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Bethlehem is a mid-sized city of approximately 75,000 people in the Lehigh Valley of eastern Pennsylvania, situated adjacent to Allentown along the Lehigh River. The city carries a rich industrial heritage as the former home of Bethlehem Steel, once one of the largest steel producers in the world, and that history has been thoughtfully transformed into a cultural asset through the SteelStacks arts and entertainment campus on the original blast furnace site. Bethlehem is home to two universities: Lehigh University, whose main campus climbs the hillside above South Bethlehem, and Moravian University, which anchors the historic Moravian quarter in North Bethlehem. The Moravian district, with its eighteenth-century architecture and Christmas City traditions, is a National Historic Landmark and one of the most distinctive urban environments in Pennsylvania. The student population from both institutions shapes a lively rental market in South Bethlehem, where East 4th Street serves as the central corridor for bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and services catering to students and young professionals. Bethlehem offers affordable living by regional standards, solid transit connections through the LANTA bus system, and proximity to Philadelphia and New York City via Interstate 78 and Route 22, making it an attractive base for students and recent graduates alike. The Lehigh Valley's growing healthcare, technology, and logistics sectors provide a strong local internship and job market.
The neighborhood centered on East 4th Street below Lehigh University is the primary hub for student life, offering easy walking access to campus, restaurants, bars, and a dense supply of rental housing. It is the first choice for most Lehigh upperclassmen seeking off-campus housing.
The blocks along Packer Avenue just south of Lehigh's lower campus are popular for students who want a short walk to academic buildings and university facilities. The area includes older row homes and apartment buildings at a range of price points suited to students on different budgets.
North Bethlehem's Moravian historic quarter centered on Main Street offers a picturesque setting with eighteenth-century architecture, independent restaurants, and proximity to Moravian University. Students from both Lehigh and Moravian who prefer a quieter and more historic atmosphere sometimes rent in this area.
The Main Street corridor in North Bethlehem has seen significant investment in recent years, with newer apartment buildings above street-level retail offering modern units and walkable access to dining and entertainment. This area appeals to students who want city-style living with easy access to SteelStacks and ArtsQuest events.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Bethlehem.
Bethlehem is served by the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority, known as LANTA, which operates fixed-route bus service connecting South Bethlehem, downtown Bethlehem, and the broader Lehigh Valley including Allentown and Easton. The most student-relevant routes run along 4th Street and connect to Lehigh University and Moravian University campuses. LANTA fares are affordable and the system is a practical option for students who do not have a car, though service frequency on some routes is limited on evenings and weekends. Real-time arrival information is available through the LANTA website and transit apps.
South Bethlehem is a walkable neighborhood for students living near Lehigh University, with East 4th Street and adjacent residential blocks easily navigable on foot or by bicycle. The city has invested in some bike infrastructure including shared lanes on select streets, and the south side of the Lehigh River connects to trail segments suitable for cycling. Biking is a practical option for getting between South Bethlehem and Lehigh's lower campus, and for reaching nearby grocery stores and restaurants. North Bethlehem's Moravian historic district is roughly a mile and a half from the South Bethlehem student hub, manageable by bike on relatively flat terrain.
Students with cars in South Bethlehem generally find street parking available near residential areas, though blocks immediately adjacent to East 4th Street businesses can be tight on evenings and weekends. Many rental houses and older apartment buildings in the neighborhood include off-street parking or have nearby lots available. Lehigh University manages its own parking permit system for students wishing to park on campus, and demand for campus permits can be competitive among upperclassmen. Students living slightly farther from the core student neighborhood typically encounter easier parking conditions than those renting on the most densely occupied blocks.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Rent in South Bethlehem near Lehigh University typically ranges from $700 to $1,200 per person per month when sharing a house or apartment with roommates. Standalone studio apartments and newer units in the downtown Bethlehem area may be priced higher, while older row houses and multi-bedroom properties split among several students often work out to more affordable per-person rates. Utility costs for heat, electricity, and internet are usually separate and can add $100 to $200 per month depending on the season and building efficiency.
Browse student housing near each Bethlehem-area university.