Lehigh Township is a quiet, wooded residential community in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, offering a peaceful lifestyle with convenient access to the Lehigh Valley's cities, airports, and employment centers. If you're considering a move to the area, here's what you should know about living in Lehigh Township.
Geography and Setting
Lehigh Township sits in the northern part of Northampton County, characterized by rolling terrain, mature woodlands, and generous residential lots. The community has a distinctly suburban-rural feel — homes are set among trees rather than packed along narrow streets, and the landscape retains much of its natural character.
The township covers approximately 23 square miles and is home to roughly 10,000 residents. Unlike the denser boroughs closer to the Lehigh River, Lehigh Township offers the kind of space and privacy that appeals to families, remote workers, and anyone seeking a quieter home environment.
What Is the Community Like?
Residents of Lehigh Township describe a tight-knit, family-friendly community. The area is predominantly owner-occupied single-family homes, with a mix of developments like Oakdale Manor alongside older farmstead properties. Community events, youth sports leagues, and school activities form the social fabric of the township.
The township maintains several parks and open spaces, and the proximity to Wehr's Woods Nature Preserve and Wehr's Dam makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors without traveling far from home.
How Is the Commute?
One of Lehigh Township's practical advantages is its location relative to major routes and employment centers. Route 329 and Route 248 provide direct access to the Route 22 corridor, I-78, and the broader Lehigh Valley highway network.
- Bethlehem: approximately 15 minutes south
- Allentown: approximately 20 minutes via Route 22
- Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE): approximately 15 minutes
- Philadelphia: approximately 75 minutes via I-78 East
Schools and Education
Lehigh Township is served by the Northampton Area School District, which operates several elementary schools, a middle school, and Northampton Area High School. The district serves students from Northampton Borough, Lehigh Township, Allen Township, and surrounding communities.
The district offers a range of academic programs, athletics, and extracurricular activities. For families with younger children, Lehigh Elementary and other nearby schools provide neighborhood-based attendance.
Outdoor Recreation
Nature is one of Lehigh Township's defining features. The community is adjacent to Wehr's Woods Nature Preserve, a trail system that follows the Lehigh River through mature forest. Wehr's Dam, a historic low-head dam, is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and picnicking.
The D&L National Heritage Corridor passes through the region, offering over 165 miles of trails for biking, hiking, and exploring the area's natural and industrial heritage. Camelback Resort, Blue Mountain Resort, and the Pocono Mountains are all within an hour's drive for skiing, waterparks, and weekend getaways.
Property Values and Real Estate
Lehigh Township has seen steady interest from buyers seeking more space at competitive prices compared to closer-in Lehigh Valley communities. Homes in the area range from older single-family properties on large lots to newer construction in established developments. The combination of wooded settings, larger lot sizes, and access to the Northampton Area School District makes it a compelling option for buyers who value privacy and nature.
Properties like 528 Rosewood Dr in Oakdale Manor offer the typical Lehigh Township experience: a quiet street, mature trees, generous outdoor space, and a practical layout suited to daily living.