Tag: #ilovemytown

Posted on

What does it cost to live in Historic Bethlehem?

I’m Diana Hodgson. Join me as I tour a wonderful place to visit and a truly special place to live – Historic Downtown Bethlehem.

The center of the historic district is the original Historic Moravian Bethlehem which dates to 1714.  This part of town has been designated a National Historic Landmark District by the National Park Service.  The historic buildings cover an approximate 14 acre area near Main and Church Streets.  The German Colonial architecture is glorious.  Buildings like the Central Moravian Church,  the Gemeinhaus,  the Colonial Industrial Quarter, the Sister’s house are buildings of cultural significance.  They are in beautiful condition and have been lovingly cared for.

Our vibrant Main Street is the heartbeat of the city.  Visitors from all over the world come to learn about the history of Bethlehem, visit the independent retailers on Main Street,  and enjoy dining at an array of popular restaurants and bars. 

It is important to note that the businesses throughout our downtown are locally and independently owned.  You will not find national brands on Main Street.

The residential properties within the historic district are coveted.  Once a property is listed for sale within the historic district it doesn’t take long for it to sell.  Historic Bethlehem is a place where people want to live!

Within the last 22 months only 15 properties have changed hands.  The average price of a twin home in the Historic district presently, is approximately $380,000.  The average price of a single home in this neighborhood is approx. $710,000.  Within the last 22 months the prices range from $230,000 for a twin to a beautiful home in pristine condition for $1.2 million.  And compared to other parts of the city these prices are much higher.

Most houses have been selling within a week of going up for sale.  Many within a day.  But right now the average days on market for the last 22 months is 30 days.   

The architecture of this area is protected by the city through its Historic Architectural Review Board also known as HARB.  As a resident within the historic district you commit to keeping the exterior your home in its historic condition.  The attention to detail helps to keep values of these home consistent.  And because of their historic significance and the wonderful condition of the homes, this keeps the neighborhood in high demand. 

Historic Bethlehem is an integral part of the overall health of our community. It brings millions of visitors to our city throughout the year, and the revenue that is generated keeps our taxes low, and property values stable.

It is worth noting that our Historic District provides both psychological and educational benefits to our residents.  It creates a sense of community and belonging, and it helps illuminate the history of our city.

Please stay tuned for more of my neighborhood videos.  If you’d like to see the next neighborhood video, subscribe below.  When you are interested in Selling, Buying or investing in real estate here in the Lehigh Valley, we would love to be your real estate professional of choice.  You can reach me by calling 610-417-1174 or by emailing [email protected].  If you have a question about real estate or the Lehigh Valley please add it in the comment section below.

Posted on

Southside Bethlehem’s Murals

Wathc the video on: https://youtu.be/GqmTQzMWwlA

Welcome to the art of Bethlehem!

At the first major intersection is a mural by a local artist named Matt Halm.  His mural is appropriately called “Southbound” and today we’re going to start on the southside of town.


Right around the corner is “Steelworker” by a collective of local artists named, Dripped On The Road.  The work pays homage to the men and women who worked in Bethlehem Steel plant for generations.  The artist group is lead by Lehigh University grad, named Denton Burrows.

And just up the street is a work by Joseph Iacona.   It’s called “Southside Proud”.  His work speaks to the community of sharing and why citizens are proud to live on the southside of the City of Bethlehem.

And around the side of Taylor Street, The Bonn Place Brewing Company is wrapped in a beautiful mural painted by local artist Amy Perdue.  And as the camera moves turns the corner, you’ll see other artwork (by Denton Burrows) that pays homage to brewing, festivities, fun, community and just having a good time.

Up on Hayes Street is a mural painted by Ramiro Davaro-Comas.   This entire mural was painted on the flat side of a building, but if you’ll notice up towards the top it appears that there is a roof line with someone peeking out of a window; all of which don’t exist. The artist’s use of trompe l’oeil is truly magical.

Then we went up on Broad Street on the north side of town to see another beautiful mural by Matt Halm. It’s been painted on the side of Christmas City Veterinary Hospital.  The mural curves around the corner of the building to include another fun surprise.

Back on the Southside at the corner of Hayes Street is a traditional phone booth which has been painted brightly and beautifully by Devyn Leonor Briggs.  Then over on Third and New Street is another mural by Devyn Briggs.  The mural reflects “a desire to develop a community that embraces economic opportunity with cultural diversity as a foundation.”

Up on the street on the side of Café The Lodge, is “Calma” by Pau Quintanajornet.  This artist is from Chile and was raised in Germany.  Her work of art was completed in Pau’s signature style while highlighting Café The Lodge’s mission which is focused on mental health recovery.