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Consider the possibilities of added free time the nation, and is just a short drive away in your schedule when your door-to-door from major mid-Atlantic cities including commute is cut in half and your spending City, , , power is multiplied thanks to an and Washington D.C. affordable cost of living. NY In , ’ll quickly find that the Picture the opportunities for learn- pace of life allows for less time commuting

NEW YORK CITY ing—ranging from numerous public, back and forth from the office and more PA s 1.5 hour charter, and private K-12 offerings time establishing a homebase within the LEHIGH VALLEY to nationally-ranked colleges and community, plus some extra time (and money) This is s 1 hour 1.5 hour Nj universities—that will enable you to taste your way through the local food HARRISBURG/ PHILADELPHIA HERSHEY s and your family to thrive. scene, immerse yourself in arts and culture, and 3 hour explore the great outdoors with an impressive DE To top it off, you’ll be surrounded lineup of parks, trails, and waterways. MD by world-class healthcare providers Imagine a place where you can breathe in Baltimore offering everything from general In the pages ahead, we offer a look at the region Lehigh Valley. WASHINGTON, D.c. from the top of a mountain and be back in a thriving practice to specialized surgery, through the eyes of locals who call Lehigh rehabilitation, athletic performance Valley home. Explore opportunities for living, downtown in less time than it took you to hike to the top. training, and more. working, and learning in this land of makers and dreamers, fueled by heritage and tradition All that (and more) is Made Possible in that build strong, thriving communities. Lehigh Valley. The region has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing economies in Welcome to Lehigh Valley.

LVMadePossible.com | 1 ™ BEST MUSIC FESTIVAL IN NORTH AMERICA by USA Today’s 10Best in 2019

Visit.four seasons of adventure. Discover a place with the vibrancy of your favorite ® colors, the soundtrack of your favorite Martin® guitar riff, and the romance of historic covered bridges. Steeped in pre-Colonial, early American, and industrial history, Lehigh Valley is bursting with nationally-recognized events, exciting nightlife, adventurous outdoor activities, and modern and contemporary arts— lehigh valley stories not what you’d expect from a place that is also home to rolling hills and calming countrysides. Krishan Thakker, When you’re planning your visit to Lehigh Valley, take advantage Lutron Electronics We often have friends or family visiting us from of a wide variety of accommodations ready to suit your needs. all over, and we love to host and show them Choose from nationally-recognized brands in easily accessible around. Our weekends are often jam-packed, locations, full-service resorts, or quaint bed & breakfasts especially now that we have a larger place, they have an excuse to come over and stay. offering a relaxing escape. Experience Cheer for the home team. Everyone’s very curious about the area, like unforgettable festivals. Explore all that Lehigh Valley has to offer. If there ever a place Lehigh Valley marks the path for athletes we were. There’s so much going on in Beth- lehem all the time. We attend Musikfest™ to lift your spirits in the most unexpected ways, this is it. From the magic of the holiday season to looking to hit the major leagues. Catch the and Celtic Fest with friends in the neighbor- food-centric celebrations, Lehigh Valley has Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Triple-A affiliate hood that we’ve made. There are plenty of a festival to fit all tastes. Mark your calen- fast facts of the , in action at places to go shopping nearby as well, like dars for annual favorites including Coca-Cola Park (and be sure to enjoy some the Promenade Shops, , or the Outlets at . The Easton Farmers’ Market is the oldest Brews & Barbecue, Musikfest™, Lehigh bacon-centric treats). During the winter continuously operating open-air market in the We’ve had a lot of friends who visit here, Valley Pride, the Wheels of Time Hot months, head indoors to the PPL Center country. On Saturdays through the warmer not even knowing about the Lehigh Valley or Rod Jamboree, , PA months, you can shop from dozens of vendors for a game, the town we live in; now they’ve put it on a in the city’s . Bacon Fest, Christkindlmarkt, and more. AHL affiliate of the . map and have been Instagramming about it, On top of these large-scale festivals, you’ll Watch Olympic hopefuls speed around sharing it on other social media platforms, and publicizing and talking about it. This is Historic Moravian Bethlehem is a designated find upwards of 50 events happening each the banked at the Valley Preferred all leading to other people being interested National Historic Landmark and has weekend throughout the region, ensuring Cycling Center, one of the top destinations in coming to visit us. been short-listed for nomination to the World that there’s always fun to be had! Heritage List. in the world for track cycling. Breathe in fresh air. A world-class artist has made an appearance Whether you’re looking to explore on foot, at the Allentown Art . It was recently discovered that a painting in the collection, by bike, or via the water, Lehigh Valley “Portrait of a Young Woman,” was created by offers an unparalleled outdoor recreation the Dutch master artist Rembrandt after mis- scene. Don’t miss the & Lehigh takenly being attributed to one of his students. National Heritage Trail which spans 165 of rail trails, 48 of them passing Lehigh Valley is home to some of America’s through Lehigh Valley. Find more options favorite brands including Crayola, C.F. Martin Guitar, , and Just Born, Inc. (mak- via THE LINK, a network of multi-use ers of Mike & Ikes, Hot Tamales, and ®). trails offering year-round outdoor recre- ation and healthy living. The City of Allentown features more parkland per capita than any other city its size in the . Dorney park #LVmadepossible hugh moore park & Museum

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crayola experience

lehigh valley phantoms

1744-1772 Single Sisters’ House photo by paul s. bartholomew paul by photo

bonn place brewing Co.

Wow your family. Kids of all ages will find things to see and do in Lehigh Valley, and parents won’t have to worry about breaking the bank! Race down rollercoasters at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom. Create your next Work.there is a reason lehigh valley is different. piece of artwork at the Crayola Experi- ence™. Uncover the of how things work at the . The region’s access to markets, space, capital, and talented labor are unparalleled.

Immerse yourself The economy is thriving, the culture is diverse, and the quality of life is phenomenal. in culture & history. Companies and people are choosing to locate in Lehigh Valley and start a new venture in a lehigh valley stories growing region that’s famous for its makers. Lehigh Valley’s historic Moravian Beth- lehem, a National Historic Landmark Kim Velez, Lehigh Valley is a place where you can have a job you love and a home you can afford. You District, examines a unique, historically rich, Lehigh Valley Health Network can a life, a business, or a career on your own terms. With more than 15,000 businesses and culturally significant way of life for over There’s really a lot of opportunities for people calling the region home, there is no shortage of opportunities, from multinational corpora- 300 years. For a dose of culture, tour facilities to have the best of both worlds. You can tions listed in the FORTUNE 500 to small, family-owned businesses. Stay the night. build a career and have a stable and fulfilling including the , the that can often be found popping up at professional life, but also give your children The region’s job market includes a mix of transistor, the lighting dimmer switch, and National Museum of Industrial History (a breweries and special events. Perhaps you’re Your visit to Lehigh Valley doesn’t have to and family a healthy and wholesome life in professionals, skilled trades, and service the first rapid testing kit for HIV all were Smithsonian affiliate), and the C.F. Martin looking to put your own cooking skills to end when the sun goes down. The area boasts a balanced way. I think many families want a variety of options, and you can find all of workers. Lehigh Valley is home to more than developed in Lehigh Valley. Guitar Factory & Museum. the test. With multiple farmers markets award-winning accommodations including that here in our Lehigh Valley. throughout Lehigh Valley, including a the Historic Hotel Bethlehem, named one of 80,000 jobs in , social assistance, Thanks in part to changing demographic Taste the local flavors. I grew up in Lehigh Valley and went through number of year-round offerings, you’ll always the top five historic hotels in the nation. Plan and , as well as a strong and growing trends and preferences, the cities and towns school here before heading to New York for From fresh produce at area farmers markets economy with more than have fresh, local produce within reach. a weekend of fun at Bear Creek Mountain my college education. My years in New York of Lehigh Valley have increasingly become a to James Beard-nominated restaurants, the These local flavors extend beyond food- Resort or Wind Creek Bethlehem where City were wonderful, but they also left me 34,000 jobs that support renowned brands such symbol of the overall strength of the region. food scene in Lehigh Valley is flourishing. ie-favorite restaurants with a booming craft you can enjoy fun, food, and comfortable feeling squeezed a lot personally and the as Crayola, Martin Guitar, and Mack Trucks. Lehigh Valley has thriving downtown Look beyond traditional sit-down restau- beverage scene of nearly 50 makers of wine, accommodations under one roof. You’ll find lifestyle was a change from what I was used to. This is home, and I was ready to really put Entrepreneurs and innovators have been neighborhoods in each of its three cities rants for dining opportunities at food halls beer, and distilled spirits. The Lehigh Valley everything from quaint, countryside bed & the fruits of my labor back into my community making their mark in Lehigh Valley for cen- and beyond, placing the region in a perfect in downtown Allentown and Easton, both is recognized as an American Viticultural breakfasts to top-of-the-line downtown hotels, and settle down, just looking for that per- turies, going back to the first waterworks in position to capitalize on the growing trends featuring vendors cooking up everything Area and features internationally-acclaimed like the Renaissance® Allentown Hotel and sonal fulfillment that I just couldn’t quite the American built by the Moravian of people and workers seeking the life-work find in the Big Apple. from ramen to tacos, barbecue, Korean winemakers who are revitalizing Old World unique boutique inns, like Sayre Mansion and community of Bethlehem in the . The balance offered here. cuisine, and more. Or, scope out food trucks styles in the hillsides of the region. Glasbern—all sure to provide a good night’s rest.

4 | #LVMadePossible LVMadePossible.com | 5 By the numbers

18-to-34-year-olds make up 42% of the labor force in Lehigh Valley 673,000 total population

Bosch Rexroth

A TOP MARKET FOR BUSINESS GROWTH

$41.2 billion Healthcare 59,300 60,000 regional economy

#3 in the country among mid-sized markets (populations 200K–1 Million)

40,000 Manufacturing 34,500 32,400 Those of us who live and work in Lehigh Council, the Chamber, LGBTQ Retail & Warehouse 30,400 & Warehouse Valley every day already know what a special Business Council, Veterans & Military Transportation 66th Hospitality & Tourism 26,500 largest economy 26,500 Education place it is. Now the next generation of Council, Women’s Business Council, and the in the united states lehigh valley stories skilled, creative talent is finding out what’s Young Professional’s Council. The Chamber 20,000 made possible in Lehigh Valley. consists of nearly 5,000 members employing Nicole Huff, more than 280,000 in the greater region St. Luke’s University Lehigh Valley has consistently earned recognition as a top market nationwide for and produces hundreds of networking and Health Network educational events each year. An opportunity presented itself here in the Lehigh business. In 2019, the region ranked #3 in the 26 minutes Valley, which brought me to an area where I country among mid-sized markets for new average commute had no family or friends. Any time you uproot and expanded business projects and #3 in the Meeting Services economic sectors with the most jobs your family, it’s a challenge to get to know the area and learn what resources are available. Northeast behind only and If you’re looking to host an event— I quickly found that the resources within my Philadelphia, beating out several much larger whether it’s a small meeting, a board retreat, own organization were helpful. I was happy population centers for business growth*. a conference, or a sporting tournament— to be able to connect and meet other health- Lehigh Valley has the venues to fit your care professionals, not only within my current We know how important a strong business needs. Choose from traditional event spaces Lehigh Valley’s Largest Employers organization, but just in the Lehigh Valley area network is to your success, and we have ADP • Air Products • .com • B Braun Medical • Crayola • Guardian Life Insurance itself. I also became involved in the Eastern a built-in network ready for you when and ballrooms to unique settings that are Healthcare Executive Network • Lehigh Valley Health Network • Lutron Electronics you get here. The Greater Lehigh Valley sure to inspire creativity (think art galleries, and the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Mack Trucks • Olympus Corporation of the Americas • PPL Corporation Commerce to grow my professional network. Chamber of Commerce includes more concert halls, , and historical sites). There’s also plenty of off-site fun to be had St. Luke’s University Health Network • Victaulic • Wind Creek Hospitality We really take our mission and vision very seri- than 30 affiliated chambers, councils, and ously and we want to make sure that our patients committees including the Small Business in the form of team building activities, are comfortable and that they know that they’re Council, African American Business Leaders guided tours, dining experiences, and more. getting the best care. Yes, we have a lot that is expected of us, but we also provide work life new jobs created over the past five years balance for employees at the same time. #LVmadepossible 28,000

*Site Selection Magazine, March 2020 Sources: Census Bureau; Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 6 | #LVMadePossible LVMadePossible.com | 7 OutstandingLearn. schools for all levels of learning.

the FREDDY® Awards

Lehigh Valley has been a center for education since the mid-1700s. 11 The region boasts exceptional colleges & pre-K, primary, secondary, universities technical, and post-secondary in lehigh valley schools that prepare students for future success. DeSales University More than 40 early learning East Stroudsburg programs have earned the highest University rating for quality from the Penn- Kutztown University sylvania Department of Human Services’ voluntary evaluation Lehigh Carbon program, Keystone STARS. Community College Lehigh University Public education in Pennsylvania Moravian College is community-based: Lehigh DeSales University Valley has 17 school that Northampton provide education for students Community College gious private colleges, state universities, and performers will find a wide array of education and programs in art and design for from kindergarten through 12th Penn State two community colleges. opportunities including the Pennsylvania children and adults. Try your hand at grade. Lehigh Valley also has Lehigh Valley Did you know? Youth Theatre and the Ballet Guild of the specialties including pottery, digital design, private, parochial, and charter Whatever your educational interests and Lehigh Valley. hot glass work, photography, and more. schools, giving parents a variety of educational choices for needs, Lehigh Valley is a great place to learn. Classes range from short workshops to 107,000 their children. One local school, Lehigh Valley Charter High extracurriculars On a high school level, the FREDDY® longer, continuing opportunities. Students enrolled in Lehigh Awards recognize outstanding achievement School for the Arts, was named a National Blue Ribbon 1,400 Whether you’re looking to explore perfor- Valley K-12 schools. in musical theater performances by Lehigh High school athletics have a large following School of Excellence in 2018. Many high schools offer options Students completed mance, visual, or digital art, you’ll find the Valley area students. Hosted at the State with schools of all sizes gaining success in for qualifying students to earn college credits by attending programs at three resources in Lehigh Valley. Performing Theatre Center for the Arts in Easton, both regional and state-wide competition. courses at the region’s colleges and universities. career and technical arts thrive with nationally-recognized this annual celebration offers scholarship At the collegiate level, Lehigh Valley 52,000 Three career and technical education schools are aligned with schools in 2018. organizations including the Pennsylvania Students enrolled in Lehigh programs for those looking to continue institutions participate in various levels of the region’s high schools and provide students with quality at DeSales Universi- their education in the performing arts. NCAA competition. Regional athletics Valley’s 11 colleges & universities skills-based training for a wide range of in-demand jobs. ty and Muhlenberg College’s theatre and carry traditions across generations as well; for the 2018-19 academic year. 4,000 dance programs. Catch a show at one of the The in Allentown Lehigh Valley is home to 11 colleges and universities that the annual meeting of Lehigh University Degrees awarded in region’s outstanding venues or sign up for and Banana Factory in Bethlehem award more than 10,000 degrees annually and include presti- STEM-related fields. and Lafayette College is recognized as the a workshop with a visiting artist. Younger offer hundreds of classes, workshops, most-played rivalry. 10,700 banana factory Degrees awarded by 4 lehigh valley stories Lehigh Valley’s 11 colleges Lehigh Valley public & universities in 2018. school districts Colin Keefe, Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba Lehigh Valley is a great place to raise a family and we couldn’t be happier with the schools and aligned with community we found after moving here. The sports leagues are great, the parents help out with Project Lead coaching, and the community here embraces family life and children in a way that few other places do. the Way, I was working a lot in New York. I was at a large firm, and it was a very demanding schedule. 1,700 a national STEM My wife is originally from here and she grew up in Center Valley; we actually met while we were Certifications awarded to adult curriculum both at Lehigh University. After we had our son, who is about to turn 8, she wanted to be closer learners by career and technical program. to her parents, and I wanted to be around for the family more, so we decided that one way to schools in 2018. accomplish that would be moving back here.

8 | #LVMadePossible LVMadePossible.com | 9 get ! pursue an active lifestyle with events ranging from the delaware & lehigh heritage and ST. LUKE’S VIA MARATHON to casual running clubs, POWERED BY RUNNER’S WORLD Lehigh Valley social sport leagues, and more. demographics by age group 18-to-34-year-old population increase

150,000 65 and up Under 18 18.2% 21.2% 147,500

50 to 64 20.2% 18–34 145,000 22.2%

35 to 49 142,500 18.2%

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 the hamilton kitchen bake oven knob 18-to-34-year-olds % of population by city

housing overview 28% $206,000 Allentown Median home sale price Live.Diverse, Vibrant, and Caring Communities. $240,000 Median single-family detached From the of its three cities to the main of smaller communities, Lehigh Valley has the right neighborhood for home sale price you to call home. You will find world-class health care, outstanding educational opportunities, affordable housing options in urban, 30% suburban, and rural settings, and more than enough things to do and places to eat. Lehigh Valley is the very definition of neighborhood $185,000 bethlehem living. Get to know the various regions of Lehigh Valley: Median condominium sale price $153,000 Allentown Median sale price

The city has seen a resurgence with massive TOP 5 MARKET IN THE U.S. FOR HOUSING AFFORDABILITY $139,000 31% development in the walkable downtown Median single-family attached easton Northern Lehigh Valley: area, bringing thousands of employees home sale price 19% more affordable thanCentral NJ | 20% more affordable thanNorthern NJ Slate Belt Region & Nazareth into new Class-A office space, welcoming more affordable than | more affordable than The Slate Belt is home to some of the 270,193 Housing units residents to newly-constructed apartments, 44% 53% Washington, D.C. region’s most impressive industrial heritage. and ushering in new businesses to fill the $1,040 Median rent 73% more affordable thanBrooklyn | 128% more affordable thanManhattan The area is dotted with small towns that are needs of new clientele. The city stays true big on experiences including Nazareth, Ban- $1,283 to its roots with the Allentown Fair & gor, Pen Argyl, Portland, Upper & Lower Average rent for 2-bedroom apartment Fairgrounds Farmers Market, the expansive Mount Bethel, Wind Gap, and more. grounds of Lehigh , impressive his- luxurious Historic Hotel Bethlehem, and and more. Easton’s sense of community 3% Annualized rent growth rate in 2019 Top 10 tory of the Liberty Museum, and more. picturesque Main . Cross the river to is palpable at its events including Easton Western Lehigh Valley: the South Side Arts District to dive into the Out Loud, where downtown restaurants Macungie, Emmaus, & Southern Lehigh Valley: Bethlehem arts and cultural scene with ArtsQuest™ and merchants open their doors and host Trexlertown Center Valley & Hellertown Marketin the U.S. for Segmented by the , the city and the SteelStacks™ campus at its core. Fourth Friday celebrations. Stroll along the Known to be a prime location for raising Explore the convergence of history and millennial of Bethlehem blends pre-Colonial his- Bushkill Creek to the newly established a family, the communities of Emmaus, convenient lifestyle centers featuring homebuyers Easton Simon Silk Mill property where you’ll find tory with modern arts, dining, and more. Macungie, and Trexlertown keep their roots shopping, dining, nightlife, and more. Realtor.com Explore the North Side, which is home to Discover a city that is continually redefining a variety of new businesses popping up and true hometown feel with main streets These communities bridge the gap between Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, the itself as a hub for creatives, food-lovers, in renovated industrial spaces. full of small businesses. open spaces and urban vibrancy.

10 | #LVMadePossible LVMadePossible.com | 11 lehigh valley stories Resources Carol Obando-Derstine, PPL Electric Utilities greater lehigh valley Greater Lehigh Valley Volunteerism is a huge part of who I am chamber of commerce Realtors and what I do. Lehigh Valley offers so many Lehigh Valley member directory ways to connect with neighbors. We have International Airport Search for your apartment or home to make sure all children have enough food to eat and are doing well in school, and Find the businesses you need. Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) GLVR.org that we’re preserving the great natural resources we have. is a convenient, family-friendly airport LehighValleyChamber.org offering daily nonstop flights to leisure and The Wildlands Conservancy has a sojourn business destinations served by Allegiant, down the Lehigh River. For three days in June, you whitewater raft, canoe, or kayak. It’s American, Delta, and United Airlines. Getting here & getting around: Connect with Community Women’s, African American Business such a beautiful opportunity to see the Nonstop destinations: One common thread you’ll find across Leaders, LGBTQ, Veterans & Military, Lehigh Valley from another angle—on­ the river. Lehigh Valley is conveniently located within a day’s drive of nearly one-third of the total and more. Atlanta U.S. population. We’re 90 miles from New York City, 60 miles from Philadelphia, and Lehigh Valley’s many cities, towns, and There are just so many opportunities to accessible by air to 15 nonstop destinations via the Lehigh Valley International Airport. boroughs? Community engagement and Organizations like the Bradbury-Sullivan enjoy the activities and events in Allentown, Charlotte interaction are as strong as ever. Residents LGBT Center take initiatives a step further Bethlehem, and Easton. I am really big into ground transportation festivals. One day I could visit Veggie Fest, give back through organizations ranging offering community-driven programming at Chicago Midway and the next I could be at Bacon Fest. from Main Street development initiatives, their brick and mortar location ranging from Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA) provides accessible daily Chicago O’hare local ambassador programs, and volunteer art gallery openings, performances, movie For people that are new to the area, my bus and paratransit service throughout Lehigh and Northampton , with desti- advice is to explore, explore, explore. Enjoy nations to major employment centers, as well as cultural, recreational, and entertainment opportunities through diverse places of nights, and more. The organization also hosts the outdoors. Find out about activities and venues. LANTA’s My Stop bus tracker app provides real-time trip planning information. worship, arts communities, and nonprofits. the annual Pride festival each summer. events by visiting DiscoverLehighValley.com, then go do them. Fort Lauderdale You’ll also find connections with like-minded When you’re ready to dive in and get involved, Bus service to the nearby metro areas is available via Trans-Bridge Lines, Inc., a family owned groups through networking and affinity consider connecting with some of these Discover volunteer opportunities through Myrtle Beach and operated Lehigh Valley motorcoach company. The company offers daily service to programming sponsored by the Greater groups to establish a network through the , the Volunteer Center or other New York City, Newark Airport, JFK Airport, pier transportation to Cape Liberty Pier in nonprofit organizations that interest you. Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce region. Additionally, the Volunteer Center of Nashville Bayonne & Cruise Terminal, as well as weekday commuter service to Midtown, You can learn so much about this beautiful with various business and diversity councils the Lehigh Valley can help connect you with Wall Street, and Jersey City. Charter bus service throughout the U.S. & is available. region by connecting with your neighbors. Newark including Young Professionals, Hispanic, organizations that fit your interests. In addition to regional public transit, Uber & Lyft services are prevalent in Lehigh Valley. Orlando Sanford

Philadelphia

world-class healthcare Punta Gorda

Featuring major health providers including Lehigh Valley Health Sarasota Network (LVHN), St. Luke’s University Health Network, and job searches Cost of Living Savannah/Hilton Head Good Shepherd Rehabilitation, the region ranks among the best in calculator the nation for a variety of specialties. Medical students flock to the Seek new opportunities. St. Pete-Clearwater region to learn from these outstanding professionals. See just how affordable we are. LVMadePossible.com/Work • St. Luke’s boasts the nation’s oldest school of nursing Your neighborhood airport provides the LehighValley.org/Cost and the region’s only four-year medical school, partnered perfect travel environment for you and your with . family, with a children’s play area, sensory room, therapy dog program and • LVHN offers its prestigious “Select Program” with #LVmadepossible • lvmadepossible.com USF Health Morsani College of in Tampa, Fl. “take a book, leave a book program.”

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