Building Belonging: How Lehigh Valley Residents Feel About Life and Connection in 2025
Most people who call the Lehigh Valley home say it’s a great place to live, and many feel deeply connected to their neighbors and communities.
The 2025 Lehigh Valley Quality of Life Survey, conducted by the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion in partnership with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and WFMZ, found that 84 percent of residents rate the region as an excellent or good place to live. Among those 75 and older, that number rises to 94 percent.
Older adults report some of the strongest social connections. About three in four say they rarely or never feel lonely, and 97 percent of residents 75 and older are satisfied with their relationships with neighbors. These findings suggest that many older adults feel rooted and supported here.
Younger adults, however, face a different reality. Those ages 18 to 24 report more loneliness and lower emotional well-being than other groups, echoing national trends. The results point to an opportunity to build stronger intergenerational connections and community belonging for the next generation.
Across age groups, residents share similar priorities. Concerns about housing affordability, health care costs and the loss of open space continue to top the list—issues that shape daily well-being and community stability.
“This survey reinforces what we already know: when people feel connected, they thrive,” said Carmen Bell, Senior Director of Healthy Aging at United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “What we’re trying to do is meet people where they are—bringing programs, resources and partnerships directly to the communities that need them most.”
Connection is preventive care. When neighbors feel they belong, they are healthier and more resilient. The survey affirms that many older adults are thriving here, and it highlights opportunities to ensure that residents of all ages feel equally supported as our region grows.
Because when we are UNITED, we thrive.