The area has a notable independent coffee shop scene, with several roasters and cafes praised by residents. (Reddit, Reddit)
Residents describe Allentown as busy for the region but still smaller in feel than a major city. (Reddit)
Finding specialized automotive trade work near Allentown can reportedly be difficult. (Reddit)
“Blows all other coffee shops out” (a resident)
Who tends to love Allentown, PA
Coffee lovers: Local roasters and coffee shops get strong praise from residents.
Live music fans: New venues like Archer Music Hall are drawing excited crowds.
Home buyers on a budget: Row homes are seen as affordable options for first time buyers.
Grocery shoppers: A wide variety of grocery stores and a year round farmers market are appreciated.
Food and coffee
Baristi Coffee Roasters stands out because the owner imports and roasts beans on site, according to one commenter. Baristi Coffee Roasters in Allentown if you want really good coffee.(Reddit)
One resident lists favorite restaurants including Cali Burrito, Asia Oriental Cuisine, Wertz Cafe, Gio's, and Cactus Blue in Emmaus. Cali Burrito . Asia Oriental Cuisine. Wertz Cafe. Gio's. Cactus Blue in Emmaus is pretty good(Reddit)
One resident says there are not many dining choices downtown but likes Allentown BrewWorks and Tacos y Tequilla, though unsure about Sunday hours. I personally like Allentown BrewWorks and Tacos y Tequilla. Not sure if many are open on Sunday(Reddit)
Nightlife and social
Archer Music Hall and the Moxy can draw big crowds depending on the show lineup. Allentown you could check to see what's going on at Archer Music Hall.(Reddit)
One resident mentioned that Wegmans in Allentown sells beer and has a pretty nice selection. The Wegmans in Allentown does sell beer and they have a pretty nice selection(Reddit)
Family and schools
One person who grew up in the Allentown school district called it one to avoid, especially at the high school level. Growing up in the Allentown school district, I can tell you that it is one to avoid.(Reddit)
Allentown was described as a relatively bustling region that still lacks the feel of a major metro area like Philadelphia. It's a relatively bustling region, but doesn't have the trappings of a major metro area like Philly.(Reddit)
Events and festivals
One resident mentioned a new venue called Archer Music Hall where they saw a show sooner than expected Allentown has a new venue called Archer Music Hall(Reddit)
Community feel
One resident noted the area is large with plenty to do and a low cost of living, though the restaurant, shopping, and arts scene downtown is lacking. it is a pretty large area with a decent amount to do and a low cost of living(Reddit)
One resident noted a common opinion that Allentown is considered awful with Center City Allentown seen as the worst Allentown is awful, and Center City Allentown is the worst(Reddit)
Outdoors and trails
One resident recommends Leiser Lake near Kempton and Lake Nockamixon, along with the calm section of Canal Park between Allentown and Sand Island in Bethlehem. Leiser Lake is an easy one north of Kempton. Lake Nockamixon is great as well!(Reddit)
Pets
One resident noted that Kolapechka Park has two small fenced areas for dogs practicing agility. has two small fenced areas for dogs who are practicing agility(Reddit)
Shopping and errands
One resident likes the variety of grocery options including Wegmans, Aldi, Elias Market, Giant, and the year round farmers market. wegmans, aldi, and Elias market. Giant is pretty decent(Reddit)
One resident wishes there was a grocery store in the middle of downtown Allentown, though they find downtown a nice place to live. I can't even express how much I want a grocery store in the middle of downtown Allentown(Reddit)
Through the year
Summer: Summers in Allentown are wet, humid, and warm, with temperatures that can reach into the mid 80s.
Winter: Winters bring snow and cold, with occasional major snowstorms and dangerous ice or freezing rain events.
What Allentown, PA is known for
Allentown Water Lantern Festival (July): lantern festival held in Allentown
The Great Allentown Fair (September): long running annual agricultural and entertainment fair
Blues, Brews, and Barbecue: downtown festival with music, beer and barbecue
Lights in the Parkway: holiday light display drawing regional crowds
More on Allentown, PA
The full Varro guide adds rent and home prices, local taxes, schools, healthcare, getting around, weather by month, and a quiz that shows how Allentown, PA fits what you want.