Easton, Pa.: A Gritty River Town Being Transformed
Easton, Pa.: A Gritty River Town Being Transformed
Abstract
Rachel Zanders probably would never have opened a candle shop in the historic district of Easton, Pa., if her older brother, Steven Zanders, hadn't moved to the city from Allentown a decade ago while helping to open a diner there. "It's like one of the blocks of Manhattan fell off into Easton." The city, about 75 miles west of Manhattan, now has a revitalized downtown, with new shops and restaurants flanking restored historic homes. For more than a decade, Easton has been a refuge for New York and New Jersey expatriates who want more real estate for their money, along with a lower property tax bill. Megan McBride, of the Greater Easton Development Partnership, a nonprofit that oversees a popular public market and farmers' market, said that newcomers often become volunteers: "They love feeling like they're part of the action." What You'll Find Interstate 78 sweeps south of Easton and winds its way east to New York, a journey that residents say takes about an hour and a half. The figure represented is Larry Holmes, known as the Easton Assassin, who grew up in the city and held the World Boxing Council heavyweight title from 1978 to 1983. Old-timers sometimes complain that Easton is not what it used to be, Mr. Panto said, but he believes that newcomers have made the city stronger. "Now you don't have to drive to New York or Philly anymore." The Schools The Easton Area School District, which serves students in the city of Easton and all or part of three surrounding townships, includes seven elementary schools, a cyber academy, a middle school and a high school.