Muhlenberg’s small, concentrated campus gives the illusion that it is in its own, secluded bubble outside of Allentown. But the campus is actually in the middle of two different sections of the city. Driving west of campus, past the freshman dorms, there is the spread-out, more suburban area where you'll find many shopping centers, restaurants, movie theaters, and malls. Some of these places, like Giant groceries and CVS, are within walking distance, but if you need to spend some quality time shopping, most students either drive or take the shuttle to places like Target and the Lehigh Valley Mall. For those late-night snack runs, there are a couple of 24-hour Wawas nearby. If you are looking for relaxing, scenic fun, there are two parks nearby—Cedar Creek Park and the Trexler Memorial Park. Cedar Creek is considered more popular because of its scenic view of the creek and its rose garden. Keep going west and you and your friends can get some adrenaline-pumping entertainment at Dorney Park. Tickets are usually expensive, but at certain times of the year, the park offers student and parking discounts.
East of campus is where students go to immerse themselves in a more urban setting. Some students complain that there is not much to do in this part of Allentown, but others take delight in seeing the Allentown Art Museum or watching a concert at the Allentown Symphony Hall. When students are looking for some rock music, they head over to the Crocodile Rock Café. In addition to entertainment venues, the downtown area also has its fair share of internship and community service opportunities. Since Muhlenberg is a member of the Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges (LVAIC), students can take classes in five other nearby colleges: Cedar Crest College, DeSales University, Lafayette College, Lehigh University, and Moravian College. Even though students have access to these schools, there is very little interaction.
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Local Atmosphere at Muhlenberg College
B
Allentown, PA
Muhlenberg is it's own bubble, you tend to forget about what happens outside because your attention is generally focused within campus. If you walk in one direction you end up in downtown Allentown, the other takes you to a beautiful suburb. Just for restaurants, shops, and such you need to take a shuttle.
Nov 16, 2011
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Local Atmosphere at Muhlenberg College
B+
Allentown, PA
Muhlenberg College is in a bubble. Travel one direction you reach the bad part of Allentown. Travel the other direction there are shopping centers and restaurants.
Apr 13, 2011
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Local Atmosphere at Muhlenberg College
B
Allentown, PA
Allentown is a nice city with a decent amount of things to do. Everything you need shopping and entertainment-wise is within a 5-15 minute driving distance from school. Unfortunately, public transportation is basically non-existent, so you definitely will need to make friends with upper classmen who have cars! There is a beautiful park two blocks south of campus...and you're only an hour and a half away from New York City!!!
Oct 22, 2010
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User rating for Muhlenberg College - Local Atmosphere is
3.5 out of 5
based on 20 user reviews.
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