So, why Nazareth of all places in the U.S.? Because its zip code of 18064 showed up as number four on Realtor.com’s “Hottest Zip Codes of 2023” (Realtor.com is our partner site). This list of the top 10 hottest zip codes shows where homebuyers find value in the vicinity of high-priced metros. And, in case you’re wondering, number one is Gahanna, OH, number two is Southington, CT, number three is Ridgewood, NJ, and number four is Andover, MA.
What Is Realtor.com’s “Hottest Zip Codes of 2023”?
These hot zips offer a considerable bang for your buck with larger-than-average homes at lower-than-average prices. This alone makes moving to cities, like Nazareth, PA, worth it for some. According to Niche, Nazareth gets an overall grade of B+, with the highest marks for public schools, outdoor activities and family-friendliness.
Typically, wherever you decide where to live, you’re looking for a place that fits your personality, life circumstances, preferences, and interests. Factors to consider before moving include the cost of living, real estate markets, things to do in that area, and so much more. These are the criteria we’ve used to look at Nazareth, PA, and the other cities featured on Realtor.com’s “Hottest Zip Codes of 2023.”
What Are the Pros of Living in Nazareth, PA?
Nazareth is a small borough located in Northampton County at the foot of the Blue Mountains in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. It consists of the townships of Bushkill, Lower Nazareth, Upper Nazareth, and the boroughs of Nazareth, Stockertown and Tatamy.
Rich in history and heritage, Nazareth, PA, exudes a friendly hometown vibe. The area is home to historic sites, 18th-century buildings, museums, parks, a historic downtown, and many local businesses.
As a resident of Nazareth, you’ll enjoy an old-fashioned atmosphere, friendly locals, great dining options, excellent schools, beautiful views of rolling hills and woodlands, and plenty of parks and recreational activities for all ages. Nazareth is also close to larger cities like Philadelphia, New York and Allentown, which is convenient for commuters. You’ll also be close to Atlantic City and many New Jersey beaches. Overall, Nazareth is a great place for families to enjoy a comfortable yet affordable lifestyle and a strong sense of community.
Before we dive into what life is like in Nazareth, here’s a quick rundown of the town’s history. If you’re wondering how Nazareth got its name, the borough is named for the Biblical town of Nazareth in Israel. The names of other places in the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania are similarly inspired, including Bethlehem, Emmaus, Egypt, and Allentown’s Jordan Creek.
Nazareth was founded in 1740 by Moravian (German Protestant) immigrants from Germany. Methodist evangelist George Whitefield, a British cleric conducting missionary work in the New World, sold his property and for a while, Nazareth was specifically Moravian by charter. Outside faiths were not allowed to purchase property within Nazareth.
Up until the mid-1900s, a large part of Nazareth’s population was of German origin, better known as the Pennsylvania Dutch. There are still communities of them spread throughout many counties of southern and central Pennsylvania. The area eventually became less homogenous, and Nazareth became home to Italian, Polish, and other immigrant communities.
The housing boom of the 1950s led to the construction of the interstate system of highways in the area, including Pennsylvania Route 33 and Interstate 78, resulting in connecting the Lehigh Valley to New Jersey and New York City to the east and Harrisburg and Pittsburgh to the west. Nazareth then enjoyed an economic boost and better connectivity to other parts of the region.
Nazareth has a population of 5,988, according to the latest available U.S. Census data (as of July 2022). AreaVibes gives Nazareth a livability score of 84 out of 100, which is considered exceptional.
Do you think that moving to Nazareth, is in the cards for you? Then, here is a rundown of what you need to know before moving.
The Cost of Living in Nazareth, PA
The cost of living in Nazareth is only 1% higher than the national average of 100% and the state’s cost of living of 100%. This is determined by comparing the cost of living in Nazareth to the costs of living in other cities around the United States. If a city’s index score is higher than 100%, then the cost of living is above average. When the index score is lower than 100%, you’ll find a below-average cost of living.
Goods and services, healthcare, transportation and utilities are only slightly higher than the national average (104% for goods and services/transportation, 103% for healthcare, and 105% for utilities). At 98%, groceries, and housing costs of 95% are lower compared to the national average of 100%.
The Job Market in Nazareth, PA
Nazareth has an unemployment rate of 7.4% while the U.S. average is 6.0%. Nazareth has seen its job market increase by 0.5% recently. Future job growth over the next 10 years is predicted to be 28.0%, which is lower than the U.S. average of 33.5%.
The largest industries in Nazareth are healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing (cement manufacturing in particular), and educational services. The two oldest companies founded in Nazareth that are still around are Kraemer Yarns, a yarn manufacturing company that was founded in 1887, and C.F. Martin & Co., established in 1833 and still making its famous guitars for global distribution.
Currently, while the industrial sector remains an important part of the economy, the town also saw growth in retail and tourism. Nazareth came a long way from being a religion-based settlement to a thriving borough proud of its economic vitality.
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The median household income in Nazareth is $53,476. It’s lower than the median household income in Pennsylvania ($67,587) and also lower than the national median household income of $70,784 (all 2021 numbers, the latest available).
The average base salary in Nazareth, PA, is $63,845, which is $31 per hour. The state’s minimum wage rate is $7.25 per hour, which is the same as the federal rate.
Buying a Home in Nazareth, PA
Housing in Nazareth, PA, is affordable compared to some other cities on the “Hottest Zip Codes of 2023” list. In September 2023, the median listing home price in Nazareth was $449,900, and, as of July 2023, trending up 5.9% year-over-year. There were 21 active listings, with 27 median days on the market.
The median listing home price per square foot was $189. According to Realtor.com, homes in Nazareth sold for approximately the asking price on average. Nazareth is considered a seller’s market, meaning there are more people looking to buy than there are homes available.
Renting a Home in Nazareth, PA
There are more rentals than properties for sale in Nazareth. Last time we checked, there were 53 apartments and houses for rent. Realtor.com lists the average rental price as $2,800 per month. This cost is considerably higher than the median asking monthly rent of $1,759. According to Realtor.com, as of August 2023, the studio rental cost was $1,445 per month, and a one-bedroom was $1,642.
The Schools Available in Nazareth, PA
Nazareth Borough is served by the Nazareth Area School District, which also comprises the surrounding Townships of Bushkill, Upper Nazareth and Lower Nazareth, and the boroughs of Tatamy, and Stockertown. The district’s schools include Lower Nazareth Elementary, Floyd R. Shafer Elementary, Kenneth N. Butz Jr. Elementary, Nazareth Area Intermediate School, Nazareth Area Middle School, and Nazareth Area High School.
Nazareth public schools are considered great. Niche gave Nazareth an A grade for its schools. GreatSchools rates public schools in Nazareth in a range of 5 to 9 out of 10. The GreatSchools rating is based on a variety of school quality indicators, including test scores, college readiness, and equity data.
To find top-rated schools in Nazareth, PA, you can use Moversnearyou.info’s School Ratings Tool, which features GreatSchools ratings and other helpful information.
The Taxes in Nazareth, PA
The minimum combined 2023 sales tax rate for Nazareth, Pennsylvania, is 6%. This is the total of state, county and city sales tax rates. The Pennsylvania sales tax rate is currently 6%. The county sales tax rate is 0%. The Nazareth sales tax rate is 0%.
The property tax rate in Nazareth is $17.86. (This is the rate per $1,000 of home value.) The average property tax rate in Lehigh County is 1.99%. Both are higher than the average property tax rate in the United States, which is 1.1%.
Getting Around in Nazareth, PA
Nazareth, PA, gets a high walk score of 81 out of 100. This means that Nazareth is very walkable and most errands can be accomplished on foot. The bike score is 46, which means that Nazareth has minimal bike infrastructure and is only somewhat bikeable.
Despite its size, Nazareth offers residents some excellent transportation options to get around the city and its surrounding areas. Public transportation options include the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA), which provides bus service throughout the Lehigh Valley. For those who prefer to drive, Nazareth is located within an hour of several major highways, including Interstate 78 and Route 33.
The average one-way commute in Nazareth takes 22.5 minutes. That’s shorter than the U..S average of 26.4 minutes. All in all, 89% of Nazareth residents drive to work in a car alone, 5.1% carpool, 3.5% work from home, and only 0.5% take mass transit.
The Weather in Nazareth, PA
In Nazareth, the summers are warm, humid, and wet; the winters are very cold and snowy; and it is partly cloudy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 22°F to 84°F and is rarely below 7°F or above 92°F. The best time to visit is from mid-June to mid-September.
Things to Do in Nazareth, PA
There are a few annual events in Nazareth that you might not want to miss as a resident.
According to the Borough of Nazareth website, William Penn bequeathed this land to his daughter, Letitia, who under colonial law would have had to pay a single red rose each June 24, if so demanded by the trustees. Residents of Nazareth celebrate this every year on June 11 and 12 by various organizations selling single red roses throughout the town.
The town also hosts the annual “Martin On Main Street Festival” to honor the famous Martin guitars still manufactured in Nazareth. There are also Nazareth Day, a few parades, and holiday tours. You can also tour the Martin Guitar factory or visit the Moravian Historical Society and tour the Whitefield House, or hit the Pennsylvania Longrifle Heritage Museum to view historic arms.
Outdoor recreation opportunities include hunting, fishing and skiing on Blue Mountain in the winter. Shopping in Nazareth is more limited, but there are some quaint local shops that are as charming as they’re unique. If you’re looking for more variety, downtown Bethlehem is only 15 minutes away, with all its trendy boutiques. Nazareth is also only 10 minutes away from the Palmer Park Mall and 15 minutes from the Lehigh Valley Mall. Nazareth also has its own farmers’ market with over 20 vendors.
Nazareth does have a fair number of its own eateries. Among the most popular are Rios Brazilian Steakhouse, Pizza Joe’s Italian Restaurant, Nazareth Diner, Beck’s Land & Sea House, Pacific Fusion, and Birthright Brewing Company. The dining scene is all about fewer chains and more locally owned unique businesses.