Jewish Families in Lehigh Valley? (Philadelphia, Allentown: fit in, neighborhoods, school district)

[nomadicmom]

Hi,
Reviving the thread to see if the dynamics expressed here still hold true:
Is Parkland still the only school district that is 5-10% jewish? have those numbers gone down or up?
What is going on in the East Penn school district? I like those schools better but don't like the anecdote about antisemitism and being the only jew in school. We are moving away from an only-jew-in-school situation and would like at least some other jews.
Thanks!

[Lillie767]

This is a good source of information.

https://www.chabadlehighvalley.com/

[ElijahAstin]

As of the most recent (2007) Lehigh Valley Jewish Population Study, which I posted earlier in the thread, the region's Jewish population was slowly declining, overall. There was somewhat of a population decrease in 18104 (covering West Allentown and the aforementioned Parkland School District), but 18104 still had the highest concentration of Jewish families by far. 18062 (mostly East Penn School District) had the second-highest concentration of Jewish families and was considered a growth area, but that was a very distant second. My guess is that things haven't changed substantially since then, but I'm an outsider to the region and only have passing knowledge by virtue of Jewish geography.

These days, a Jewish student would probably not be literally the only Jew in their entire school, or even their entire grade. But for the most part, they'd probably be the only one in the classroom. Whether or not anti-Semitism was, or still is, a problem, you won't find strength in numbers if that's something that matters to you.

Parkland is distinctively Jewish by regional standards only. I don't think they even give off for either Jewish High Holiday. However, assuming things haven't dramatically changed, a Jewish student would probably have at least one other Jewish classmate in most of their classes. (Wikipedia-)famous Jewish Parkland alums include author Lauren Weisberger, United States District Judge Joshua Wolson, and Allergan CEO Brent Saunders.

Short of paying for Jewish day school, for a truly immersive Jewish experience, or choosing a prestigious non-sectarian (or low-key/nominally sectarian) private school (of which I couldn't tell you the first thing), it's your best bet if you're looking to find other Jewish families.

[JulieThruTheGlass]

Originally Posted by ElijahAstin

As of the most recent (2007) Lehigh Valley Jewish Population Study, which I posted earlier in the thread, the region's Jewish population was slowly declining, overall. There was somewhat of a population decrease in 18104 (covering West Allentown and the aforementioned Parkland School District), but 18104 still had the highest concentration of Jewish families by far. 18062 (mostly East Penn School District) had the second-highest concentration of Jewish families and was considered a growth area, but that was a very distant second. My guess is that things haven't changed substantially since then, but I'm an outsider to the region and only have passing knowledge by virtue of Jewish geography.

These days, a Jewish student would probably not be literally the only Jew in their entire school, or even their entire grade. But for the most part, they'd probably be the only one in the classroom. Whether or not anti-Semitism was, or still is, a problem, you won't find strength in numbers if that's something that matters to you.

Parkland is distinctively Jewish by regional standards only. I don't think they even give off for either Jewish High Holiday. However, assuming things haven't dramatically changed, a Jewish student would probably have at least one other Jewish classmate in most of their classes. (Wikipedia-)famous Jewish Parkland alums include author Lauren Weisberger, United States District Judge Joshua Wolson, and Allergan CEO Brent Saunders.

Short of paying for Jewish day school, for a truly immersive Jewish experience, or choosing a prestigious non-sectarian (or low-key/nominally sectarian) private school (of which I couldn't tell you the first thing), it's your best bet if you're looking to find other Jewish families.

Or move to the Phila. metro region of southeastern PA where I can assure you there will be vibrant Jewish populations in almost every county.

[10-23]

Another revival of a 14 year old thread. I understand that Allentown has a sizable Jewish community, but we’re looking for property less pricey and about a 30 minute drive to Allentown. Any recommendations as to towns that are safe and with houses $300k or less, 30 minutes from Allentown?

[Tweb66]

That is going to be really tough to do. I don't know of any notable Jewish communities that meet that criteria. I am not even sure how Jewish the West End of Allentown is any more (which is about as affordable of a Jewish community you will find), and you will probably find very few Jewish families with school aged children. Its going to be an older Jewish population, what remains of it. I am not sure if they are still trying to do this but the Allentown JCC was looking to sell and move west since South Whitehall and beyond are were the Jewish communities is tending to move.

[10-23]

Originally Posted by Tweb66

That is going to be really tough to do. I don't know of any notable Jewish communities that meet that criteria. I am not even sure how Jewish the West End of Allentown is any more (which is about as affordable of a Jewish community you will find), and you will probably find very few Jewish families with school aged children. Its going to be an older Jewish population, what remains of it. I am not sure if they are still trying to do this but the Allentown JCC was looking to sell and move west since South Whitehall and beyond are were the Jewish communities is tending to move.

Thanks.

Let me just ask this: Which LV area community or area gives you the most bang for your buck housing-wise. Schools are not an issue.

Quakertown piques my interest.

[Tweb66]

Originally Posted by 10-23

Thanks.

Let me just ask this: Which LV area community or area gives you the most bang for your buck housing-wise. Schools are not an issue.

Quakertown piques my interest.

Oh, if schools aren't an issue, the West End of Allentown is perfect then. The schools are trash but if you don't care, you can get the best house for your dollar. If you are fine with just an "okay" neighborhood safety wise, you can live like a king (the below 2 are not in the West End btw, you'll need to target a pretty modest house with 300k to spend)



https://www.redfin.com/PA/Allentown/...home/173031021


https://www.redfin.com/PA/Allentown/.../home/69117510


That second one in particular I think is very handsome (I know, personal taste what have you) but the neighborhood is just okay. There was a time that 300k could get you everything you wanted in the LV, that time has passed.

[10-23]

Originally Posted by Tweb66

Oh, if schools aren't an issue, the West End of Allentown is perfect then. The schools are trash but if you don't care, you can get the best house for your dollar. If you are fine with just an "okay" neighborhood safety wise, you can live like a king (the below 2 are not in the West End btw, you'll need to target a pretty modest house with 300k to spend)



https://www.redfin.com/PA/Allentown/...home/173031021


https://www.redfin.com/PA/Allentown/.../home/69117510


That second one in particular I think is very handsome (I know, personal taste what have you) but the neighborhood is just okay. There was a time that 300k could get you everything you wanted in the LV, that time has passed.

“Okay” ain’t going to work. I’m a big guy with a concealed weapons permit, but I’m not going to put my wife at risk.

I guess I’ll need to bump up how much I’m willing to spend to $400k.

How is Quakertown?

[PA991.1]

Quakertown is the place you drive to for the Target, Walmart, Best Buy, etc and then you keep going to get somewhere else. The town itself does not have a ton of life in it. It is also no-man’s land when it comes to Jewish congregations per google maps.
For $300-400k I would look at Hellertown and Northeast Bethlehem. You can get a Cape Cod or rancher with a 1-car garage in that range. Hellertown has a nice farmers market, easy access to the Saucon Rail Trail, some decent restaurants, a brewery, grocery store, butcher, Dr and Dental offices, etc. Also easy access to I-78.