Allentown PA

Allentown – A charming blend of history, innovation, and hometown pride, Allentown offers the warmth of a close-knit community with the energy of a growing city. Nestled in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, this hidden gem welcomes visitors with scenic parks, rich industrial heritage, and a vibrant arts scene. Whether you're exploring museums, cheering at a hockey game, or enjoying classic Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, Allentown brings heart and history to every experience.

• Population: ~125,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; warm summers (mid 80s°F), cold winters (20s-30s°F) with occasional snowfall.
• Places To Visit: America on Wheels Museum, Allentown Art Museum, Coca-Cola Park, PPL Center, Allentown Rose Gardens.
• Top Activities: Attending an IronPigs baseball game, walking through historic West Park, exploring Liberty Bell Museum, biking along the Lehigh River, sampling local wines at nearby vineyards.
• Famous Food: Soft pretzels, shoofly pie, pierogies, cheesesteaks, and Pennsylvania Dutch pot pie.

Allentown, PA, is a growing city in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley region. It has a strong presence in manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and education. With a revitalized downtown and expanding industries, Allentown offers a wide range of job opportunities across many sectors.

Top 5 Jobs in Allentown, PA

Allentown, PA, offers a variety of cool places where students can kick back, unwind, and enjoy themselves. Whether you're a fan of outdoor activities, arts, or tasty bites, Allentown has something to offer.

Allentown Rose Gardens – Perfect for a relaxing stroll or a peaceful study session, these gardens boast beautiful blooms and tranquil walking paths.

Coca-Cola Park – Catch an IronPigs baseball game with friends. The lively atmosphere and specialty food stands make for a great outing.

Hamilton Street in Downtown Allentown – Check out the vibrant art scene, cool coffee shops, and unique stores. It's a nice place to soak up some local culture.

Cedar Beach Park – Pack a picnic, play a game of volleyball, or simply enjoy the sun in this spacious park that's great for fun and relaxation.

Lehigh Parkway – This scenic spot is ideal for biking, jogging, or just unwinding by the Little Lehigh Creek. The covered bridge is a favorite photo op.

Da Vinci Science Center – Engage with interactive exhibits and get inspired by science while having fun. It's a hands-on experience that's perfect for curious minds.

Martini's Tapas Bar – Meet friends here for delicious small plates and creative cocktails. The relaxed atmosphere is perfect for unwinding after a long week.

Allentown, PA offers access to a range of respected public and private colleges and universities. These institutions are recognized for academic diversity, career-focused programs, and student success across fields like healthcare, business, technology, and the liberal arts.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Allentown

Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) – Serving the greater Lehigh Valley region, this community college provides affordable education with strong transfer programs and workforce training in healthcare, business, and technology.

Northampton Community College (NCC) – Fowler Family Southside Center – Located nearby in Bethlehem, NCC offers a campus in the Allentown area where students can access high-quality associate degree and certificate programs close to home.

Pennsylvania State University – Lehigh Valley – Part of the Penn State system, this campus offers bachelor’s degrees in business, psychology, and health policy administration, as well as access to the full Penn State network of resources and research opportunities.

East Stroudsburg University (Lehigh Valley Center) – Through distance and satellite instruction, ESU’s Lehigh Valley Center brings select undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as health sciences and education to Allentown residents.

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania – Just a 30-minute drive from Allentown, this public university is known for strong arts, business, and education programs and serves many local students from the Allentown area.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Allentown

Cedar Crest College – A well-regarded private liberal arts college in Allentown, Cedar Crest is known for its programs in nursing, forensic science, social work, and the arts. It emphasizes women’s leadership and hands-on learning.

Muhlenberg College – A nationally ranked liberal arts college located in Allentown, Muhlenberg offers strong programs in the humanities, sciences, pre-health, and theater arts. The school is also known for its commitment to undergraduate research.

DeSales University – Located just south of Allentown in nearby Center Valley, this private Catholic university has a strong reputation in fields such as healthcare, criminal justice, and business, and it continues to expand its online learning programs.

Moravian University – While based in neighboring Bethlehem, Moravian attracts many students from Allentown and offers respected programs in nursing, music, business, and liberal arts. It’s one of the oldest colleges in the United States.

Lehigh University – Though not located directly in Allentown, this prestigious private research university in nearby Bethlehem is within easy commuting distance. Lehigh is highly ranked for its engineering, business, and entrepreneurship programs and maintains strong ties with the Allentown community.

Allentown, PA is home to several excellent high schools that offer strong academics, diverse extracurricular activities, and college-preparatory programs. Whether public or private, these schools are known for supporting students' growth and achievement in a safe and nurturing environment.

Top Public High Schools in Allentown, PA

• Parkland High School – Located in the Parkland School District, this large public school is well-known for its academic programs, performing arts, and athletic achievements. The school boasts a high graduation rate and college acceptance rate.
• Emmaus High School – Serving the East Penn School District, Emmaus offers a broad selection of AP courses and has strong math and science programs along with a variety of clubs and sports.
• Salisbury High School – A smaller public school, Salisbury provides a close-knit learning environment, advanced placement classes, and individualized academic support. It has a reputation for educational excellence and community involvement.
• Southern Lehigh High School – This school combines academic rigor with student-centered learning. It offers extensive college prep programs and a vibrant arts department.
• Dieruff High School – Part of the Allentown School District, Dieruff High supports college and career readiness through programs in health sciences, engineering, and the arts, with dedicated teachers and community partnerships.

Top Private High Schools in Allentown, PA

• Allentown Central Catholic High School – A top Catholic school with a long-standing tradition of academic success, faith-based education, and strong sports and arts programs.
• Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School – Although publicly funded and tuition-free, it functions with the flexibility of a private institution. This IB World School offers the International Baccalaureate program and challenging academics.
• Building 21 Allentown – An innovative high school that blends traditional education with real-world learning and personalized curriculum, ideal for students seeking non-traditional pathways to success.
• The Swain School (High School Division) – Now part of Moravian Academy, the Swain Campus provides a rigorous, inquiry-based curriculum with small class sizes and a focus on creativity and leadership.
• Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School (PA Cyber) – Though an online public school, many Allentown families turn to PA Cyber for its flexible, customized approach to education with certified teachers and a wide range of courses.

Allentown, Pennsylvania may not be home to major league teams like larger cities, but it has a strong presence in the world of professional minor league and developmental sports. The city offers a passionate sports culture with teams that draw loyal fans and help develop future stars in baseball and hockey.

⚾ Baseball – Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Triple-A Affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies)

• Lehigh Valley IronPigs – Based in Allentown, the IronPigs are the Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies and play in the International League. They were founded in 2008 and play home games at Coca-Cola Park, one of the premier minor league stadiums in the country. The team is known for its fun promotions, loyal fanbase, and role in developing future MLB talents for the Phillies.

🏒 Hockey – Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL Affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers)

• Lehigh Valley Phantoms – The Phantoms are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League (AHL) and serve as the top minor league affiliate of the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers. The team relocated to Allentown in 2014 and plays in the PPL Center. They are a key part of the Flyers’ development system, and many of Philadelphia’s top players get their start in Allentown. The Phantoms provide an exciting hockey atmosphere and contribute greatly to the city’s sports culture.

Although Allentown does not have teams in the major leagues, the city fosters a deep love for sports through high-level minor league teams. With strong community support, exceptional facilities, and a track record of developing future stars, Allentown continues to make its mark in the world of professional sports.

Allentown, PA is a charming city filled with rich history, vibrant culture, and surprising facts that make it a unique destination in the Lehigh Valley. From its industrial roots to its musical fame, here are 10 fun facts about Allentown:

1. Billy Joel's Shoutout – The city was made famous nationwide in 1982 by Billy Joel's song “Allentown”, which highlighted the struggles of American factory workers.
2. The Liberty Bell’s Hideout – During the Revolutionary War, the Liberty Bell was hidden in Allentown’s Zion Reformed Church to keep it safe from the British.
3. Home of America On Wheels – Allentown is home to the America On Wheels Museum, a unique place celebrating all things transportation, from vintage cars to trucks and bicycles.
4. The PPL Center – This modern arena in downtown Allentown is home to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, an AHL hockey team, and hosts concerts, shows, and sporting events all year round.
5. Dorney Park's Thrills – Allentown boasts Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, one of the oldest amusement parks in the U.S., packed with roller coasters and water slides since the 1880s.
6. Cultural Center of Lehigh Valley – With theaters, galleries, and music venues, Allentown’s ArtsWalk brings together artists, food lovers, and performers in a lively downtown space.
7. Canal Connection – In the 1800s, the Lehigh Canal turned Allentown into a busy trade hub, helping the city thrive during the Industrial Revolution.
8. Oldest Civil War Monument – Allentown is home to one of the first Civil War monuments in the country, located in West Park and built in 1899.
9. Iron Industry Pioneer – Allentown was once known as the “Silk and Steel City” for its booming textile and iron industries that fueled its growth in the 19th century.
10. Parkland Paradise – The city has over 2,000 acres of public parks, including the scenic Allentown Rose Gardens and Trexler Memorial Park, making it one of the greenest cities in Pennsylvania.