots along the Little Lehigh Creek.
- Trexler Nature Preserve: Hiking and mountain biking with panoramic views and wildlife.
- Poconos: Year-round getaway for skiing, snowboarding, lakes, and hiking — under an hour away.
- Covered Bridge Tour: Drive or bike through historic bridges and countryside routes.
🏛️ Indoor & Cultural
- PPL Center: Home of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and host to concerts, comedy shows, and events.
- Allentown Art Museum: Mid-sized museum with rotating exhibits and community events.
- ArtsQuest SteelStacks (Bethlehem): Outdoor concerts, film festivals, Oktoberfest, Christkindlmarkt, and more.
- Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom: Seasonal amusement park with coasters and water rides for all ages.
- Breweries & Dining: Funk Brewing, Brü Daddy’s, Fegley’s Brew Works, and top-tier food spots throughout the Valley.
✈️ Nearby Airports
- Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE): Primary commercial airport and duty location for Allentown Tower controllers.
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): ~1.5 hours south — major hub with extensive domestic and international service.
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): ~1.5 hours east — full-service hub for United and international flights.
- Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International (AVP): ~1 hour north — regional airport with domestic routes.
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Safest Areas: Lower Macungie, Nazareth, Macungie, and Fogelsville are among the safest towns near ABE.
- Use Caution: Parts of Downtown Allentown and East Side are walkable but vary by block.
- Tip: Check local police department websites or CrimeMapping.com before committing to a lease.
🔗 Town Websites
💰 Cost of Living
- Housing: Median home price in the Lehigh Valley is ~$290,000. 1-bedroom apartments rent for $1,200–$1,500/month.
- Groceries: Slightly below national average. Wegmans, Giant, Weis, and Aldi are common.
- Utilities: ~$150–$250/month depending on unit size and season.
- Taxes: Pennsylvania has a 3.07% state income tax and 6% sales tax. Property taxes vary by township.
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Downtown Bethlehem: Great restaurants, riverfront festivals, and walkable streets.
- Emmaus Triangle: Small-town square with coffee shops, events, and weekend farmers markets.
- Trexlertown / Hamilton Crossings: Suburban shopping and dining hub.
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Cold and snowy. Snow tires and warm gear are essential (Dec–Feb).
- Spring: Cool and rainy with blooming landscapes (Mar–May).
- Summer: Warm and humid with occasional thunderstorms (Jun–Aug).
- Fall: Mild with beautiful foliage (Sep–Nov).
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- LANta Bus: Serves Allentown and nearby towns but limited for ATC shift work.
- Car Recommended: Nearly all controllers commute by personal vehicle.
- Traffic: Minimal, except near Route 22 at rush hour or during snow events.
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Lehigh Valley Health Network: Major provider with hospitals and urgent care locations throughout the region.
- St. Luke’s University Health Network: Excellent hospitals in Allentown, Bethlehem, and Quakertown.
- Urgent Care: Patient First, LVHN ExpressCare, and CareMount Medical are widely available.
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Young Professionals: Downtown Bethlehem and Allentown bars, live music, trivia nights.
- Families: Family festivals, parks, and Lehigh Valley Zoo events year-round.
- Community: Farmers markets, volunteer events, and local sports leagues.
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Allentown: Union & Finch, The Shelby, Bru Daddy’s Brewing
- Bethlehem: Apollo Grill, Fegley’s Brew Works, Tapas on Main
- Emmaus/Macungie: House and Barn, The Trapp Door, Switchback Pizza
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Shifts: Rotating schedule — expect early mornings, swing shifts, and mids.
- Live Close: Living within 15–25 minutes will help during winter weather and unexpected OT.
- Housing: Many controllers rent apartments in Whitehall, Macungie, or Fogelsville initially before buying.
📦 Moving Tips
- Best Time to Move: Spring and late summer have the most available rentals.
- Snow Prep: If arriving in winter, make sure your place includes snow removal or have a shovel ready.
- Local Help: Use Facebook Marketplace and Lehigh Valley rental groups for furniture and apartments.
❓ FAQs
- Is Allentown safe?
Yes, especially in the West End, Fogelsville, and surrounding suburbs. - Do I need a car?
Yes. Public transit is not sufficient for shift work or commuting from most neighborhoods. - What’s the weather like?
Four full seasons. Cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers.