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 proposed skyscraper on 9th Street in Allentown called Peregrine Tower has garnered local and feasibility concern for its height and impact on the neighborhood.

Home sale prices in Lehigh and Northampton counties neared all-time highs last month, with an average of $333,275 — up 5.8 percent from May 2023, according to the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors.

Free, 7-week course covers essentials from power tool use to drywall, trim, scaffolding, safety and more, and offers employment interview opportunities for those who qualify.

BPA Executive Director Steven Fernstrom said, “This selection marks the initial stages of the project, and we look forward to sharing more details as they are made available in the coming months."

Mishka Premium Vodka owner Russell Fletcher plans to demolish an old A-Treat bottling plant, which would be replaced with an almost-16,000-square-foot distilling facility.

Wilson Borough Council granted tentative approval for a 405-unit apartment complex at the former Dixie Cup factory site Monday night, bringing developers one step closer to launching the project.

Renowned sculptor Karl Stirner's old building, which once housed the artist's living and working space, is up for sale at nearly $3.5 million.

Wilson's zoning hearing board approved a handful of variances integral to turning the former Dixie Cup factory into a mixed-use apartment and commercial space property Tuesday.

Held each year, the Rooms to View House & Garden Tour gives community members a glimpse into the architectural beauty and charm of select Lehigh Valley homes across the Bethlehem area.

First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem shared a mostly final plan Thursday night for a 200-unit housing development on church grounds off Center Street. Neighbors are divided on the scope of the project, which includes townhomes, duplexes and apartments.

Determining it does not conform with FutureLV, the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission on Thursday night voted against a 547,500-square-foot warehouse project in North Whitehall Township.

Dwayne Tillman has been Easton's acting planning and codes director for months. On Monday, the nine-year city employee was confirmed to take on the role permanently.