Lehigh Valley’s Cozy Community Is Becoming a Low-Stress Sanctuary for Retirees Today

Hellertown, Pennsylvania, is a borough located in the state’s Lehigh Valley. It’s a historic, close-knit community near several larger cities. Popular with families and young professionals, it’s also becoming a great choice for retirees who want to settle into a charming setting that offers a relaxed lifestyle, walkability, cultural attractions, and affordability without living in the hustle and bustle of a big city.

Borough Living and Community in Hellertown

Hellertown is located in Pennsylvania’s Northampton County in the eastern part of the state, and is part of the greater Lehigh Valley metropolitan area. It’s a small borough, meaning it’s a self-governing town with its own administrative council, police, and public works. Hellertown is located next to Bethlehem and is close to Allentown and Easton, giving residents access to big cities. The New Jersey border is about 15 minutes away.

The borough is considered to be a family-oriented area with a laid-back feel and a strong sense of identity. This small borough has a strong sense of community, with an estimated 6,145 residents. With only 21.2% of the population being 65 and older, it won’t be hard to find other retirees living near you.

Some major roadways experience gridlock during rush hour, including I-78, which runs through Hellertown. But local streets tend to be free of congestion. The area is very walkable and has about acres of recreation fields and green space. There’s also the Saucon Rail Trail, a multipurpose path for walking, biking, and running that connects Hellertown with Upper and Lower Saucon and Coopersburg.

Although it’s a borough, Hellertown has a very distinct suburban feel. You’ll find quiet streets lined with traditional single-family homes and some modern townhomes. There are also some smaller apartment buildings and condos if you want more of a sense of community in your living space. Developers are also interested in the area, with plans in the works to build a new complex in the north end.

How Affordable Is Hellertown?

Living in Hellertown is generally affordable, with the cost of living just 3% higher than the national average.

The average home price in Hellertown is $361,298, compared to the national average of $357,275. Despite being higher than the U.S. median home value, Hellertown home values are still lower than those in other parts of eastern Pennsylvania and neighboring New Jersey. If you’re renting, you can expect to pay about $1,800 per month compared to $1,995 across the United States.

Gas is slightly more expensive than the national average in Pennsylvania: $3.03 per gallon, compared to $2.83 nationwide. Northampton County’s average is slightly below the state’s: $2.96 per gallon.

What to Do in Hellertown

There are plenty of recreational activities to do in Hellertown, whether you want to enjoy the green space, use the trails, or walk the town. The downtown core is a very walkable area, with local businesses and restaurants. Lost Tavern Brewing has something for any craft beer lover. There’s also a 27-hole golf course in the borough.

You can learn about the history of Hellertown through the Hellertown Historical Society, which maintains and preserves the Heller-Wagner Grist Mill tract and its buildings.

The Lost River Caverns are a local attraction, where you can experience five caverns that house natural formations like stalactites, stalagmites, crystals, and minerals, as well as the Lost River. You can also take in outdoor concerts hosted by the borough and the Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber in the summer, as well as the borough’s community day.

Healthcare Options for Residents

Residents have access to primary and urgent care in Hellertown, so you can get routine and family care, as well as attention for more immediate needs. If you need emergency or specialty care, the Lehigh Valley Health Network has full-service hospitals in neighboring Bethlehem and Allentown.

Climate and Seasons

Hellertown is located inland in eastern Pennsylvania in the Mid-Atlantic. As such, the borough experiences four very distinct seasons, with pleasant springs and colorful autumns. Winters can be cold and snowy, while summer seasons are typically filled with heat and humidity.

The period from May to mid-September is typically the hottest of the year, with a daily average high temperature of 76 degrees. September sees the most rain on average. December to March is typically the coldest part of the year. January is generally the coldest month of the year, with an average low of 24 and a high of 38 degrees. You can expect about five months of snow during the year.

The Bottom Line

Hellertown is becoming a hub for retirees who are looking for a quiet, family-friendly community. This borough gives you small-town charm with access to big-city life in neighboring Bethlehem, Allentown, and Easton. The historic downtown is very walkable, and you’ll enjoy trails and acres of green space. And if you long to live in a varied climate, Hellertown has four distinct seasons that are typical of the Northeastern region.