US politics
fromFortune
3 weeks agoDown Arrow Button Icon
Rising living costs in Allentown fuel economic anxiety, reduce approval of Trump's economic stewardship, and make Republican affordability messaging appear out of touch.
But one city offers a blueprint for revitalization combining economic development with more livable neighborhoods that put residents closer to their jobs - and cut car use in the process. Supported by a $20 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), local leaders in Allentown, Pennsylvania are fostering small-scale manufacturing as one way to breathe new life into the city's brownfield sites, tap into the city's industrial heritage and improve quality of life for all through vibrant urban spaces.
Situated in the Lehigh Valley region, Allentown offers a strategic location, relative affordability, and a mix of urban and suburban living that's resonating with buyers in 2025. From January to June 2025, Allentown listings received 2.9 times more views per property than the U.S. average and sold in a median of just 24 days. The median listing price during that period was $433,000, putting it just below the national median of $440,000 and making it one of the more affordable markets in the Top 20.