Rebecca made the move to Allentown because she was craving a bit more excitement in her everyday routine. When her job offered her the chance to live in Downtown Allentown, she chose STRATA Flats. Rebecca loved that Allentown is between her hometown and Philadelphia, plus just a quick train ride to New York City. She was hooked when she realized how much was happening right outside her apartment!
Name: Rebecca Wychock
Location: Strata West
Years/Months Lived at STRATA: 11 months
Why make Downtown Allentown home?
I moved to Allentown in search of wanting more out of the everyday. I was presented with the opportunity of Allentown through work and started doing my research. Geographically, this move was logical because not only is Allentown centralized between my hometown and Philadelphia, but it is also a quick train ride to New York City. I was hooked when I found out how much there was to do right outside my door!
How did you hear about Downtown Allentown/Lehigh Valley?
My hometown is an hour North, so I always knew it was here but not at this capacity!
Compared to other places you’ve lived, what makes your apartment building unique?
STRATA is unique to anywhere I’ve ever lived in the best way possible. Each amenity in our community is thoughtfully curated. The more research I do about living here, the more I learn about the elevated benefits specific to each building. The staff at Strata is what makes this place so great. This was the first (AND ONLY) community I toured when deciding whether to move to this area or not. From tour, to move in, to my first month, they go above and beyond to make you feel welcomed.
Why did you want to move Downtown? Was it your job, family, friends?
I was fortunate enough to relocate through work. Moving to a city was something I always wanted to experience. I have a 9-year-old son, and as a single mom, I really didn’t think it was in the cards to safely achieve. I decided to live downtown after making a checklist of things I wanted. Walking to work was important to me, so I searched nearby apartments. STRATA was the closest building to 3 City Center, and I immediately booked a tour for that weekend. It was within that first experience touring different buildings we were able to visualize the potential of what life could be like for us.
What was the deciding factor that made you choose this apartment community as your new home?
I love to run and the running community was a driving factor for me, but the overall sense of community was the deciding factor for my move. There is an overwhelming sense of pride for the city of Allentown as stands today and what it will become. I’m excited to be part of this magic. I’m all for living in the moment and appreciating where you’re at, but I’m especially looking forward to the warmer months after hearing about downtown life in the summer. I’m looking forward to finding running groups by day and music/dancing scenes at night! What makes living in Downtown Allentown better than living anywhere else in the Lehigh Valley? The energy in Downtown Allentown is a different frequency compared to the Lehigh Valley. I love how much Downtown Allentown supports creativity without limits. Back in my hometown, I was very involved in dance, theater, and visual arts. I’m looking forward to resuming those activities in the Lehigh Valley. Downtown Allentown makes it easy to experience the city and meet new people. The local restaurants and bars are constantly posting events on social media. Word of mouth is big in this community and it’s refreshing to see small businesses supporting each other.
What’s your favorite memory so far since you’ve moved to Downtown Allentown?
A wonderful perk of living in STRATA is the ability to train for upcoming races because the gym is right downstairs. The convenience of that helps me stay more present for the rest of my day. Some restaurants my boyfriend and I went to Tacos Y Tequila, saw live music with a violinist, and bopped around downtown to BruDaddy, Fegley’s, and Bell Hall. I finally had the incredible opportunity to experience Sterner’s Stems (I want to do a TikTok for them)! My son and I walked to the Art Museum in the sunshine and although we spent the afternoon there, we still have stones left unturned for next weekend! The real icing on the cake was the Phantom’s game at the PPL center to see his first hockey game. Not only was it fun for him, but I was able to meet new people and learn how to get more involved in the community. The seats we were provided with were AMAZING. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience for us both!
You have friends from out of town visiting—where are the best spots to take them that show what Downtown Allentown is all about?
My group loves Tacos Y Tequila, BruDaddy, and Fegley’s. I’m looking forward to trying Rye for the late-night scene and Blended for brunch! My friends and I love walking from spot to spot because of how beautiful, clean, and safe it feels.
What is one thing you love the most about living in Downtown Allentown?
Again, it’s the energy of Downtown Allentown that I fell in love with. To be completely transparent, life hasn’t been easy for my son and me by any stretch. I had him at a young age and worked diligently to get here today. I didn’t know it was possible to have a place that feels safe, inspiring, and welcoming simultaneously.
How did you make your apartment, home?
It was easy to make our apartment home because moving here immediately felt right. I had a fresh start, so I’ve been filling the apartment with plants, flowers, and local items.
How would you describe your decorating style?
I tend to rock a ’70s vibe! Recently, I have started leaning into sensory-inspired decorating. Aromatherapy, fresh flowers, plants, candles – I love it all.
What’s the weirdest item you own in your apartment?
My son made a Dwayne the Rock Johnson egg head at the 3d printer at the children’s exhibit in the Allentown Art Museum. That’s by far the weirdest, not to mention coolest, thing in our home.
Name one item you always have in your fridge or pantry.
Sriracha. I typically always keep an emergency packet in my purse.
What do you want other people to know about living in Downtown Allentown?
There’s something for everyone here and living in Downtown Allentown makes it easy to find something for you. 😊
How do you stay inspired?
I always say when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change and I strive to stay inspired from a 40,000 ft level. I set a theme/mantra and deemed 2023 “The Year of RE”. For example, moving to Allentown felt like a “RE-set” as an opportunity to create something new. Soon I’ll start training for a fall marathon that I missed a qualifying time at last year so that race is “RE-positioned” as “RE-demption”. Taking care of myself properly (mind- body- spirit) “RE-covery”. I know kind of corny via writing, but these overarching ideas keep me focused. Big ideas aid as an alternative to being in the weeds of decision-making.
