Northampton, PA's big claim to fame is its history as center of the universe for the manufacture of cement. It was a big-wig in this industry until the 1980s.
Northampton isn't a city, town, or village
Northampton, PA's big claim to fame is its history as center of the universe for the manufacture of cement. It was a big-wig in this industry until the 1980s.
Northampton isn't a city, town, or village. So what is it? This place is actually a borough, and a smallish one at that. It spans just 2.7 square miles. You could walk the whole borough in less than an hour if you really wanted to. As far as residents are concerned, Northampton is pretty densely populated for such a small community. According to the Census, it's home to over 14,000 people. The community is tightly knit enough to have dances, holiday celebrations, and bingo night. And if a dog goes missing? That news is big enough to end up on the main page of the borough's official website.
You won't exactly find people beating down landlords' doors in hopes of finding a place to live. This place is pretty much off the beaten path and much of your renter competition is probably off to the big city. Still, this community does have its charms, and you shouldn't wait until the last minute to search for rental apartments or rental houses. Give yourself at least 30 days to find new digs, with the idea that you'll probably be okay if you do decide to procrastinate a little.
The fact that Northampton is small and not particularly citified doesn't mean landlords are desperate for renters. They're in Northampton because they like the place. If you show up looking disreputable or lacking references, expect to get shown the door. And, no, that doesn't mean the door to your new apartment or home for rent. Better have reliable income, too. Bad credit? Well, some landlords will accept that, but you may have to shop around a lot to find the one who just doesn't care.
There aren't a huge number of neighborhoods here. Remember, the place consists of fewer than three square miles. Neighborhoods are tightly knit enough that you'll probably know at least some of your neighbors, and shop owners will come to recognize you. Here are three Northampton neighborhoods to consider:
Kreidersville / Howertown: This neighborhood has a decidedly suburban feel, with lots of single family homes and townhouses for rent.Rents tend to be higher than average for Pennsylvania overall.
Main St / E 10th St: This part of town is a lot more budget friendly. You can live here without having to survive on peanut butter and jelly. It's still suburbia, and you're still going to find mostly townhomes and houses for rent.
Northampton Historic District: The Historic District is just to the West of the Lehigh River, and residents tend to stay put with at least 45% of them staying over five years.
Borough Center: Just when you worried you'd never find an apt for rent, you find relief in Borough Center. You're most likely to find apartments here, though there aren't a lot of apartment complexes and high-rises. This neighborhood has a more urban feel and lower-than-average rents when compared with the rest of the state.
City slickers probably won't think this place is to die for. It doesn't have a wild, crazy night club scene. It does have bars and restaurants like most towns (excuse us, "boroughs"). Stores are mostly of the mom and pop variety, and there are five parks to enjoy. Most people get around by car here, and if that fails you, there's always walking.
