Finding and Evaluating a Homesite in the Lehigh Valley
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Everything You Need to Know about finding land to build your new home in the Lehigh Valley!
The Lehigh Valley area is a highly sought after location for new homesites dues to it's high quality of life and proximity to major Northeast markets like New York City (90 miles) and Philadelphia (60 miles). Due to it's high growth rate, rich culture, and easy access to outdoor recreation, the market can be challenging when it comes to finding buildable lots for new home construction.
At Robert Ace Builders, we live here too - we understand how hard it can be to find accurate and expert guidance to help you with your homesite search, so we have created this guide to aid in finding and evaluating homesites in the Lehigh Valley for your new dream home.
Types of Land Available in the Lehigh Valley
Why Is Finding and Evaluating a Homesite in the Lehigh Valley Important?
Finding the right piece of land in the Lehigh Valley can be challenging due to the scarcity of quality, buildable residential land. Even though the valley maintains significant rolling farmland and scenic mountain lots beyond urban areas like Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton; these area are being used for developed for industrial use rather than residential.
As the Lehigh Valley continues to experience strong population growth and increasing housing demand, selecting the right homesite requires careful consideration of factors such as zoning, topography, utilities, access, soil conditions, and long-term property value. Taking the time to properly evaluate land before you buy can help prevent costly surprises and create a smoother path toward building the home you envision.
Types of Land Available in The Lehigh Valley
Living in the Lehigh Valley offers a balance of urban, suburban, and rural lifestyles and a variety of real estate types.
Agricultural/Farm: Some Lehigh Valley land agricultural and farm land is permanently preserved; however, when made available, these properties are great for new home construction since they are often fully or partially cleared and not subject to additional restrictions.
Residential/Homesite: While Primarily found in new construction communities located in desirable, fast-growing areas; there are occasionally opportunities for new construction on private, existing lots rather than in large subdivisions.
Urban/Infill: For those looking to build new in an urban setting, options range from historic infill lots to modern development. These homesites are typically concentrated in the "core" cities known for their residential feel and proximity to downtown hubs.
Industrial/Commercial: While not suitable for residential development, business space creation on commercial and industrial properties remains high, triggering a critical need for more housing.
What to Consider When Evaluating Lehigh Valley Land
When evaluating land for new home construction in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding Northeast Pennsylvania areas, there are several important factors that can significantly impact your budget, timeline, and overall building experience:
Location & Accessibility — Proximity to schools, shopping, healthcare, highways (I-78, I-476, US Route 22 & 309), and everyday conveniences.
Property Shape & Usable Area — Urban and infill lots may be irregularly shaped or have setbacks/easements that could limit home placement options.
Topography & Terrain — Due to limited inventory, available lots may have steep slopes, uneven ground, or encroaching neighboring structures that can increase excavation and foundation costs.
Soil Conditions — Soil quality affects drainage and foundation design. Often urban and developed rural lots will require some degree of stormwater management.
Utility Availability — Access to electric, natural gas, public water, sewer, internet, and cable services.
Zoning & Building Restrictions — Township zoning, deed restrictions, lot coverage and minimum lot sizes could require you to obtain additional approvals.
Environmental Constraints — Investigate wetlands, protected areas, easements, stormwater regulations, and conservation restrictions that may limit development in more rural areas.
Driveway & Site Access — Evaluate existing road frontage, driveway length, sight distance, drainage, and potential PennDOT or municipal access requirements.
Site Preparation Costs — Clearing trees, grading, importing fill, blasting rock, erosion control, and stormwater management can all add to the cost of developing a buildable lot.
Future Development Nearby — Research surrounding properties and future development plans that could impact privacy, traffic, noise, or resale value.
Taxes & Fees — Premium locations generally mean high taxes. Fees for water and sewer connection and consumption, trash collection, and possible stormwater utilities may also impact your project budget.
Our team at Robert Ace Builders can assist you by providing a thorough land evaluation before purchasing to help identify hidden challenges early and prevent unexpected construction costs later in the process.
How can Robert Ace Builders Help?
At Robert Ace Builders, our team helps guide homeowners through the land evaluation process every day. Our expert team can identifying potential challenges, offering site planning insight, and helping ensure the property is truly suited for the home you want to build. With the right guidance and local experience, you can move forward with confidence and create a new home that fits both your lifestyle and the unique and varied conditions throughout the Lehigh Valley.
If you have additional questions, don’t be shy. Leave comments below the post or give us a call to see how our personalized, education-first approach helps customers feel informed and confident throughout the entire building process.
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