Lehigh Valley Real Estate

With rising rents and limited inventory, the Lehigh Valley housing crunch is making it harder for many people to find affordable apartments or even think about buying a home.

The full story, to publish Wednesday, will explore why newly available apartments are attracting large numbers of applicants and what that reveals about the balance between housing supply and demand.

PBS39 will broadcast a special, hourlong community forum tonight on data centers — their demand, their needs and their potential impact on the Lehigh Valley.

In December alone, there were 676 eviction filings and defaults in Lehigh County — the highest monthly total since August 2023.

In counties such as Lehigh, eviction filings have reached their highest point in years, even as rental vacancy rates have fluctuated. That apparent contradiction — rising vacancy estimates alongside persistent eviction volume — is part of a broader housing dynamic playing out across the region.

The Central Park Apartments property borders a massive redevelopment project that's set to transform the former Allentown State Hospital property.

Officials signed off on plans that call for 73 condominiums — 15 one-bedroom units, 36 two-bedroom units and 22 three-bedroom units — and about 2,500 square feet of commercial space.

Officials are looking to secure a developer to build a mixed-use space at a property that features a large parking lot and a 7-Eleven built almost a half-century ago.

Developers have announced a $67 million, 216-unit apartment complex is headed to Palmer Township, offering residents what they say is a wealth of amenities in close proximity to local metro areas.

Lower Macungie Township's planning commission voted Tuesday to recommend approving a 55,000-square-foot light manufacturing facility near Schoeneck and Alburtis roads.

The 15,100-square-foot facility would be constructed in consolidated lots at 1415 and 1425 Lehigh St.

A total of 44 one- and two-bedroom apartments will be offered at the Walnut Street location.

A Bethlehem developer wants to construct 70 apartments above ground-level commercial space and parking at 701-719 N. New St. An amendment to the zoning map will be required to build as proposed.

The Emerson Village land development project at Rural Road received preliminary final approval by the Whitehall Township Planning Commission on Wednesday night. The plan calls for construction of 116 townhomes and single-unit homes on 35 acres.

The survey of about 2,300 properties will give Allentown officials "a better understanding" of the city's historic assets, according to a consultant leading the effort.

The project to demolish and reconstruct much of the tower's interior is set to occur simultaneously and last about two years, according to an executive for the new owner.

A proposal to add three stories and 27 apartments at the downtown Woolworth building was sent back to Bethlehem's Historical Architectural Review Board.

The first of a three-session forum to address the housing availability and affordability crisis in the Lehigh Valley was held at DeSales University on Wednesday.

Palmer Township zoning officials continued their hearing on the former Crayola building at 2025 Edgewood Ave., though due to testimony from experts, the hearing will go on to March at least.

The Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation shared statistics showing that salaries, among other economic indicators, are at a "new peak."

Borough Council on Monday signed off on land development plans for Clauser Lofts, a proposal for 59 apartments and 8,750 square feet of commercial space near the border with Bethlehem.

Bethlehem Township's planning commission voted Monday to recommend conditional use approval for a 12-building, 264-unit apartment complex.

The Diocese of Allentown envisioned razing the 2 ½-story Queen Anne-style home to construct a four-unit, 4,100-square-foot senior living complex. Officials on Monday only voted against the structure’s demolition, but any further development likely would get its own discussion and vote.

You may recognize the 2 ½-story, Queen Anne-style structure developers have said is on its last leg at 1304 Spring St. It was once home to Bethlehem Steel President Eugene Grace’s head gardener, who lived on the lower end of his boss’ estate.