Wescosville residents recently bid a fond farewell to Charlie, the ghost said to haunt the local King George Inn before it was demolished in 2013.
Nestled alongside nearly a dozen major roadways, this small and bucolic city serves as a gateway to all the major metropolitan areas in this region of Pennsylvania. Its 6,000 residents take pride in their agricultural past, and still drive by many well-preserved and gigantic stone barns during their daily commutes. Though this town is a relatively small one, nearby cities of Allentown and Lehigh offer urban convenience just a stone's throw away.
Moving to Wescosville
Enjoy a Hybrid Community
Sitting somewhere between a bedroom city and a fully contained metropolis, Wescosville offers its residents many of the best parts of both worlds. While its commercial and business districts aren't sprawling, it has more than enough activity to keep you from having to travel to nearby Allentown every time you need to do a little shopping. In contrast to the denser suburban and urban areas in the vicinity, this hamlet in the lee of multiple freeways is able to convincingly capture the restful air of a genuinely small town.
Cast a Wide Net for Employment
Though Wescosville is not properly a pure commuter's city, it will, in all likelihood, require a job search that stretches beyond its borders. For those intent on landing a gig within the city limits, Hamilton Boulevard is a focal point for area businesses. For all others, Allentown and Bethlehem are right next door, and enjoy much more active job markets. Commutes to those cities are generally under 20 minutes, making the trade-off somewhat less than arduous.
Embrace the Single-Unit
Though a couple apartment buildings can be found, the largest bulk of housing for rent in Wescosville is going to fall in the detached structure category. While this means there will be plenty of available options for rental houses, don't despair if you're searching for an apartment. Many homes in the area are split into a duplex for rent, and finding a nice studio apartment attached to a single family home is a frequent occurrence.
Anticipate the Perks
Because so many apartments in this area tend to be attached or associated with single-family homes, it's a great market if you're looking for perks. We're talking apartments with paid utilities and furnished apartments here. When a local homeowner decides to convert a space for rental, they often choose to keep everything running on the same grid, and rather than sort out a complicated bill-sharing arrangement, will simply agree to include a pro-rated utility cost into the standard and fixed monthly rent rate. Chances are they're converting a space that's already furnished, and will leave the option open to include that furnishing for each tenant's use during their stay. Many landlords prefer this as it minimizes opportunities for damage caused by new tenants moving in an entire home's worth of furniture.
Hit All the Angles
While plenty of hometown real estate brokers exist to guide you through your search for a nice one bedroom apartment, the plethora of private owners in Wescosville means you're just as likely to find the rental of your dreams through a sign posted on a lawn. If a particular neighborhood strikes your fancy, a drive through its streets may turn up a lawn sign advertising rental space. Also keep a steady eye on local classified ads to make sure you're not missing out on a prime opportunity.
Paperwork Matters
The last thing a stellar landlord wants to do after converting a detached building on their property into a lovely studio apartment is have to deal with a flakey tenant. Accordingly, having the paperwork that proves your bona fides is very important. As well as income statements and credit histories, a glowing testimonial from a previous landlord you've rented from will go a long way to putting you at the top of the list for that sweet rental. Do everything in your power to let the landlord trust you, and be sure you've got the documentation to back it up.
Neighborhoods in Wescosville
While no official neighborhood designations exist, the layout of regional highways and local streets provide a logical grouping of different areas within the city. Suiting its status as a gateway community, each neighborhood provides equally easy access to the region's speedy roadways.
The Hub: Situated between the Turnpike and Route 309, this neighborhood is a favorite for people looking to shave every precious minute off their commute to Allentown or Bethlehem. There are plenty of lots on its boundaries that benefit from its relative seclusion between the highways and can offer some first rate peace and privacy amongst the trees.
Hamilton: This centrally located neighborhood is home to Main Street, otherwise known as Hamilton Boulevard, which serves as the focal point for the local business and commercial communities. Providing easy access to the Brookside Villas Open Space and the neighboring Memorial Park, it's a good place to look if you're the type who enjoys a lazy afternoon picnic during the warm months.
South Wescosville: The southern half of the city is a bit less dense than other neighborhoods, and provides the best opportunity for those looking for a detached rental home with plenty of yard space.
Living in Wescosville
When you're not seeking refuge from the summer sun at Rita's Italian Ice shop, you can enjoy a relaxed picnic at Memorial Park and end the day with a history lesson at the Lower Macungie Historical Society's farmhouse museum. Hamilton Boulevard is always available for a tasty meal, with the Asian fusion of Hunan Springs and La Dolce Vita Italian Bakery being particularly popular with the locals. Larger chains can satisfy your shopping needs on West Main Street, and Oliver's Salon & Day Spa is a great place to soothe those sore card-swiping arms afterwards. From Highway 78 to the Pennsylvania Turnpike and every roadway in between, Wescosville is a prime location to find a slice of small town ambiance coupled with quick access to neighboring metropolises.