Bethlehem 82 Exceptional
Bethlehem Livability #136 ranked city in Pennsylvania#1,192 ranked city in the USARanks better than 95% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
  • Uncover the key details before you move
  • Use local data to guide a smarter investment
  • Compare neighborhoods side by side
Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Bethlehem

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.

  • Crime Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Housing Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

CONS
  • Commute Commute

    Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.

What's it like Living in Bethlehem?

Bethlehem is a mid-sized city located in the state of Pennsylvania. The city has a population of 77,503 inhabitants. With a population density of 4,057 people per square mile, Bethlehem is well above the nation's average density level. The majority of Bethlehem residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Bethlehem are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 20% of the population also speak Spanish. Bethlehem is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 44%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Bethlehem, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 23 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Bethlehem is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before moving to any new city in Pennsylvania, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Bethlehem and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Pennsylvania and national averages.

Using data and statistics Bethlehem has received a livability score of 80 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 94th percentile when compared to all other cities. Compared to the United States average, Bethlehem ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Bethlehem is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Bethlehem scores well for cost of living (B+), education (B) and housing (A+)

If you're living in Bethlehem, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Bethlehem an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Sands Casino, Christkindlmarkt, and Moravian Book Shop.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Bethlehem apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Bethlehem is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Bethlehem come in at $312,242, which is 5.4% higher than the Pennsylvania average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Bethlehem, the home price to income ratio is 3.7, which is 0% lower than the Pennsylvania average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Bethlehem

See all the best places to live around Bethlehem

How Do You Rate The Livability In Bethlehem?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Compare Bethlehem, PA Livability

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      Compare Neighborhoods & Addresses Local Insights Report

      Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.

      Local Insights Report

      Bethlehem transportation information

      Statistic Bethlehem Pennsylvania National
      Average one way commute23min26min26min
      Workers who drive to work75.8%76.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.6%8.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit2.5%5.6%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.6%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk4.2%3.8%2.8%
      Working from home6.5%4.2%4.6%
      Source: The Bethlehem, PA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.