City Escape: Allentown, PA

“Well, we’re living here in Allentown;

And they’re closing all the factories down.”

—Billy Joel, “Allentown”

Allentown’s robust manufacturing economy became a Rust Belt casualty in the late 20th century. Billy Joel’s hit song paid tribute to the indomitable spirit of the people living in a community that predates the Declaration of Independence. 

Speaking of which, Allentown is probably the most historically famous as the location where the Liberty Bell was hidden from the British during the Revolutionary War.

Although the coal fields are now largely depleted, Allentown and the Lehigh Valley are making a 21st-century comeback. Manufacturing is still important to the region’s economy, but service jobs, like healthcare, are reigniting growth and renewal in this community of over 125,000. It’s still the third largest city in Pennsylvania.