Located along the Leigh River, Allentown is the third most populous city in Pennsylvania with a total population of 118,032 as of the 2010 census. Approximately 60 miles northwest of Philidelphia, there are approximately 30 million people living within a 100 mile radius of the city.
Currently the fastest growing major city in Pennsylvania, Allentown is the county seat of Lehigh County. Founded in 1762, the city celebrated the 250th anniversary of its founding in 2012. In April 2016 the Urban Land Institute named the city a “national success story” for its downtown redevelopment and transformation. As of April 2019 this has generated nearly $1 billion in new development projects.
With over 150 schools listed on the greatschools.org listing page for Allentown, there are tons of opportunities for your children to receive the education they deserve! With educational opportunities from pre-k to post-secondary education, the city is a great hub for learning and success!
Students in the Allentown School District receive an individualized academic plan that is proven to lead to graduation and success in post-secondary education or a job paying a family-sustaining wage. Listed below are all of the schools within the Allentown School District:
The city offers a variety of recreation and attractions for everyone to enjoy! From the two professional sporting teams in the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs baseball team and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms Ice Hockey team to the model train exhibit at Merchants Square Mall, there is never a lack of fun and enjoyment to be had!
Allentown is home to some delicious dining. Whether you’re in the mood for Italian cuisine, Burgers, or a sophisticated date night out Allentown will not disappoint. Take a look at the Top Ten Restaurants in town and good luck choosing only one, you just might want to make your way down the list.
In 1736 the area of Lehigh County that is now known as Allentown was deeded by 23 chiefs of the five great Native American nations to the Penn brother, son of William Penn. This was later purchased by William Allen. First called Northampton Town, in 1762 the center of Allentown was laid out by Allen, the former mayor of the city of Philadelphia. It is rumored that a rivalry with the Penns was what prompted Allen to decide to start a town of his own.
After years of popular usage, the town was renamed Allentown on April 16, 1838.
Of historical significance is the fact that the town was the location the Liberty Bell was hidden from the British during the American Revolutionary War. The bell was hidden in the basement of the Zion Reformed Church, which is now at the center of the city.
