Known for its rich colonial and industrial history, Bethlehem today is a rapidly growing center for healthcare and technology, host to several organizations that promote tech-intensive companies, such as the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania and the National Training Center for Microelectronics. Lehigh Valley Hospital has campuses in Bethlehem, and St Luke's Hospital & Health Network headquarters are also located there along with nearly a dozen colleges and universities producing many tech-minded graduates.

Bethlehem also boasts an historic and scenic downtown with lots of boutique shopping, restaurants, pubs, cafes, music, arts and theater. In addition, a large portion of the old Bethlehem Steel site has been converted into the Sands Casino Resort.