"I pulled into Nazareth, was feelin' about half past dead / I just need some place where I can lay my head / 'Hey, mister, can you tell me where a man might find a bed?' / He just grinned and shook my hand, 'no' was all he said." --The Band, "The Weight"
A town that dates back to the early days of Pennsylvania, Nazareth is a charming community of just over 5,700 residents, situated in the northeastern region of the state. It is a town with manufacturing roots, famed for the Martin guitars that have been produced there for almost 200 years. It has a big heart, though, as it supports the arts year-round and there's plenty of outdoors to enjoy.
What to Expect
"I pulled into Nazareth, was feelin' about half past dead / I just need some place where I can lay my head / 'Hey, mister, can you tell me where a man might find a bed?' / He just grinned and shook my hand, 'no' was all he said." --The Band, "The Weight"
A town that dates back to the early days of Pennsylvania, Nazareth is a charming community of just over 5,700 residents, situated in the northeastern region of the state. It is a town with manufacturing roots, famed for the Martin guitars that have been produced there for almost 200 years. It has a big heart, though, as it supports the arts year-round and there's plenty of outdoors to enjoy.
What to Expect
Being an old town that is proud of its history, many of the property rentals in Nazareth will be on the older side -- over half of the residential units were constructed prior to World War II, with plenty of them dating back over a century. Expect older units, possibly lacking in modern amenities, and with measurements that reflect when they were built. You likely won't find many walk-in closets or high basements.
Renter Friendly
While Nazareth does have a fairly tight community of long-time residents, it is also welcoming to renters. Roughly 45% of the residential units in the town are renter-occupied, and almost 45% of the units are apartment complexes, high rise apartments, or small apartment buildings.
Bundle Up
The weather in Nazareth can get pretty frigid, and since many of the houses are older, you'll want to inspect for weatherproofing during your search. You also might want to try to seek out units with all utilities paid -- you'll appreciate it when the heating bill starts rising. Most of all, make sure to pack a thick winter coat, gloves, boots, and all that cold-weather gear.
Looking Around
When you start looking for apartment rentals, make sure to give yourself plenty of lead time -- a month at least. You'll want the usual references and evidence of employment, as no landlord in Nazareth will rent to you without some proof of income. They'll likely want a month of rent for security and a month of rent up front to start, so start saving, as the average rent in Nazareth is higher than average for the state of Pennsylvania.
It's important to target a few different geographic areas when starting your official search. After all, it'd be a real bummer if you moved into the first place you saw and found out after you get settled that a different part of Nazareth suits you much better. Remember, homework pays off!
Nazareth Historic District: Making up much of the northwestern portion of the city, it's not the geographic center of town but it is the center of what goes on around town. It is a mix of residential and small business units as well as commercial and retail buildings. This is the best spot in the city to start your search for rental apartments or rental houses as well. While you're in the neighborhood looking, stop in to Rios Brazilian Steak House for a nice, hefty dinner.
South Nazareth: With heavy industry in the western part of this section, it's not the most popular for renters, but you can still find some 2 bedroom apartments and rental houses if you look hard enough. It is home to the local staple, the Nazareth Diner.
Northeast Nazareth: Rubbing up against the neighboring community of Eastlawn Gardens and with the Schoeneck Creek running through, this section of town is mostly owner-occupied residential units, with a smattering of small business thrown in. It is home to the Whitefield House Museum, as well as the Memorial Library of Nazareth.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the wealth of open space around Nazareth. Nearby Jacobsburg State Park and the Plainfield Township Recreational Trail with the Bushkill Creek offer miles of hiking trails and acres of forest to be explored.
Nazareth manages to support a great variety of festivals and events throughout the year, even though it is a small town. Musically, you've got the Rock, Rhythm and Blues Festival in the summer and the Nazareth Jazz Festival in the fall. The annual Chamber Clambake brings folks out for a feast, while the Taste of Bath and Nazareth brings together the top cooks in the area all in one place for samples and entertainment.
