Allentown Apartments and Rentals

Allentown is symbolic of the American manufacturing and production boom in Pennsylvania. The fastest-growing city in the state has more than 118,000 residents, and its recent expansion has been supported by a mixture of working-class culture and its proximity to two of the country's most vibrant metropolitan areas.

Located less than two hours from both New York City and Philadelphia, the city has attracted people from all over the region. Young professionals and families looking for Allentown apartments for rent will be presented with ample opportunities, and will get to take part in the city's growth and resurgence.

Founded in 1762 by William Allen, a shipping merchant with significant resources and former mayor of Philadelphia, Allentown still contains evidence of these roots. Many of the city's streets bear the names of his children, and he drew some of his influential friends and business partners away from his former home to the newly founded metropolis.

Allen intended the city to become a commercial center in the region, as he hoped its proximity to Philadelphia and its position along the Lehigh River would attract investment from fellow Pennsylvania merchants. Once where the Liberty Bell was hidden from the British during the Revolutionary War, Allentown remained a small and removed town until the 1830s when the Industrial Revolution transformed the area.

While some may not place emphasis on the historical significance of the city, others may be looking for Allentown apartments near the industrial center of the region. Beer drinkers will enjoy this area, as they can sip locally brewed adult beverages while gazing at the old centers for the iron and railroad industries. Center City, which includes the downtown area, is home to a brewery, along with the retail and residential corridor and central business district.

While the city's history has its roots in the industrial revolution and manufacturing is still a major part of its economy, other industries have become prevalent in the area. According to CNN, one of the top 100 places to work in America is the largest employer in Allentown, the Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. This network of hospitals and injury-specific centers employs more than 7,300 workers, and provides local medical students with a place to hone their craft.

Two four-year colleges are located in the city, as Cedar Crest College and Muhlenberg College are both situated in Allentown's West End area, right across the bridge from Bethlehem. Student housing is plentiful in this area, and people looking for apartments in Allentown will be able to find a place to live near the schools or closer to the business district.

The cost of housing in the city depends on where you choose to live. Rental prices in the historic neighborhoods and the business district tend to be higher, while more affordable rents can be found in the relatively new high-rise apartment buildings. There is also less-traditional housing, such as old and converted mill apartments, which truly encapsulate the heart and history of Allentown.

The 2010 census noted that the median gross rental was $801 a month for the city. The price can be much higher than this, especially for the new apartments in Allentown, but affordable housing shouldn't be hard to find.

While much of the industrial history of the city has permanently shaped the streets and architecture, a number of shopping centers, a brewery and markets provide residents with a place to shop and spend enjoyable summer days outside. Buses can take people from one side of the city to the other, and trains can be taken to Philadelphia for a longer trip. Art has become much more popular in the city in recent years, but the historic Great Allentown Fair has been held since 1852.

Outdoor festivals occur throughout the year, and the region received a boost in recent years with the addition of a minor league baseball team, the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs.

To find a Allentown apartment or rental, check out our apartment listings. Rent.com® is happy to help you find your next home.