Moving to Allentown

Nestled in the heart of the Lehigh Valley, Allentown is both a city rich in Pennsylvania Dutch history and a vibrant, modern metropolis teeming with new things to do and see.

Allentown, about 50 miles northwest of Philadelphia, is affectionately called A-Town, The A or Peanut City. The latter nickname originates from the large amount of peanuts consumed by Allentonians at the turn of the 20th century.

Allentown is in Lehigh County, has a population of roughly 125,000 making it the third-most populous city in Pennsylvania, and a slightly higher cost of living (5%) than the national average.

Allentown holds historical significance as the location where the Liberty Bell, then known as the State House Bell, was successfully hidden for nine months by American patriots to avoid its capture by the British Army after the fall of Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War.

Lehigh Valley boasts a diverse economy with its largest employment sectors being healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and warehousing. The region is home to prominent national brands including Peeps, Crayola, Olympus, and ADP, underscoring its significance as a hub for industry and innovation. 

The ability to choose your energy supplier is a big benefit for those moving to Allentown. Whether you’re coming from out of state or relocating within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to include this opportunity on your to-do list.

As an Energy Choice state, Pennsylvania residents have the freedom to compare electric companies and choose the electricity supplier and plan that best fits their situation. That could be a fixed-rate plan to make monthly budgeting more predictable, or a variable rate option. 

If you live in Allentown, you can choose your supplier, sometimes called Electric Generation Suppliers, or EGSs. These suppliers are certified by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and offer alternative competitive prices, clean energy options and other services or incentives. Energy Harbor, for example, is an EGS.

Comparing energy providers in Allentown is straightforward. Residents will continue to receive their bills from their utility company, typically PPL Electric Utilities, ensuring a smooth transition. Other electricity providers in Pennsylvania include PECO, West Penn Power, Constellation, Penn Power, Met-Ed, and PPL Electric Utilities Corp. In the event of an electric outage in Allentown, these are the companies to contact. 

From choosing an electric supplier in Allentown to visiting the Department of Motor Vehicles, getting a jump start on move-in tasks will make the transition even easier.

1. Inform your insurance provider: Talk to your insurance company to discuss both homeowner’s and auto policy options. Laws governing how insurance providers operate vary from state to state, so moving to Allentown may require updated policies – and maybe a new insurance provider.

2. Set up home energy services: Don’t forget to compare energy solutions before connecting with your electric utility. You might miss out on competitive rate plans that can help eliminate rate surprises and maybe lower what you pay for electricity. If you want to save even more, consider other ways to lower your energy bill.

3. Forward your mail and update your address online: Set up mail forwarding before you hop in the moving van. It’s as simple as filling out a Change of Address e-form at USPS.com. Then update your shipping address with online stores, subscription services and delivery apps. Nothing’s worse than having DoorDash deliver your move-in meal to your old address.

4. Turn on cable and internet: Not as vital as electric power but find time before your move to choose a communications provider and establish internet and WiFi services. With WiFi up and running on Day 1, you can unwind with your favorite streaming show or knock out some remote work on Day 2.

5. Visit the DMV: Soon after you’re settled, find the closest Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles  branch and take time to register your vehicle and get a new license. Visit Pennsylvania’s DMV website to choose a branch, review DMV services and learn more about Pennsylvania traffic laws. 

The more you learn about Allentown, the more you’ll be delighted by the town along the Lehigh River. Here are fun fascinating facts about your new hometown:

Here’s a full list of zip codes in the Allentown area we serve:

18001, 18101, 18102, 18103, 18104, 18105, 18109