I was back in the Lehigh Valley twice in recent months, helping my Mom find a new place to live (probably Cornwall Manor over in Lebanon).

I don't dispute the fact that Allentown itself is a sad shell of its former days, but Allentown is NOT the be-all and end-all of the Lehigh Valley. If the OP is willing to explore the Valley beyond Allentown (something you should probably try yourself one day), they may be in for a very pleasant surprise. Parts of Lower Milford township as it stretches down toward Berks County are quite beautiful with some striking vistas...have you been there? Have you been to Weyhill Woods?

For everyone responding to my question, thanks alot. I should've specified a little better. I was speaking of moving to an area that is considered Allentown but the neighborhood is actually Cetronia or something like that. It suprises me to hear all the negative replies about Allentown because in this particular area the homes are all over 200,000 which I thought was pretty high for that area. The school district I would be moving into is Parkland which I was also told was great but I'm not really sure how it matches up with Sacramento because they score differently in the 2 cities so I thought it would be great to hear from real people. I don't believe alot of those statistics anyways!! Thanks alot!

I would look into specific Neighborhoods in each city. Are you also looking into other cities/ parts of the country? Where do you live now?
IMO, I'm a spoiled Californian so I'd pick Sacramento. I've never been to Allentown, though.

I lived in Bethlehem off of Center street for 8 years, and it was a WONDERFUL place to raise children! My 2 had a great education and and had a "small" town type of upbringing. Nothing can beat Bethlehem at Christmas it is MAGICAL! I am not knocking Sacramento, but the Lehigh Valley is great place to raise children IMO.

Judy- I'm not sure how long ago you lived in Bethlehem, but it is my understanding that the HS now has metal detectors.

Some time ago 1977-85....we had a great neigborhood and wonderful friends, and I would have not traded that experience for anything. It was halcyon days.

Parkland is an EXCELLENT school district. Prices in the $200s for houses are actually considered cheap for the Lehigh Valley area - esp. for Parkland school districts, where homes normally command a premium due to the desirability of the school district. Bethlehem is a beautiful old city, but I have lived in Allentown itself and would NOT recommend it, unless you are in the deep west of the city, where there are some beautiful older homes. The Lehigh Valley area in general is OK - lots of outdoor activities, including close to skiing, Appalachian Trail, Mountain biking/rafting esp. in the Jim Thorpe area (45 min. north of Allentown), an hour from Phila and less than 2 hours from NYC. Winters are long and cold, compared to what I grew up with (grew up in England) but all depends what you are used to...North of Allentown, where I currently live, is really pretty - mountains are gorgeous in the fall, and it's quite rural - all single homes on 1+ acre lots.

Where north of Allentown do you live? Lehighton? Palmerton?

In formation from two decades ago isn't particularly helpful imo. Many places may have been what this person is looking for... in the 1950's

I agree with you suze.