Thinking about a move to North Whitehall Township? You want your first weeks to feel smooth, not stressful. With a clear plan for utilities, permits, trash and recycling, commuting, and local services, you can hit the ground running with confidence. This guide walks you through what to do before you move, on day one, and in your first month, plus where to verify details. Let’s dive in.
North Whitehall at a glance
North Whitehall Township sits in Lehigh County in the Lehigh Valley, with convenient access to regional job centers. You will use major connectors like PA Route 309 for daily driving. Public transit is available regionwide through LANta, and air travel is served by Lehigh Valley International Airport. Because local services can vary by street, plan to confirm details for your specific address with the township and county offices.
Before you move: checklist
- Ask the seller or listing agent for recent utility bills. Identify providers for electric, gas, water, sewer, and trash.
- Start your USPS change of address and notify your bank, insurer, and employer.
- Research school district assignment for your specific address and begin enrollment if needed. You will typically need proof of residency, birth certificate, immunization records, and prior school records.
- Schedule movers and confirm the date. If a large truck will be on the street, ask the township about any temporary access needs.
- Check internet availability at the property. Verify upload and download speeds if you work from home.
Day one and first week essentials
Move-in day priorities
- Transfer or start electric, gas, and water or sewer service. Confirm start times.
- Locate and label main shutoffs: water, gas, and the electrical panel. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Change exterior locks or rekey the home and test your water heater.
First week setup
- Set up trash and recycling service and learn your pickup day. Ask about bulk item rules and yard waste.
- Confirm whether your property has municipal water and sewer or a private well and septic. If private systems are present, schedule a septic pump or inspection if the history is unknown.
- Register pets locally if required and identify a nearby veterinarian.
- Meet neighbors and note any township alerts or communication channels to join.
Utilities and internet setup
Electricity and natural gas
- Identify the local electric and gas distribution companies from the seller’s bills. In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission oversees utility service and retail supplier options.
- Call the incumbent distribution company to start service and learn how to report outages.
- If you explore retail electric suppliers, use official comparison tools and confirm terms before switching.
Water, sewer, well, and septic
- Call North Whitehall Township to confirm whether your property is on municipal water and sewer or a private well and septic.
- For well and septic systems, review any permits and maintenance records. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Lehigh County Conservation District can provide regulations and records.
- New septic installations or repairs typically require township permits and approvals. Plan ahead if you are scheduling work.
Internet and phone
- Check availability through major providers that serve the region and verify service at your specific address.
- If you need immediate connectivity, consider a mobile hotspot until the permanent install is complete.
Outages and safety
- Store utility emergency and outage numbers in your phone.
- Test your sump pump if present and keep a basic emergency kit on hand.
Trash, recycling, and special waste
- Ask North Whitehall Township whether the township contracts a hauler or if your home needs a private subscription. Pickup days and accepted recycling items can vary by route.
- Confirm bulk item procedures and any seasonal yard waste collection.
- For household hazardous waste and electronics disposal, look to Lehigh County recycling and solid waste programs for event schedules and guidance.
Permits and property rules
When you need a permit
- Contact the township zoning and building office before starting projects. Common items needing permits include additions, decks, sheds, pools, fences, and significant interior remodels, plus HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work.
- Ask for the current fee schedule, submittal requirements, and typical review timelines.
Driveways and right-of-way
- If your work touches a state-numbered road or the state right-of-way, consult PennDOT for driveway and access permits.
- When in doubt, ask the township which agency has jurisdiction for your frontage.
Rentals and short-term rentals
- If you plan to rent your home or operate a short-term rental, request the township’s current rules and any registration requirements.
Septic and well work
- Coordinate with the township and county conservation district for any new installations or repairs. Keep copies of permits and inspection records for future reference.
Commuting and transit
Major roads
- PA Route 309 is a primary north to south corridor many residents use. Travel times to Allentown, Bethlehem, and other Lehigh Valley job centers will vary by time of day.
- Test drive your likely route during peak hours to set realistic expectations.
Bus service and park-and-ride
- LANta provides regional bus service. Coverage in rural and suburban areas may be limited, so confirm routes and stops near your home.
- Ask about nearby park-and-ride locations if you plan to combine driving with transit.
Air travel
- Lehigh Valley International Airport offers convenient regional and national connections. Verify travel times from your new address.
Plan ahead with traffic tools
- Use PennDOT traffic resources to check construction, incidents, and typical delays along your route.
Schools, healthcare, and safety services
School districts and enrollment
- School district boundaries can vary within the township. Confirm your property’s assignment through official lookup tools and the district office.
- Prepare standard enrollment documents: proof of residency, birth certificate, immunization records, and transcripts.
Police, fire, and EMS
- Confirm police coverage and the non-emergency number serving your address through North Whitehall Township.
- Identify your primary fire company and EMS provider for non-emergency questions, inspections, or burn permits if applicable.
Hospitals and urgent care
- Major regional systems include Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke’s University Health Network. Choose a nearby primary care provider and urgent care for everyday needs.
Parks, trails, and local amenities
Township parks and programs
- Explore township parks, playgrounds, fields, and seasonal programs. Check the township calendar for community events and facility rentals.
County preserves and trails
- Lehigh County Parks and Recreation offers larger preserves and trail systems for hiking, biking, and nature programs.
Libraries and community life
- Visit local libraries for cards, story times, and community events. Keep an eye on township announcements for seasonal festivals and markets.
Local pros to line up
- Movers and short-term storage
- Home inspectors and radon testers
- HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors
- Septic pumpers, inspectors, and well specialists
- Roofers, chimney sweeps, and locksmiths
- Pest control and landscapers, including snow removal
- Trash haulers if your address requires a private contract
- Insurance agents for homeowner’s policies
Vetting tips
- Verify required licensing and insurance, and ask for written estimates.
- Check recent references for comparable local work. Confirm permits were pulled when applicable.
- Use reputable consumer resources and cross-check feedback rather than relying on a single review.
First month smart moves
- Visit the township office to ask about permits for planned projects and to sign up for local alerts.
- Update your driver’s license and vehicle registration with PennDOT if required by residency timelines.
- Register to vote and explore local library programs and recreation sign-ups.
- If you have a well or septic, schedule recommended maintenance. Keep records of service visits.
- Review smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and create a family emergency plan.
Your North Whitehall partner
You deserve a calm, well-planned move backed by local know-how. If you want guidance on neighborhoods, timing, and a smooth closing, you will benefit from a team that lives and works in the Lehigh Valley every day.
For clear steps and a connected, high-touch experience from search to settlement, reach out to Mark Molchany. Let’s connect and make your North Whitehall move feel easy.
FAQs
Who handles my North Whitehall utilities?
- Ask the seller for recent bills to identify providers, then confirm service and start dates with the township and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission resources.
Is my new home on public sewer or a septic system?
- Contact North Whitehall Township and the Lehigh County Conservation District, and review seller disclosures to confirm system type and maintenance history.
How do I find my trash and recycling pickup day?
- Call the township to learn whether your address uses a contracted hauler or private service, then confirm pickup day, recycling rules, and bulk item procedures.
Which school district serves my address in North Whitehall?
- Use official school district lookup tools or call the district office, since boundaries can vary within the township.
What permits do I need for a deck, fence, or pool?
- Check with the township zoning and building office for current permit requirements, fees, and review timelines before you start any work.
What are my commuting options to Allentown and Bethlehem?
- Drive test your route at peak times along PA Route 309 and review PennDOT traffic resources; confirm LANta bus routes and park-and-ride options near you.
Where can I dispose of hazardous waste or electronics?
- Refer to Lehigh County recycling and solid waste programs for household hazardous waste events and electronics disposal guidance.
