Moving Companies Bethlehem, PA

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Bethlehem is a city of about 71,000 in eastern Pennsylvania. It is the sixth largest city in Pennsylvania. Located in the Lehigh Valley, it is about 47 miles north of Philadelphia and is steeped in history and proud of its heritage. The summers tend to be mild with highs in the 70s, and the winters are quite cold, averaging in the 20s. There is an average snowfall of about 35 inches. The Lehigh area is beautiful, and there are many activities in the area. This city is coming back from an economic slump to recreate itself, and anyone moving to Bethlehem will find it runs the gamut from quaint lofts in the downtown area to rich suburban neighborhoods.

Economy:
The median household income for Bethlehem is slightly lower than that of the state in general. The cost of living is very slightly higher than the national average. Unemployment here, currently at 9.9 percent is higher than the state average, but just about the same as the national average. The city has struggled economically due to the decline of steel production, but has managed to keep/attract other manufacturing. Some top employers include Bosch Rexroth Corp., Specialty Minerals Inc. and Minerals Technologies Inc. The Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem has injected money and jobs into the city in recent years. 

History:
In 1741, a small group of Moravians came to settle where Bethlehem lies now. On Christmas Eve the settlement was named Bethlehem by the patron of the religious sect, Count Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf, when he visited from Germany. By 1747, Bethlehem was exporting goods all over the colonies, and George Washington stored his personal effects at the home of a friend who lived in Bethlehem while he was at Valley Forge. Typical of Monrovian settlements, the church owned all the land, and only members of the church were allowed to lease land there until 1850. In 1857, Bethlehem Steel was founded. It began producing structural steel beams, and was the site of the invention of the “I” beam that is a mainstay in the construction of buildings to this day. In 1937, a tradition was begun that had a huge lighted star erected on the top of South Mountain, and the city was officially nicknamed the ‘Christmas City.’

Tourism:
In August, Musikfest is a ten day event that draws over a million people to the city. In September, there is a Celtic Classic Highland Games and Festival. It is the largest Celtic festival in North America. In May, the famous Bach Choir of Bethlehem has its annual Bach Music Festival. The Bethlehem Harvest Festival is in October. In November and December, you can see a smithy at work in his blacksmith shop. There are many historical buildings and museums to tour in Bethlehem as well. 

Colleges and Universities:
• Lehigh University
• Moravian College
• Northampton Community College

Interesting Facts:
• In 1762, the Monrovians built the first water works to pump water in the country

Helpful Links:
• Bethlehem Real Estate
• Bethlehem Storage Facility
• Bethlehem Insurance
• Bethlehem Dental Offices
• Bethlehem Moving Companies