40°42′N 75°30′W / 40.700°N 75.500°W
Lehigh Valley | |
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Geography | |
Location | (Lehigh County) (Northampton County) |
Population centers | (Allentown), (Bethlehem), (Easton) |
Borders on | (Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians) (Blue Mountain) (north) (South Mountain) (south) (Delaware River) (east) (Lebanon Valley) (west) |
The Lehigh Valley () is a geographic and metropolitan region formed by the (Lehigh River) in (Lehigh) and (Northampton) counties in eastern Pennsylvania. It is a component valley of the Great Appalachian Valley bounded to its north by (Blue Mountain), to its south by (South Mountain), to its west by (Lebanon Valley), and to its east by the (Delaware River) and (Warren County, New Jersey). The Lehigh Valley is about 40 miles (64 km) long and 20 miles (32 km) wide. The Lehigh Valley's largest city is (Allentown), the third-largest city in Pennsylvania and the county seat of Lehigh County, with a population of 125,845 residents as of the (2020 census).
The Allentown–(Bethlehem)–(Easton) metropolitan area, which includes the Lehigh Valley, is currently Pennsylvania's (third-most populous metropolitan area) after those of Philadelphia and (Pittsburgh), and the nation's (67th-largest metropolitan area) with a population of 873,555 as of 2023. Lehigh County is among Pennsylvania's fastest-growing counties, and the Lehigh Valley leads Pennsylvania in terms of population growth in the 18- to 34-year-old demographic, which constitutes a significant portion of the labor (workforce). The region's core population centers are located in southern and central Lehigh and Northampton counties along (Interstate 78), (Interstate 476), (Pennsylvania Route 309), and (U.S. Route 22).
The Lehigh Valley has historically been a global leader in (steel) and other heavy (manufacturing) industries, which represented a considerable portion of its employment and economic production for most of the 20th century. Beginning in the early 1980s, however, the region's heavy manufacturing sector experienced a rapid downfall, highlighted by the downsizing and ultimate closure of (Bethlehem Steel), the world's second-largest steel manufacturer for much of the 20th century, and other Lehigh Valley-based manufacturing companies. The Lehigh Valley's economy struggled considerably before ultimately rebounding and since emerging in the 21st century as one of Pennsylvania's largest and fastest-growing economies. As of 2021, the Lehigh Valley's (gross domestic product) (GDP) is $50.960 billion, driven by diverse industry sector contributions from its finance, manufacturing, health care, and education, and information sectors. In the 21st century, the region also has emerged as a national center for the U.S. (logistics) industry, especially in (warehousing) and (intermodal transport).
The region's primary commercial airport is (Lehigh Valley International Airport) in (Hanover Township); the airport's air traffic has grown considerably in the 21st century, largely as a result of considerable growth in its commercial (air cargo) traffic, which exceeded 210 million pounds in 2016.
The Lehigh Valley is located within the (U.S. Northeast megalopolis) with ease of access and close proximity to many of the nation's largest population centers, airports, terminals, railways, and seaports, including New York City, the (nation's largest city), which is 90 miles (140 km) to its east, and (Philadelphia), the nation's sixth-most populous city, which is 60 miles (97 km) to its southeast. The region is located geographically within a one-day drive to over a third of the U.S. population and over half of Canada's population, which has been a factor in its 21st century emergence as a North American leader in (light manufacturing) and (commercial distribution). Gains in these and other industries have helped offset the significant losses the region had experienced from its late 20th century decline in heavy manufacturing.
Since its settlement in the 18th century, the Lehigh Valley has been the birthplace or home to (several notable Americans) who have proven influential across a broad range of fields, including academia, art and music, business, government and politics, the military, professional and (Olympic)-level athletics, and other fields.
History
Colonial era
The Lehigh Valley was settled over the first half of the 18th century largely by (German) immigrants fleeing war and (religious persecution). Prior to their arrival, the region was inhabited by (Lenape) Indian tribes, who hunted, fished, and quarried (jasper) in the region. The region was initially established in 1682 as part of (Bucks County). (Shelter House) in (Emmaus), constructed in 1734 by (Pennsylvania German) settlers, is the oldest still-standing building structure in the Lehigh Valley and believed to be one of the oldest in the state.
In 1737, sons of (provincial Pennsylvania) founder (William Penn) acquired much of the Lehigh Valley in the (Walking Purchase) during the colonial period. Lenape Indians subsequently retaliated with raids against European settlers in the region throughout the 1750s and early 1760s, but were moved out of the region by the mid-1760s. In 1752, the region became part of (Northampton County), and (Lehigh County) was later separated from Northampton County and formally established in 1812.
American Revolutionary War
Allentown and its surrounding communities played an important and historic role in the emergence of the (American Revolution). Some of the first resistance to (British colonialism) began in Allentown and its surrounding (Lehigh County) communities in the Lehigh Valley. As early as June 21, 1774, (patriot forces) in Allentown began meeting to formulate resistance plans to British colonial governance. On December 21, 1774, a (Committee of Observation) was formally established by Allentown-area patriot militias. Following the signing of the (Declaration of Independence), the (Colonial British government) in Allentown began dissolving and these patriot militias seized control, pressuring (Tories) out of the region.
In recognition of the strong pro-revolutionary sentiment in the region, (Easton) was one of only three designated locations, along with Philadelphia and (Trenton, New Jersey), where the Declaration was read aloud in public for the first time on July 8, 1776 at noon.
Following their victory at the (Battle of Trenton) several months later, (Washington) and his (Continental Army) staff traveled through the present-day Lehigh Valley, proceeding up (Lehigh Street), which was then called Water Street. Washington and his staff stopped at the foot of Lehigh Street at a large spring on what is the present-day Wire Mill Arboretum in Allentown. They rested there, watered their horses, and then proceeded to their post of duty. Allentown supported the Revolution, establishing the first hospitals for treatment of wounded Continental Army troops at various city locations, including at the current location of the (Farr Building) at 739 (Hamilton Street).
As the Revolutionary War progressed, Washington and his commanders also established two (POW) camps in Allentown, one at 8th and Hamilton streets and another on Gordon Street, to house captured (Hessian mercenaries). In addition to visiting Allentown after his victory at the Battle of Trenton, Washington returned to the city and region several additional times during and following the Revolution.
Allentown also played a historical role in protecting the (Liberty Bell) from British capture following the September 26, 1777 (fall of Philadelphia) to the (British Army), concealing the Liberty Bell for nine months from September 1777 to June 1778 under floor boards in Allentown's (Zion Reformed Church). After Washington and the Continental Army's defeat at the (Battle of Brandywine) on September 11, 1777, the revolutionary capital of Philadelphia was left defenseless and (Pennsylvania's Supreme Executive Council), anticipating Philadelphia's fall, ordered that eleven Philadelphia bells, including the Liberty Bell, then known as the State House Bell, be taken down and moved to present-day Allentown, which was then called Northampton Towne. In Allentown, the Liberty Bell and other bells were hidden under floorboards at (Zion Reformed Church) on West Hamilton Street to protect them from being seized and melted down by the British Army for use as munitions.
American Civil War
The region again proved influential in the American Civil War. Following the Union Army's defeat at the (Battle of Fort Sumter) and (Lincoln's April 15, 1861 proclamation) calling for state militia to provide 75,000 volunteers to defend the national capital in Washington, D.C., Allentown immediately deployed its Allen Infantry, which defended Washington, D.C. from (Confederate) attack following (Fort Sumter)'s fall. Also known as the Allen Guards, the Allen Infantry mustered in for duty on April 18, 1861. During the late summer and early fall of 1861, members of this unit and other volunteers from within and beyond the Lehigh Valley came together to form the (47th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment), which was established on August 5 and later proved influential in expanding the Union Army's reach into the (Deep South), permitting it to launch successful attacks against (Confederate) positions in the (Battle of St. Johns Bluff) in 1862 and throughout the (Red River campaign) in the (Trans-Mississippi theater) and (Sheridan)'s (Shenadoah Valley campaign) across Virginia in 1864. These victories helped to tip the Civil War in the Union's favor.
On October 19, 1899, a monument in honor of the Lehigh Valley men killed in their volunteer service to the (Union)'s preservation, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, was erected at Seventh and (Hamilton) streets in (Center City Allentown), where it still stands.
Industrial Revolution
The opening of the (Lehigh Canal) in 1827 contributed significantly to transforming Allentown and the Lehigh Valley from a rural agricultural area dominated by German-speaking people into one of the nation's first urbanized industrialized areas. The Lehigh Valley underwent significant (industrialization) throughout the 19th and most of the 20th centuries and was a major manufacturing hub in the (American Industrial Revolution).
The Lehigh Valley is named for the (Lehigh River), which runs through the region. It owes much of its development and history to (anthracite coal), timber, and (ore) that was only commercially possible with the development of the Lehigh Canal and the Lehigh Valley's extensive railway infrastructure that permitted these minerals and later the region's manufactured steel to be transported for sale in major national and overseas markets.
The Lehigh Canal operated into the (Great Depression), feeding ports up and down the (Delaware River), the (Pennsylvania Canal), and transoceanic demand, and was integral to the industrialization of the greater Delaware Valley region. The (Morris Canal), the 22–23 miles (35–37 km) (anthracite coal) feeder of the (Delaware and Raritan Canal). and locks at (New Hope) on the (Delaware Canal) were built to fuel anthracite energy needs of (Trenton), (Newark), (Jersey City), and New York City.
In 1899, (Bethlehem Steel) was formed in (Bethlehem) in the Lehigh Valley. The company developed into the nation's second-largest manufacturer of (steel), and its steel was used in developing many of the nation's earliest and largest infrastructure and building projects, including the (Empire State Building), (Madison Square Garden), and (Rockefeller Center) in New York City, (Merchandise Mart) in Chicago, the (George Washington), (Verrazzano), and (Golden Gate) Bridges, and (warships) and other military equipment that proved essential in American-led victories in both World Wars.
Bethlehem Steel's downfall
During the 20th century, (Bethlehem Steel)'s ascent was prominently associated with the emergence of the U.S. as both a world leader in global manufacturing and as the world's largest economy, and its late 20th century downfall has often been cited as an example of one of the nation's most prominent first stumbling points in the face of growing foreign trade competition and other economic challenges that contributed to the nation's emergence of its (Rust Belt).
In 1982, following nearly a century of global leadership, growth, and profitability in steel manufacturing, Bethlehem Steel abruptly reported operating losses of $1.5 billion, citing foreign competition from Asian economies and costly U.S. governmental regulations and labor costs for the losses. The company abruptly reduced operations, resulting in considerable Lehigh Valley layoffs and a dramatic related economic downturn in the region.
Bethlehem Steel continued functioning on a vastly reduced scale for a period, but ultimately ceased steel manufacturing entirely at its primary (Bethlehem)-based manufacturing plant in 1995. In 2001, the company filed for bankruptcy protection and, in 2003, the company was dissolved. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the downturn and ultimate demise of Bethlehem Steel, once one of the most iconic and prominent symbols of American global economic power and leadership, emerged as an example cited by those who believe American global economic leadership is now in either gradual or even rapid descent.
21st century
In 2023, ranked the Lehigh Valley the ninth-best place in the nation to retire. Also in 2023, (realtor.com) ranked the Lehigh Valley "the 21st hottest housing market" in the nation.
Geography
The Lehigh Valley is (geologically) and geographically part of the Great Appalachian Valley, a geographic region made up of limestone that stretches along the eastern edge of the (Appalachian Mountains). The Lehigh Valley is so named because it is located geographically within an actual (valley) formed by the (Lehigh River) that lies between two mountain ridges, (Blue Mountain) in the Valley's north and (South Mountain) in the Valley's south. The Lehigh Valley is the lower part of the (drainage basin) of the Lehigh River.
Cities and location
The Lehigh Valley has three principal cities: Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. The region is located between two of the nation's largest population centers, 90 miles (140 km) west of New York City, the nation's (largest) and (world's 11th-largest) city, and 60 miles (97 km) north of (Philadelphia), the nation's (sixth-largest) and (world's 68th-largest) city. The region borders (Carbon County) and the (Coal Region) to its north, the (Delaware River) and (Warren County, New Jersey) to its east, (Bucks) and (Montgomery) Counties in suburban Philadelphia to its south, and (Berks) and (Schuylkill) Counties to its west.
Cities
- (Allentown) (125,845)
- (Bethlehem) (75,781)
- (Easton) (28,127)
Municipalities with more than 10,000 people
- (Bethlehem Township) (23,730)
- (Emmaus) (11,652)
- (Forks Township) (14,721)
- (Hanover Township (Northampton)) (10,866)
- (Lehigh Township) (10,526)
- (Lower Macungie Township) (31,964)
- (Lower Saucon Township) (10,772)
- (Northampton) (10,395)
- (North Whitehall Township) (15,655)
- (Palmer Township) (20,691)
- (Salisbury Township) (13,505)
- (South Whitehall Township) (19,180)
- (Upper Macungie Township) (26,377)
- (Upper Saucon Township) (14,808)
- (Whitehall Township) (26,738)
Municipalities with fewer than 10,000 but more than 5,000 people
- (Ancient Oaks)
- (Bangor)
- (Breinigsville)
- (Bushkill Township)
- (Catasauqua)
- (Chestnut Hill)
- (Hellertown)
- (Lower Nazareth Township)
- (Moore Township)
- (Nazareth)
- (Plainfield Township)
- (Upper Milford Township)
- (Upper Mount Bethel Township)
- (Upper Nazareth Township)
- (Washington Township (Lehigh))
- (Washington Township (Northampton))
- (Williams Township)
- (Wilson)
Municipalities with fewer than 5,000 people
- (Alburtis)
- (Allen Township)
- (Bath)
- (Chapman)
- (Coopersburg)
- (Coplay)
- (East Allen Township)
- (East Bangor)
- (Fountain Hill)
- (Freemansburg)
- (Glendon)
- (Hanover Township (Lehigh))
- (Heidelberg Township)
- (Lower Milford Township)
- (Lower Mount Bethel Township)
- (Lowhill Township)
- (Lynn Township)
- (Macungie)
- (North Catasauqua)
- (Pen Argyl)
- (Portland)
- (Roseto)
- (Slatington)
- (Stockertown)
- (Tatamy)
- (Walnutport)
- (Weisenberg Township)
- (West Easton)
- (Wind Gap)
Census-designated places and villages
- (Ackermanville)
- (Balliettsville)
- (Beersville)
- (Belfast)
- (Berlinsville)
- (Best Station)
- (Butztown)
- (Cementon)
- (Center Valley)
- (Cetronia)
- (Cherryville)
- (Chickentown)
- (Christian Springs)
- (Colesville)
- (Danielsville)
- (DeSales University)
- (Dorneyville)
- (Eagle Point)
- (Eastlawn Gardens)
- (East Texas)
- (Egypt)
- (Emanuelsville)
- (Emerald)
- (Flicksville)
- (Fogelsville)
- (Franks Corner)
- (Friedensville)
- (Fullerton)
- (Gauff Hill)
- (Germansville)
- (Hanoverville)
- (Hensingersville)
- (Hokendauqua)
- (Hollo)
- (Hosensack)
- (Ironton)
- (Jacksonville)
- (Katellen)
- (Klecknersville)
- (Kuhnsville)
- (Lanark)
- (Laurys Station)
- (Limeport)
- (Locust Valley)
- (Lynnport)
- (Martin's Creek)
- (Mickleys)
- (Middletown)
- (Moorestown)
- (Morgan Hill)
- (Mount Bethel)
- (Neffs)
- (Newburg)
- (New Smithville)
- (New Tripoli)
- (Old Orchard)
- (Old Zionsville)
- (Orefield)
- (Palmer Heights)
- (Pleasant Corners)
- (Powder Valley)
- (Raubsville)
- (Scherersville)
- (Schnecksville)
- (Schoenersville)
- (Seidersville)
- (Shimerville)
- (Sigmund)
- (Slatedale)
- (Slateford)
- (Stiles)
- (Summit Lawn)
- (Trexlertown)
- (Treichlers)
- (Vera Cruz)
- (Walbert)
- (Wanamakers)
- (Wassergass)
- (Werleys Corner)
- (Wescosville)
- (West Catasauqua)
- (Zionsville)
- (Zucksville)
Metropolitan and Combined Statistical Areas
Allentown–Bethlehem–Easton, PA–NJ Metropolitan Statistical Area | |
---|---|
(Metropolitan Statistical Area) | |
Country | United States |
States | Pennsylvania (New Jersey) |
Principal cities | (Allentown) (Bethlehem) (Easton) |
Rank | (68th) |
Area | |
• Total | 3,760 km2 (1,453 sq mi) |
Population (2020 U.S. Census) | |
• Total | 861,889 |
(Time zone) | (UTC−5) ((ET)) |
• Summer ((DST)) | (UTC−4) ((EDT)) |
(Area code(s)) | (484 and 610) |
The Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Metropolitan Statistical Area is a (Metropolitan Statistical Area) that includes (Carbon County) in the (Coal Region), (Lehigh) and (Northampton) counties in the Lehigh Valley, and (Warren County) in the (Skylands) region of northwest (New Jersey). As of 2023 census estimates, it is the (67th-largest metropolitan area) in the nation with a population of 873,555.
In July 2023, the area was added to the newly created (Allentown)-(Bethlehem)-(East Stroudsburg) PA-NJ (Combined Statistical Area) (CSA). This area also includes (Monroe County) in the (Pocono Mountains) region of Pennsylvania. As of the 2020 census, the Allentown-Bethlehem-East Stroudsburg, PA-NJ CSA had a population of 1,030,216, the 59th-largest CSA in the nation.
Climate
The Lehigh Valley has four distinct seasons, which typically include hot and humid summers, cold winters, and short and mild springs and falls. It has a (humid continental climate) (Dfa/Dfb) and the (hardiness zone) ranges from 5b in higher elevation locations in northern (Carbon County) to 6b (the principal zone in (Lehigh), (Northampton), and southern (Warren) Counties). The 1991-2020 hardiness zone for the airport and lower elevations is 7a.
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Record high °F (°C) | 72 (22) | 81 (27) | 87 (31) | 93 (34) | 97 (36) | 100 (38) | 105 (41) | 100 (38) | 99 (37) | 93 (34) | 81 (27) | 72 (22) | 105 (41) |
Mean maximum °F (°C) | 60.2 (15.7) | 60.6 (15.9) | 70.6 (21.4) | 83.2 (28.4) | 89.3 (31.8) | 92.6 (33.7) | 94.8 (34.9) | 92.8 (33.8) | 89.2 (31.8) | 80.4 (26.9) | 70.9 (21.6) | 61.7 (16.5) | 95.9 (35.5) |
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 38.4 (3.6) | 41.6 (5.3) | 50.8 (10.4) | 63.4 (17.4) | 73.5 (23.1) | 81.9 (27.7) | 86.4 (30.2) | 84.3 (29.1) | 77.4 (25.2) | 65.5 (18.6) | 53.8 (12.1) | 43.1 (6.2) | 63.3 (17.4) |
Daily mean °F (°C) | 30.1 (−1.1) | 32.4 (0.2) | 40.7 (4.8) | 51.8 (11.0) | 62.0 (16.7) | 70.9 (21.6) | 75.6 (24.2) | 73.6 (23.1) | 66.3 (19.1) | 54.6 (12.6) | 43.9 (6.6) | 35.0 (1.7) | 53.1 (11.7) |
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 21.8 (−5.7) | 23.2 (−4.9) | 30.5 (−0.8) | 40.3 (4.6) | 50.6 (10.3) | 59.9 (15.5) | 64.7 (18.2) | 62.8 (17.1) | 55.2 (12.9) | 43.8 (6.6) | 34.1 (1.2) | 26.8 (−2.9) | 42.8 (6.0) |
Mean minimum °F (°C) | 4.2 (−15.4) | 5.9 (−14.5) | 14.1 (−9.9) | 25.9 (−3.4) | 35.3 (1.8) | 46.5 (8.1) | 53.7 (12.1) | 51.1 (10.6) | 39.9 (4.4) | 28.7 (−1.8) | 19.1 (−7.2) | 11.7 (−11.3) | 1.8 (−16.8) |
Record low °F (°C) | −15 (−26) | −12 (−24) | −5 (−21) | 12 (−11) | 28 (−2) | 39 (4) | 46 (8) | 41 (5) | 30 (−1) | 21 (−6) | 3 (−16) | −8 (−22) | −15 (−26) |
Average (precipitation) inches (mm) | 3.30 (84) | 2.77 (70) | 3.63 (92) | 3.67 (93) | 3.65 (93) | 4.40 (112) | 5.30 (135) | 4.56 (116) | 4.84 (123) | 4.14 (105) | 3.24 (82) | 3.86 (98) | 47.36 (1,203) |
Average snowfall inches (cm) | 9.8 (25) | 10.8 (27) | 6.3 (16) | 0.5 (1.3) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.2 (0.51) | 0.9 (2.3) | 4.6 (12) | 33.1 (84) |
Average extreme snow depth inches (cm) | 6.4 (16) | 7.9 (20) | 4.9 (12) | 0.3 (0.76) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.2 (0.51) | 0.6 (1.5) | 2.9 (7.4) | 12.4 (31) |
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 11.4 | 10.1 | 10.9 | 11.8 | 12.4 | 11.4 | 11.0 | 10.2 | 9.6 | 9.9 | 8.9 | 11.5 | 129.1 |
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 5.1 | 4.3 | 2.6 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 2.9 | 15.7 |
Average (relative humidity) (%) | 70 | 66 | 62 | 61 | 66 | 68 | 70 | 72 | 74 | 72 | 70 | 71 | 69 |
Percent (possible sunshine) | 43 | 48 | 53 | 47 | 54 | 63 | 57 | 56 | 54 | 53 | 45 | 42 | 51 |
Source: NOAA (relative humidity 1981–2010) |
Demographics
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
(1900) | 231,341 | — | |
(1910) | 289,686 | 25.2% | |
(1920) | 346,664 | 19.7% | |
(1930) | 391,516 | 12.9% | |
(1940) | 396,673 | 1.3% | |
(1950) | 437,824 | 10.4% | |
(1960) | 545,057 | 24.5% | |
(1970) | 594,124 | 9.0% | |
(1980) | 635,481 | 7.0% | |
(1990) | 686,688 | 8.1% | |
(2000) | 740,395 | 7.8% | |
(2010) | 821,623 | 11.0% | |
(2020) | 861,889 | 4.9% |
The Lehigh Valley has a total population of 861,889 residents as of the (2020 U.S. census), making it the (third-largest metropolitan area in Pennsylvania) and (68th-largest metropolitan area) in the nation.
A 2018 (American Community Survey) conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau found that 87.1% of the Lehigh Valley's population was (White American), 4.6% was (Black) or African American, 0.1% was American Indian, 2.3% was Asian American, 0.1% was (Native Hawaiian), 0.1% were (Pacific Islander Americans), 4.3% were of some other race, and 1.5% belonged to two or more races. (Hispanics) and Latinos of any race made up 11.3% of the population and represent the Lehigh Valley's fastest-growing demographic. (Lehigh County) is in the top 1% of all U.S. counties for inward migration from international locations, according to (Select USA), a U.S. Department of Commerce program. The Lehigh Valley as a whole leads Pennsylvania in terms of population growth in the 18-to-34 year old demographic, according to 2020 census data.
The Lehigh Valley's population growth is partly a result of a growing influx of residents from (New Jersey) and (New York) drawn to the Lehigh Valley's lower cost of living, its employment opportunities, and its close proximity to Philadelphia and New York City, the nation's sixth and largest cities, respectively. The Valley's population is expected to increase by 227,000 people by 2040, making it one of the fastest-growing areas in the state and nation.
(County) | 2022 Estimate | 2020 Census | Change | Area | Density |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
(Lehigh County) | 376,317 | 374,557 | +0.47% | 345 sq mi (890 km2) | 1,091/sq mi (421/km2) |
(Northampton County) | 318,526 | 312,951 | +1.78% | 370 sq mi (960 km2) | 861/sq mi (332/km2) |
(Warren County) | 110,926 | 109,632 | +1.18% | 356.92 sq mi (924.4 km2) | 311/sq mi (120/km2) |
(Carbon County) | 65,460 | 64,749 | +1.10% | 381 sq mi (990 km2) | 172/sq mi (66/km2) |
Total MSA Population | 871,229 | 861,889 | +1.08% | 1,452.92 sq mi (3,763.0 km2) | 600/sq mi (232/km2) |
Median household income for the region increased from $57,288 to $62,507 between 2015 and 2019.
Economy
The Lehigh Valley's economy has been known historically and globally for its leadership throughout the 19th and 20th centuries in heavy manufacturing. Beginning in the 1980s, however, the region's manufacturing sector declined rapidly as a result of foreign competition, trade practices, operational costs, regulations, and other factors. The most prominent example was the plight of (Bethlehem Steel), the world' second-largest manufacturer of steel for much of the 20th century. Headquartered in (Bethlehem), Bethlehem Steel abruptly suspended most of its operations in the early 1980s, declared bankruptcy in 2001, and was dissolved in 2003.
Since the late 20th century, the Lehigh Valley has begun to recover from the loss of its once powerful manufacturing base and other industry sectors have emerged in the region, providing a more diversified regional economy. As of 2020, the Valley's top five industries were finance, manufacturing, health care and education, professional and business services, and information. Other major industry sectors in the area include transportation, retail trade, and restaurants and hospitality. As of 2020, the Lehigh Valley's total (gross domestic product) was $42.9 billion.
Bethlehem Steel
The Lehigh Valley is known historically for its production of (steel), (Portland cement), (silk), and (apparel). (Bethlehem Steel), founded in 1899 and based in Bethlehem, was a foundation of the Lehigh Valley's economy for nearly a century from 1899 through the early 1980s. At the pinnacle of its success, Bethlehem Steel was the nation's second-largest and one of the world's largest steel manufacturers. Bethlehem Steel was instrumental in the development of many of the nation's most prominent 20th century infrastructure projects. Its steel was used to build (28 Liberty Street), (Chrysler Building), the (Empire State Building), (Madison Square Garden), (Rockefeller Center), and the (Waldorf Astoria) hotel in New York City and (Merchandise Mart) in Chicago. Among major bridges, the company's steel was used to construct the (George Washington Bridge) and (Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge) in New York City, the (Golden Gate Bridge) in San Francisco, and the (Peace Bridge) between (Buffalo) and (Fort Erie, Ontario). The (Roosevelt administration) relied heavily on Bethlehem Steel during World War II, utilizing the company to produce the steel necessary for shipbuilding, ammunition, and other military equipment that proved essential to the Allies' ability to prevail in these conflicts.
In the late 20th century, however, a variety of factors, including the practices of foreign competitors, began eroding Bethlehem Steel's once historical global leadership in (steelmaking). In 1982, the company announced it was discontinuing most of its operations. In 2001, the company declared bankruptcy. In 2003, it was dissolved. Throughout the late 20th century, other heavy manufacturing companies in the Lehigh Valley that once served as backbones for the region's economy suffered similarly, either downsizing significantly or dissolving, which destabilized the region considerably.
In the early 2000s, seeking to replace the heavy manufacturing companies that had been the region's foundation for decades, the Lehigh Valley began developing other economic sectors, including financial services, health care, life sciences, and technology. The Lehigh Valley also began emerging as a national warehouse and distribution hub, due in part to its proximity to many of the largest U.S. markets and relatively lower operating costs compared to other (Northeast U.S.) regions. More recently, a movement to reestablish manufacturing activities in the U.S., driven by customer demand for American-made products, faster product delivery, increased overseas wages, and inflated costs and extended timeframes for shipping has led to some renewed growth in the Valley's manufacturing sector. Several large companies from China and Germany have invested tens of millions of dollars into developing significant operations in the Lehigh Valley, which has generated thousands of new jobs in the region.
Largest employers
As of 2024, the Lehigh Valley's five top private sector employers are: 1.) (Lehigh Valley Health Network) (headquartered in (Allentown)); 2.) (St. Luke's Hospital and Health Network) (headquartered in (Fountain Hill)); 3.) (Amazon) (with a 1,100,000 ft (335,280.0 m) square foot facility in (Palmer Township)); 4.) (Mack Trucks) (with manufacturing headquarters in (Macungie)); and 5.) (Air Products) (globally headquartered in (Trexlertown)).
Business and economic environment
The Lehigh Valley is one of the fastest-growing and largest economies in Pennsylvania with a total (GDP) of $43.8 billion that saw a five percent increase between 2016 and 2017 alone driven by strong manufacturing, financial, health care, and professional services industry segments. It is centrally located in the (Northeast megalopolis) with ease of access and close proximity to several of the largest U.S. markets, population centers, airports, terminals, railways, and seaports, including the New York City and Philadelphia metropolitan areas. The Lehigh Valley is within a one-day drive to over a third of the U.S. population and to over half the population of Canada. The Valley has a lower cost of living, more affordable real estate, lower taxes, and a larger and more affordable labor pool than many other Northeastern U.S. metropolitan regions. These attributes and others, including sizable investments in business development incentive programs and a friendlier regulatory environment, provide the area with a comparatively favorable business climate compared to surrounding metropolitan areas.
Due in large part to this comparably favorable business climate and mature business support programs, the Lehigh Valley has been very successful in luring established businesses as well as new (startup companies) from higher cost areas such as New York and New Jersey, generating thousands of new jobs and significant new investments in the region. Large companies such as (Amazon.com) have praised the Lehigh Valley for its commitment to business support, infrastructure investment, and incentive programs, citing these as major reasons for their continuing expansions and increased hiring in the region and (Allegiant Air), a low-cost budget airline, opened a new flight base at the (Lehigh Valley International Airport) in February 2020, noting the area's rapid growth, lower operational business costs, and its proximity to popular destinations as significant reasons for expanding their Lehigh Valley International Airport flights.
Other large national and international companies either based in the Lehigh Valley or with significant operations there include (Broadcom Corporation) (in Allentown), Avantor Performance Materials (in Allentown), (Air Products) (in (Trexlertown)), (Crayola) (in Easton), (Buckeye Partners) (in (Emmaus)), (HeidelbergCement) (in (Fogelsville)), (Just Born) (in Bethlehem, maker of (Peeps) candies), (Mack Trucks) (in Allentown), (in (Nazareth)), (Olympus Corporation) (in (Center Valley)), (OraSure Technologies) (in Bethlehem), (PPL Corporation) (in Allentown), (Wind Creek Bethlehem) (in Bethlehem), (in Center Valley), (Victaulic) (in Easton), and others.
The Lehigh Valley was recognized by business publication (Site Selection Magazine) in 2014, 2017, 2018, and again in 2019 as being the second-best performing region of its size for economic development in the nation and the best performing region in the entire Northeast U.S.. It was ranked by (Fortune) in 2015 as one of the top 10 best places in the U.S. to locate corporate finance and information technology operations, including call and IT support centers. Allentown, the Lehigh Valley's largest city, was cited as a "national success story" in April 2016 by the (Urban Land Institute) for its downtown redevelopment and transformation that has led to $1 billion worth of new development projects there between 2015 and 2019, one of only six communities nationally to achieve this distinction.
The Lehigh Valley is one of the leading areas on the (East Coast) for (warehouses) and (distribution centers). Because of this, it is sometimes referred to as the nation's "second (Inland Empire)" for freight. Large national companies that own and operate warehouses and distribution centers in the Lehigh Valley include (Amazon.com), (B. Braun), (Boston Beer Company) (brewer of (Samuel Adams) brand beer), (BMW), (Bridgestone), (FedEx SmartPost), (FedEx Ground), (Home Depot), (J. C. Penney), (Nestlé Purina), (ShopRite), (Stitch Fix), (The Coca-Cola Company), (Ocean Spray), Phillips Pet Food and Supplies, (True Value), (Uline), (Zulily), and others. Most of these warehouses and distribution centers are located along the Valley's southern (U.S. Route 22), (Interstate 78), and (Interstate 476) corridors, which provide direct access to numerous major markets throughout the Northeast U.S. and beyond.
In 2018, due to this direct access and proximity to major markets, (FedEx Ground) constructed their largest distribution hub in the country in the Lehigh Valley near Lehigh Valley International Airport. This new hub can process up to 45,000 packages per hour and currently employs over 2,000 people. By 2030, it is expected to have a total size of 1,100,000 square feet (100,000 m2) square feet and employ over 3,000 people. It opened in September 2018 at a cost of $335 million to build.
The Boston Beer Company operates its largest U.S. production brewery facility in (Breinigsville) in the Lehigh Valley, which produces over 2/3rds of all (Samuel Adams beer) globally. The company continues to upgrade and expand operations at this facility and has cited the location as central to its overall corporate success. Additionally, (Ocean Spray), a popular maker of juice drinks and other fruit products, produces 40 percent of its total national beverage volume at its Lehigh Valley plant in Breinigsville. Due to Pennsylvania's lack of an excise tax on (cigars) and the Lehigh Valley's close proximity to major markets, the region is home to some of the nation's largest cigar distributors and retailers.
Retail shopping
The largest retail shopping area in the Lehigh Valley is the (PA Route 145/MacArthur Road) corridor, just north of Allentown in (Whitehall Township), which is anchored by (Lehigh Valley Mall) and (Whitehall Mall).
Other Lehigh Valley malls include (Palmer Park Mall) in Easton, (South Mall) in (Salisbury Township), and (Westgate Mall) in Bethlehem. In October 2006, (The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley), located off (Route 309) in (Upper Saucon Township) in the Lehigh Valley, opened. The Promenade is roughly half the size of the Lehigh Valley Mall but features higher end stores not available in Lehigh Valley Mall. In 2011, (The Outlets at Wind Creek Bethlehem) opened at (Wind Creek Bethlehem) in Bethlehem, becoming the Lehigh Valley's first outlet mall.
Media
Television
The Lehigh Valley is part of the Philadelphia television market, the nation's (fourth-largest) television market, and also receives television stations from the New York City and (Scranton)/(Wilkes-Barre) television markets. Lehigh Valley-based stations include (WBPH-TV), a Christian television licensed to Bethlehem with studios in Allentown, (WFMZ-TV), an independent commercial television station on (South Mountain) in Allentown, and (WLVT-TV), the (PBS) station licensed to Allentown with studios in Bethlehem.
Radio
The Lehigh Valley is home to over 35 radio stations, including both (English) and (Spanish)-language stations and a range of formats, including (all-news), (sports radio), (talk radio), and (NPR). Lehigh Valley station music formats include (Top 40), hip hop, (rhythmic), country, (oldies), (polka), (soft rock), (classic rock), hard rock, and several (campus radio) stations.
Newspapers
Lehigh Valley-based daily newspapers include (The Morning Call) and (The Express-Times), both of which have been media sources in the Lehigh Valley dating back to the mid-1800s, and (NJ.com), an aggregation website that carries news articles from multiple Lehigh Valley and (New Jersey)-based newspapers.
Two magazines cover the region. Lehigh Valley Style is a regional lifestyle publication based in (Easton). Lehigh Valley Magazine, based in (Harrisburg), is the region's oldest lifestyle publication.
Film
(Multiple movies) have been fully or partially filmed in the Lehigh Valley, including (M. Night Shyamalan)'s (Glass) in 2019, indie dark-comedy Getting Grace starring (Daniel Roebuck), (Taylor A. Purdee)'s (folk rock) (musical) , and others.
Education
Colleges and universities
Seven colleges and universities are based in the Lehigh Valley:
- (Cedar Crest College) (in Allentown)
- (DeSales University) (in (Center Valley))
- (Lafayette College) (in Easton)
- (Lehigh University) (in Bethlehem)
- (Moravian University) (in Bethlehem)
- (Muhlenberg College) (in Allentown)
- (Penn State Lehigh Valley) (in Center Valley)
The Lehigh Valley has two two-year colleges:
- (Lehigh Carbon Community College) (with campuses in Allentown, (Carbon County) and (Schnecksville))
- (Northampton Community College) (with campuses in Bethlehem, (Bethlehem Township) and (Monroe County))
High school education
The Lehigh Valley is the third-most populous metropolitan region in Pennsylvania and served by several large school districts, public and private high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools, including:
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The largest high schools in the Lehigh Valley and (The Poconos) (18 in all) compete athletically in the (Eastern Pennsylvania Conference). Smaller Lehigh Valley high schools compete in the (Colonial League).
Sports
Club | League | Sport | Venue | Established | Championships |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
(Lehigh Valley IronPigs) | (IL) | Baseball | (Coca-Cola Park) | 2008 | 0 |
(Lehigh Valley Phantoms) | (AHL) | Ice hockey | (PPL Center) | 1996 | 2 (1997-98) and (2004-05) |
(Lehigh Valley Roller Derby) | (WFTDA) | Roller Derby | Bethlehem Municipal Ice Rink | 2006 | 0 |
(Lehigh Valley United) | (USL League Two) | Soccer | Rocco Calvo Field | 2009 | 1 (2012 (conference)) |
Football
College football
The Lehigh Valley is home to the nation's longest-standing college football rivalry in the nation. Known simply as "(The Rivalry)," (Lafayette College) in Easton, Pennsylvania and (Lehigh University) in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania have played each other 157 times since 1884, making it the (most-played) rivalry in college football history. Two other Lehigh Valley colleges, (Moravian University) in Bethlehem and (Muhlenberg College) in Allentown, have competitive collegiate football programs; Muhlenberg plays their home football games at (Scotty Wood Stadium) on the Muhlenberg campus in Allentown.
National Football League
From 1996 until 2012, the Lehigh Valley hosted the pre-season (training camp) for the NFL's (Philadelphia Eagles), which was held each summer on (Goodman Stadium) and other the football fields at (Lehigh University) in Bethlehem. On August 5, 2012, Garrett Reid, the 29-year-old son of then Eagles head coach (Andy Reid), was found dead in his Lehigh University dorm room during training camp from a (heroin) overdose. The following year, in 2013, following the Garrett Reid overdose and the hiring of new head coach (Chip Kelly), the Eagles chose to move their training camp to the NovaCare Complex in (South Philadelphia).
Gymnastics
(Parkettes National Gymnastics Training Center) in Allentown has been the training ground for numerous (Olympic) and U.S. national gymnastics champions. In 2003, (CNN) aired a highly critical documentary on the center, (Achieving the Perfect 10), which depicted its as a hugely demanding and excessively competitive training program.
High school athletics
The 18 largest high schools in the Lehigh Valley and (Pocono Mountain) regions compete athletically in the (Eastern Pennsylvania Conference) (EPC), one of the nation's premier athletic divisions. An additional 14 Lehigh Valley high schools too small to compete in the EPC belong to the (Colonial League).
The EPC has produced numerous professional and (Olympic) athletes, including MLB, the NBA, and the NFL professional athletes. The EPC's (football), basketball, (field hockey), and (wrestling) teams are often ranked among the nation's best. In high school field hockey, (Emmaus High School) in (Emmaus) has won 33 consecutive EPC championships as of 2021.
The Lehigh Valley's high school wrestling programs have been described as "among the nation’s best in the sport for nearly three decades" and WIN magazine has ranked the region's wrestling programs best in the nation.
Professional baseball
In 2008, (Coca-Cola Park), an 8,278-seat Minor League baseball stadium, opened in east-side Allentown. The stadium is the home field for the (Lehigh Valley IronPigs), the (Triple-A) affiliate of the (Philadelphia Phillies) of Major League Baseball. The team previously played as the (Ottawa Lynx) from 1993 until moving to Allentown in 2008. The club's move to the Lehigh Valley brought the franchise closer to Philadelphia and the Phillies' large Lehigh Valley fan base. The team's name is a reference to (pig iron), which is used in (steelmaking) for which the Lehigh Valley area is known worldwide. Groundbreaking ceremonies for Coca-Cola Park were held September 6, 2006, and construction was completed in December 2007. The stadium's first game was March 30, 2008, featuring the Phillies major league team playing the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
Professional ice hockey
On September 10, 2014, the (PPL Center), an 8,500-seat arena in (Center City Allentown), was opened as the new home arena for the (Lehigh Valley Phantoms), the (American Hockey League) affiliate of the (Philadelphia Flyers), and for other sporting and entertainment events. The Phantoms began play at PPL Center with their (2014–15 season). The arena takes up the entire block between Seventh and Eighth and (Hamilton) and Linden streets.
Roller derby
(Lehigh Valley Roller Derby) (LVRG) is a (Women's Flat Track Derby Association) league based at Bethlehem Municipal Ice Rink in Bethlehem in the Lehigh Valley. The league's teams compete nationally and internationally.
Running events
The Lehigh Valley Health Network Via Marathon, sponsored by (Lehigh Valley Health Network), features a certified marathon, five-person team relay, a 20-mile (32 km) training run, and 5K walk annually in September. The 42.195-kilometre (26.219 mi) course follows the Lehigh River Canal Towpath from Allentown to Easton. In 2015, the marathon came under scrutiny when (Mike Rossi) achieved viral fame after allegedly cheating in the marathon to qualify for the (Boston Marathon). In response, Via Marathon organizers added timing mats and video surveillance on the course.(Lehigh University)'s Paul Short Run is held annually at the Goodman Cross Country Course; participation has climbed to over 5,000 runners spread throughout 14 college and high school races. The Emmaus 5K race is held annually in mid-October, coinciding with (Emmaus)' annual Halloween parade.
Track cycling
The Lehigh Valley is home to the (Valley Preferred Cycling Center), a (cycling) (velodrome) in (Breinigsville) that hosts professional and amateur cycling competitions, including (Union Cycliste Internationale)-sponsored competitions. Valley Preferred Cycling Center has given rise to several (Olympian) cycling medal winners.
Culture
The (Allentown Art Museum), located in (Center City Allentown), is the Lehigh Valley's largest museum with over 11,000 works of art. Lehigh University's (Zoellner Arts Center) and (Lafayette College)'s smaller Williams Center for the Arts host a variety of plays, concerts, and performances throughout the year. The (Allentown Symphony Orchestra), conducted by (Diane Wittry) since 1995, performs at Allentown's historic (Miller Symphony Hall). The Banana Factory, located in (South Bethlehem), has several art studios and galleries open to the public.
Recreation
Amusement park
The Lehigh Valley is home to , a popular amusement and (water park), located in (South Whitehall Township). Dorney Park is known nationally for its elaborate (roller coasters) and water rides.
Casino
In 2009, Sands Casino Resort, an $879 million casino, hotel and apartment complex then owned by the (Las Vegas Sands) opened in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, bringing legalized table and sports gambling to the Lehigh Valley for the first time. In 2018, the casino was renamed (Wind Creek Bethlehem) following its $1.3 billion sale to Wind Creek Hospitality. Wind Creek Bethlehem is one of only 13 authorized gaming sites in Pennsylvania.
Festivals
Several large festivals are held annually in the Lehigh Valley. The (Great Allentown Fair), first held in 1852, is held annually in late August through early September at the (Allentown Fairgrounds) in Allentown.(Musikfest), a large, eleven-day music festival, is held annually in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania each August. Das Awkscht Fescht, an antique car festival, is held annually the beginning of August in (Macungie)'s Memorial Park. Blues, Brews, and Barbeque, launched in 2014, is held annually in May in (Center City Allentown).(Mayfair Festival of the Arts), a three-day arts festival, is held annually the end of May on the campus of (Cedar Crest College) in Allentown.
Golf and skiing
The Valley's multiple golf courses include (Saucon Valley Country Club) in (Upper Saucon Township), which hosted the (2009 U.S. Women's Open). Others include Allentown Municipal Golf Course, Brookside Country Club in (Macungie), Green Pond Country Club in Bethlehem, Lehigh Country Club on (Cedar Crest Boulevard) in Allentown, Olde Homestead Golf Club in (New Tripoli), Riverview Country Club in Easton, Shepherd Hills Golf Club in (Wescosville), Steel Club in (Hellertown), Southmoore Golf Course in (Bath), Wedgewood Golf Course in (Coopersburg), Willow Brook Golf Course in (Northampton), and others.
Ice sports and skiing
The region's primary (ski resort) is (Bear Creek Mountain Resort), a 23 slope resort in (Macungie). Three Lehigh Valley locations exist for (ice skating), ice hockey, (figure skating), and (speed skating). Steel Ice Center is on East 1st Street in Bethlehem, The Rink Ice Arena is in (Lehigh County), and the City of Bethlehem maintains a covered 23,000-square-foot outdoor ice rink from November through March. Bethlehem Skateplaza on Steel Avenue in Bethlehem is a city park for (skateboarding) and (freestyle BMX).
Parks and zoo
The (Lehigh Valley Zoo) in (Schnecksville) is a 29-acre (11.7 ha) zoo open year-round. The Lehigh Valley has (a number of public parks), including the 629-acre (254.5 ha) (Lehigh Parkway) along the (Lehigh River) in Allentown and the 1,108-acre (448.4 ha) (Trexler Nature Preserve) in (Schnecksville).
Transportation
Air transportation
The Lehigh Valley's primary commercial airport is (Lehigh Valley International Airport) (IATA: ABE, ICAO: KABE) in (Hanover Township) in the Lehigh Valley, roughly 7 miles (11 km) north-northeast of Allentown, 4 miles (6.4 km) northwest of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and 11 miles (18 km) west-southwest of Easton. The airport was utilized by 851,000 passengers in 2020. (Allegiant Air) recently completed a significant expansion at the airport.
The Valley is also served by (Allentown Queen City Municipal Airport), a two-runway general aviation facility located off Allentown's (Lehigh Street), used predominantly by private aviation. Other general-aviation airports include (Braden Airpark) (also owned by the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority) in Easton, Pennsylvania, (Hackettstown Airport) in eastern (Warren County, New Jersey), and (Jake Arner Memorial Airport) in (Lehighton).
Bus transportation
Public bus service in Lehigh Valley is available through (LANta), the region's public transportation service. In (New Jersey), bus service is provided by (NJ Transit), including to the (Easton Intermodal Transportation Center) in Easton.
The Lehigh Valley has several commercial bus services, including (Greyhound Lines), (Klein Transportation), and (Trailways), and others, that provide transportation to and from New York City, (Philadelphia), (Reading), (Harrisburg), and other regional destinations throughout the day. (OurBus) provides service to and from Philadelphia. (Martz Trailways) provides transport from the region to (Scranton) via (Wilkes-Barre), and also provides service to Philadelphia as an (Amtrak Thruway) route that connects to (Amtrak) at (30th Street Station) in Philadelphia. (Chinatown bus lines) operates multiple round trip bus lines daily between (Manhattan) and (Wind Creek Bethlehem) in Bethlehem; as of 2014, more than 3,000 passengers daily utilized Chinatown bus lines' service from Manhattan to (Wind Creek Bethlehem).
Commercial rail
The Lehigh Valley is a major national thruway for commercial rail transport with roughly 65 commercial trains passing through the Valley daily. The region's largest freight rail operator is (Norfolk Southern Railway), which uses two former rail lines, (Lehigh Valley Railroad)'s (Lehigh Line) and (Reading Railroad)'s (Reading Line). Norfolk Southern Railway has major classification (rail yards) in both Allentown and Bethlehem.
Passenger rail
Passenger train service in the Valley is available just outside the Lehigh Valley at (Doylestown) (31.2 miles (50.2 km) southeast), at (Annandale, New Jersey) (roughly 41.8 miles (67.3 km) east), and at (Hackettstown station) in (Hackettstown, New Jersey) (49.5 miles (79.7 km) northeast). The Valley's closest (Amtrak) station is (Bryn Mawr SEPTA), 50.4 miles (81.1 km) miles south of the Valley. Two major passenger rail hubs, (30th Street Station) in Philadelphia and (Newark Penn Station) in Newark, New Jersey, are roughly 60 miles (97 km) southeast and 81.9 miles (131.8 km) west, respectively.
Roads
The Lehigh Valley is accessible from four major highways:
- (Interstate 476), the Northeast Extension of the (Pennsylvania Turnpike), is a toll highway that runs 131 miles (211 km) from (Chester) in the south to (Scranton) and (Wilkes-Barre) region in the north.
- (Interstate 78) is a major east–west highway that runs through the southern part of the Valley and is duplexed with (Pennsylvania Route 309). I-78 runs from (Lebanon County) in the west to the (Holland Tunnel) and Lower Manhattan in the east.
- (Pennsylvania Route 33) runs north–south through the Lehigh Valley from the (Poconos) in the north to (Northampton County) in the south.
- (U.S. Route 22) is a major freeway that runs through the Valley from (Kuhnsville) in the western part of the Valley to Easton in the Valley's east. The highway extends from (Cincinnati, Ohio) in the west through the Valley to Newark, New Jersey at its eastern terminus.
Other major Lehigh Valley roads include:
- (Cedar Crest Boulevard) is a north–south highway that runs from (North Whitehall Township) in the north through West Allentown to (Emmaus) in the south.
- (Lehigh Street) runs northeast to southwest, originating in (Center City Allentown) and terminating in Emmaus.
- (Pennsylvania Route 145) is a divided local road that leads to the (Lehigh Valley Mall) and its surrounding commercial district.
- (Tilghman Street) runs from (Fogelsville) in the west, continuing as Union Boulevard to Bethlehem in the east. Tilghman Street runs through most of Allentown, intersecting with Cedar Crest Boulevard, (Pennsylvania Route 100), Pennsylvania Route 309, and other major Lehigh Valley highways.
Telecommunications
The Lehigh Valley area initially was served only by the (215) (area code) from 1947 (when the (North American Numbering Plan) of the (Bell System) went into effect) until 1994. With the region's growing population, the Lehigh Valley was granted (area code 610) in 1994. Today, the Lehigh Valley is mainly covered by 610. An (overlay area code), 484, was added to the 610 service area in 1999. Area code 835 is expected to become available in the Lehigh Valley in 2022.
Wine
(Lehigh Valley AVA), which was designated an official (American Viticultural Area) in March 2008, includes 230 acres (93 ha) of (vineyards) planted to several (Vitis vinifera) and (French-American hybrid) grape (varieties). Blue Mountain Vineyards in (New Tripoli) accounts of over 50 acres (20 ha) of the 230 acres and has won national and international awards. As of 2008, an estimated 15 to 20% of all wine produced commercially in Pennsylvania comes from grapes grown in the Lehigh Valley AVA.
Notable people from the Lehigh Valley
Since its settlement in the 18th century, the Lehigh Valley has been the birthplace or home to several famous Americans, including:
- (Mario Andretti), former professional race car driver
- (Michael Andretti), professional racing team owner and race car driver
- (Saquon Barkley), professional football player, (Philadelphia Eagles)
- (Chuck Bednarik), former professional football player, Philadelphia Eagles, 1967 (Pro Football Hall of Fame) inductee
- (Stephen Vincent Benét), former novelist and (Pulitzer Prize)-winning poet
- (Howard J. Buss), composer, music publisher, former trombonist
- (Leon Carr), former Broadway songwriter and composer
- (Jack Coleman), television actor, (Dynasty), (Heroes), (The Office), and (Castle)
- (Michaela Conlin), television actress, (Bones)
- (H.D.), former poet and novelist
- (Jimmy DeGrasso), heavy metal drummer, (Ozzy Osbourne), (Alice Cooper Band), (Megadeth), (Dokken), and (Ratt)
- (Dane DeHaan), television and film actor, (In Treatment), (Chronicle), (A Cure for Wellness), and (Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets)
- (Devon), adult film actress
- (Keith Dorney), former professional football player, (Detroit Lions)
- (Jonathan Frakes), actor, (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
- (Mike Hartenstine), former professional football player, (Chicago Bears) and Minnesota Vikings
- (Bob Heffner), former professional baseball player, (Boston Red Sox), (California Angels), and (Cleveland Indians)
- (Tim Heidecker), actor, comedian, musician, (Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!) and (Decker)
- (Larry Holmes), former boxing heavyweight champion
- (Todd Howard), video game designer, (Fallout) and (The Elder Scrolls)
- (Lee Iacocca), former president and chief executive officer, (Chrysler)
- (Keith Jarrett), jazz musician
- (Michael Johns), healthcare executive and former (White House) presidential speechwriter
- (Dwayne Johnson) ("The Rock"), actor and former professional wrestler
- (Billy Kidman), former professional wrestler and WWE producer
- (Daniel Dae Kim), film and television actor, (Lost)
- (Steve Kimock), rock musician
- (Brian Knobbs), former professional wrestler
- (Dan Koppen), former professional football player, (Denver Broncos) and (New England Patriots)
- (Carson Kressley), fashion consultant, (Bravo)'s (Queer Eye)
- (Lisa Ann), adult film actress
- (Varvara Lepchenko), professional tennis player
- (Jonathan Linton), former professional football player, Buffalo Bills
- (Carmen Maria Machado), literary fiction author
- (William Marchant), former playwright and screenwriter
- (Kristen Maloney), (2000 Summer Olympics) gymnast
- (Ed McCaffrey), former professional football player, (Denver Broncos), New York Giants, and (San Francisco 49ers)
- (Kate Micucci), actress, comedian, singer, and songwriter
- (Matt Millen), former professional football player, (Oakland Raiders), (San Francisco 49ers), and (Washington Redskins) and former president and general manager, (Detroit Lions)
- (Lara Jill Miller), actress and voice actress, (Gimme a Break!) and (The Amanda Show)
- (Marty Nothstein), former Olympic gold medal winner, track cycling
- (Andre Reed), former professional football player, Buffalo Bills and (Washington Redskins), 2014 (Pro Football Hall of Fame) inductee
- (Ian Riccaboni), author and (Ring of Honor) professional wrestling sports broadcaster
- (Daniel Roebuck), actor, (Matlock), (Lost), (Glee), and (Grimm)
- (Jimmie Schaffer), former professional baseball player, (Chicago Cubs), (Chicago White Sox), Cincinnati Reds, (New York Mets), Philadelphia Phillies and (St. Louis Cardinals)
- (Brian Schneider), former professional baseball player, (Miami Marlins), New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and (Washington Nationals)
- (Amanda Seyfried), actress, (Veronica Mars), (Big Love), (Mamma Mia!), and (Les Misérables)
- (Curt Simmons), former professional baseball player, (California Angels), (Chicago Cubs), Philadelphia Phillies, and (St. Louis Cardinals)
- (Dana Snyder), voice actor, (Adult Swim)'s (Aqua Teen Hunger Force)
- (Christine Taylor), actress and wife of actor (Ben Stiller)
- (Jonathan Taylor Thomas), actor, (Home Improvement)
- (Bobby Weaver), (1984 Summer Olympics) gold medal winner, wrestling
- (Lauren Weisberger), author, (The Devil Wears Prada)
- (Cindy Werley), (1996 Summer Olympics) field hockey player
- (Jordan White), rock musician
- (David Zinczenko), founder and chief executive officer, Galvanized, and author, (Eat This, Not That)
- (David Zippel), (Tony)-award-winning lyricist, (City of Angels)
County statistics
Geographic area | July 1, 2005 | (Census 2000) | (1990 Census) | (1980 Census) | (1970 Census) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Allentown–Bethlehem–Easton, PA–NJ MSA | 790,535 | 740,395 | 686,688 | 635,481 | 594,382 |
(Carbon County, Pennsylvania) | 61,959 | 58,802 | 56,846 | 53,285 | 50,573 |
(Lehigh County, Pennsylvania) | 330,433 | 312,090 | 291,130 | 272,349 | 255,304 |
(Northampton County, Pennsylvania) | 287,767 | 267,066 | 247,105 | 225,418 | 214,368 |
(Warren County, New Jersey) | 110,376 | 102,437 | 91,607 | 84,429 | 73,960 |
(Allentown, Pennsylvania) | 105,231 | 106,632 | 105,301 | 103,758 | 109,871 |
(Bethlehem, Pennsylvania) | 68,114 | 71,329 | 71,428 | ||
(Easton, Pennsylvania) | 26,263 | 26,276 | 26,234 |
Notes
- Mean monthly maxima and minima (i.e. the highest and lowest temperature readings during an entire month or year) calculated based on data at said location from 1981 to 2010.
- Official records for Allentown were kept at Allentown Gas Company from March 1922 to December 1943, and at Lehigh Valley Int'l since January 1944. For more information, see ThreadEx.
References
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At the Carbon-Lehigh-Northampton county line, the river makes a dramatic cut through the Blue Mountain. Called Lehigh Gap, it separates the upper portion of the watershed from the two-county "Lehigh Valley," as Lehigh and Northampton counties are called.
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External links
- Official website at Discover Lehigh Valley
- Lehigh Valley news at (The Morning Call)
- Lehigh Valley news at (WFMZ-TV)
- "Famous People from the Lehigh Valley," The Morning Call, August 18, 2006
- "Lehigh Valley Pop Culture Connections" at Discover Lehigh Valley, January 2, 2023
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