My husband and I are considering a move back to Allentown after being gone for twenty years. Can the "locals" tell me the pros and cons of this town now? We have a young child so public schools are an issue.

carbogilligan, I lived in Macungie, right outside Allentown for many years before moving back to my native South 13 years ago. My friends who still reside in the area tell me that the city itself has gone way downhill, and they don't even go in to shop or eat anymore!!!! The days that I remembered and loved in Allentown were when you could go down to Hess Dept. Store (long gone), and eat in their incredible restaurant......... remember the sandwiches and pies??? But that was a long time ago, and everybody that I talk to in the surrounding area (Emmaus, Macungie, etc.) says that they have little interest in going into Allentown now. Maybe someone else on here has a different view..... I haven't actually been in the city for years, so I can't say that I'm speaking from experience but we do have a lot of old friends there who all say the same thing.

I remember Hess Department Store! Such elegance to my young self! The Main Street is very different now - my mom used to work there a few years ago, and what was once a desirable place to shop has turned into Dollar Stores and the like.

I grew up in next door Bethlehem, so I can't comment on Allentonw schools, but I understand my (public) high school now has metal detectors. Yikes! I can't imagine Allentown would be much better.

Hey Karens! We lived in the area for around 12 years, my son went to the excellent Emmaus schools, and the area was great then. My best friend's daughter had a gorgeous wedding reception at the Hotel Bethlehem; also my BF and I used to go to the (real, fancy) high tea at that hotel (Hamilton something??? the name escapes me!) right next to a bridge-sort of area between the two cities!That was back in the hay-days of Mack Truck and Bethlehem Steel, etc. I hear truly awful stuff about both cities now! #39;(

Any chane of moving to (or near) the Historic District of Bethlehem? I'm not sure where you are posting from, but would it be possible for you to make a visit to check it out?

My mother-in-law lives near there in Auburn (a half hour west of Allentown near I-78) at Lake Winona. She loves it there. She uses the airport in Allentown & does most of her shopping there or goes into Reading (where she used to live). You might do some checking about that area.

Another Lehigh Valley native here...yes, we remember well the incredible sandwiches and pies at Hess' patio restaurant in the basement. Remember when they also had live fashion models walking through? I also remember when the main store closed and they sold off all their incredible main floor chandeliers at bargain basement prices.
I will be in the Lehigh Valley all next week. Re schools, you will probably find the best schools in the 'burbs. I'm a grad of Southern Lehigh myself and this district gets pretty high ratings. I think Parkland and Salisbury school districts are also well regarded.
There has been a lot of development in Upper Saucon (Coopersburg area) and Lower Milford townships...you might want to include those in the places you consider.
Historic Bethlehem is very desirable (we were married at the Old Moravian Chapel) but I don't know about the public schools there. (Many people who live there send their kids of the private Moravian Academy).

Put me down as another Lehigh Valley native. My sister still lives in Catasauqua and my Uncle in Easton. I remember having to endure long 3 martini lunches at the Hess's patio. My Mom and Aunt went frequently and I was always scared coming down out of the parking garage! Also, does anyone remember the colored sugar crystals? They had multi colored sugar all mixed together. We lived in Hanover Township and attended Bethlehem Public Schools. They seemed fine to me back then (1978 - ouch) but who knows now.
I still love going home. The food is sooooo much better than anything in Oklahoma! I guess I'm envious. Let us know what you decide!
H

Thanks to all who responded to my questions! We currently live in southern CA and are looking for a slower pace of life. Allentown and its surroundings bring back many memories. My husband was born in Applebachsville (sp?). Anyway, I'll let you know our decision, however, we are several years from making it.