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Bethlehem, PA

Frequently asked questions

Bethlehem City, PA

Bethlehem is a city in Northampton and Lehigh Counties in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania, United States. As of the 2020 census, Bethlehem had a total population of 75,781, making it the second-largest city in the Lehigh Valley after Allentown and the seventh-largest city in the state. Among its total population as of 2020, 55,639 were in Northampton County and 19,343 were in Lehigh County. The city is located along the Lehigh River, a 109-mile-long (175 km) tributary of the Delaware River.

Bethlehem lies in the geographic center of the Lehigh Valley, a metropolitan region of 731 sq mi (1,890 km²) with a population of 861,899 people as of the 2020 census that is Pennsylvania's third-most populous metropolitan area and the 68th-most populated metropolitan area in the U.S. Bethlehem borders Allentown to its west and is 48 miles (77 km) north of Philadelphia and 72 miles (116 km) west of New York City.

There are four sections to the city: central Bethlehem, the south side, the east side, and the west side. Each of these sections blossomed at different times in the city's development and each contains areas recognized under the National Register of Historic Places. Norfolk Southern Railway's Lehigh Line, formerly the main line of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, runs through Bethlehem heading east to Easton and across the Delaware River to Phillipsburg, New Jersey. The Norfolk Southern Railway's Reading Line runs through Bethlehem and west to Allentown and Reading.

Bethlehem has a long historical relationship with the celebration of Christmas. The city was christened as Bethlehem on Christmas Eve 1741 by Nicolaus Zinzendorf, a Moravian bishop. In 1747, Bethlehem was the first U.S. city to feature a decorated Christmas tree. On December 7, 1937, at a grand ceremony during the Great Depression, the city adopted the nickname Christmas City USA in a large ceremony. It is one of several Lehigh Valley locations, including Egypt, Emmaus, Jordan Creek, and Nazareth, whose names were inspired by locations in the Bible.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 19.4 square miles (50 km²), of which 19.3 square miles (50 km²) is land and 0.2 square miles (0.52 km²) (0.88%) is water. Because large volumes of water were required in the steelmaking process, the city purchased 22,000 acres (8,900 ha) of land in the Pocono Mountains, where its water is stored in reservoirs. The Lehigh River, a tributary of the Delaware, flows through Bethlehem. Monocacy and Saucon Creeks empty into the Lehigh River in Bethlehem. Bethlehem is approximately 50 miles (80 km) north of Philadelphia and about 80 miles (130 km) west of New York City.

The city places a strong emphasis on health and wellness among its residents. St. Luke’s University Hospital – Bethlehem, provides patients and visitors with easily accessible services and excellent quality care delivered with outstanding customer service. Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg provides comprehensive medical care, including primary care, specialty services, and emergency care. Check out The Yoga Loft for yoga sessions designed to improve flexibility and reduce stress. Planet Fitness provides a comprehensive fitness experience with state-of-the-art equipment and personal training. CrossFit Lehigh Valley is perfect for those looking for high-intensity training and community support. Lehigh Valley Dance Studio offers dance classes that promote physical fitness. Lehigh Valley Chiropractic offers holistic treatments to enhance physical health and alleviate pain.

Top sites of Bethlehem City, PA are SteelStacks, National Museum of Industrial History, and Moravian Museum of Bethlehem.

Population: 78,300 (2023). ZIP codes: 18015, 18016, 18017, 18018, and 18019. Area codes: 610, 484. Elevation: 360 ft (110 m). Area: 19.43 square miles (50.35 km²).

FAQs

Why is Bethlehem, PA famous?

At the base of Bethlehem, PA's SteelStacks now shuttered for 20-plus years – there is a sculpture, a public artwork that so perfectly symbolizes the city of Bethlehem. “The Bridge,” an arching band of steel, reflects the city’s rich industrial history and the natural gas-fed blue flame is the light of revitalization, the promise of preservation, and the commitment to put Bethlehem on the map where culture meets commerce. Bethlehem Steel Corporation was the second-largest steel producer in the country and the largest shipbuilder. It manufactured steel for the George Washington Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, Empire State Building, Hoover Dam, and many other American landmarks.

Is Bethlehem, PA a good place to live?

Bethlehem is a thriving and diverse community with much to offer both locals and newcomers. With various job opportunities and affordable housing options, Bethlehem is the perfect place for anyone looking for an exciting new start. The city boasts great cultural institutions like The Moravian Bookshop and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, as well as countless parks and trails for outdoor recreation. Whether you’re looking for career advancement, a new community to call home, or simply a fresh start, Bethlehem has everything you could need or want.

Is Bethlehem, PA a Christmas town?

Named Bethlehem on Christmas Eve in 1741, this quaint city of Bethlehem, PA in eastern Pennsylvania is rooted in holiday charm. Since 1937, the city has appropriately been recognized as Christmas City USA. Whether you’ve experienced Bethlehem year after year or are looking to visit for the first time, you’re sure to be astounded by the magic that lingers in the air during the holiday season.

Sources

City of Bethlehem

Wikipedia

Lehigh Valley Just Listed

Discover Lehigh Valley

SteelStacks 

National Museum of Industrial History 

Moravian Museum of Bethlehem

St. Luke’s University Hospital

The Yoga Loft

Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg

Planet Fitness

CrossFit Lehigh Valley

Lehigh Valley Dance Studio

Lehigh Valley Chiropractic

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.