Fullerton, PA
Fullerton is an unincorporated community and suburb of Allentown in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley, known for its industrial heritage and as the location of the Lehigh Valley Mall.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
Fullerton is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located in Whitehall Township in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania . It does not have its own municipal government and is administered as part of Whitehall Township. Fullerton is a suburb of Allentown and is situated within the Lehigh Valley metropolitan area, which is the 68th-most populous metropolitan area in the United States .
Historical Names and Nicknames
Originally known as "Ferndale," the town was laid out in 1870 by local businessman James W. Fuller Jr. . It was renamed "Fullerton" in 1895 in his honor. Fuller had purchased a railroad car wheel factory there, and the community grew as a prosperous company town, supplying the workforce for his factories and the numerous cement mills and quarries in the region . Today, it is simply known as Fullerton, a suburban community within the Lehigh Valley.
Date of Foundation and Age
The land that became Fullerton was originally settled by families like the Windsors, Snyders, and Yundts in the late 18th century . James W. Fuller Jr. laid out the hamlet in 1870, and it was renamed Fullerton in 1895. On the current date in 2026, the community is 156 years old since its establishment as a town.
Geographic Location and Coordinates
Fullerton is located in eastern Pennsylvania at coordinates 40.6309° N, 75.4834° W . It is situated in the southern part of Whitehall Township and is bordered to the south by the city of Allentown and to the east by the Lehigh River . The community is also drained by Jordan Creek, a tributary of the Lehigh . The center of Fullerton sits at an elevation of approximately 375 feet (114 meters) above sea level .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Fullerton functions primarily as a residential suburb and a regional commercial hub for the Lehigh Valley. Its economy is closely tied to that of the greater Allentown area. A key economic driver is the Lehigh Valley Mall, a major regional shopping destination located in the center of Fullerton at the interchange of U.S. Route 22 and Pennsylvania Route 145 . Historically, its economy was rooted in industry, particularly the Lehigh Car, Wheel & Axle Works and supporting the region's cement industry .
Population and Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Fullerton was 16,588 . With a total land area of 3.67 square miles, the population density is approximately 4,521 people per square mile. Based on this population, Fullerton is classified as a small town or large census-designated place. The community has a diverse ancestry, with the largest groups being German (28.3%), Italian (11.8%), and Irish (10.8%) .
The City's "Calling Card" (Briefly)
Fullerton is best known as a convenient and bustling suburb of Allentown, serving as the home of the Lehigh Valley Mall, a major retail center for the region. Its identity is shaped by its location along the Lehigh River and its history as a 19th-century company town, with a remnant of that industrial past, the Dent Hardware Company Factory Complex, listed on the National Register of Historic Places .
Geography
Mountains and Ranges
While Fullerton itself is not located in a mountainous area, it is situated in the Great Appalachian Valley. The Blue Mountain, a prominent ridge of the Appalachian Mountains, lies approximately 15-20 miles to the north. This ridge marks the northern edge of the Lehigh Valley and is a notable local geographic feature.
Water Bodies
The most significant water body in Fullerton is the Lehigh River, which forms its eastern border . This 109-mile-long river is a major tributary of the Delaware River and has historically been crucial for transporting coal and supporting industry in the region. Its tributary, Jordan Creek, also flows through the community . These waterways offer opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and scenic views.
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Fullerton has a humid continental climate (Dfa) under the Köppen climate classification . This climate is characterized by four distinct seasons: warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The weather is generally partly cloudy year-round .
Average Monthly Temperatures
Summers are warm, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 85°F (29°C) and a low of 66°F (19°C) . Winters are cold, with January as the coldest month, averaging a high of 37°F (3°C) and a low of 24°F (-4°C) . Record high temperatures can reach up to 97°F (36°C), and record lows can plummet to -4°F (-20°C) .
Precipitation and Humidity
Fullerton receives significant precipitation throughout the year, with an annual average of about 53.6 inches (1361 mm) . The wettest months tend to be May, July, and August, often with thunderstorms . February is typically the driest month . Snowfall is also common in winter, with February seeing the most snow, averaging around 7.9 inches (200 mm) . Humidity levels are highest during the summer months, contributing to the "humid continental" feel .
Sunny Days and UV Index
Fullerton enjoys an average of 2,855 hours of sunshine per year . The sunniest months are June, July, and August . The UV index reaches its maximum in May, June, and July, hitting a level of 10, which is categorized as "Very High" .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March - May): Temperatures gradually warm from cool to pleasant, with increasing rainfall. It's a time of blooming flowers and greening landscapes .
- Summer (June - August): Weather is warm to hot, humid, and wet, with frequent thunderstorms. This is the peak season for outdoor activities and events .
- Fall (September - November): The weather cools down, and humidity drops. September is often the clearest month of the year, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful fall foliage .
- Winter (December - February): Conditions are very cold, snowy, and often cloudy . The best time to visit for warm-weather activities is from mid-June to mid-September .
Landmarks
Dent Hardware Company Factory Complex
The Dent Hardware Company Factory Complex is a historic industrial site in Fullerton . It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 . This complex is a significant reminder of Fullerton's industrial past as a company town and its role in manufacturing during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Lehigh Valley Mall
A major modern landmark is the Lehigh Valley Mall, located at the intersection of U.S. Route 22 and Pennsylvania Route 145 (MacArthur Road) . As the primary regional shopping destination, it serves as a commercial and social hub for Fullerton and the surrounding Lehigh Valley area.
Transport
Major Airports in the City and Region
Fullerton is served by Lehigh Valley International Airport (IATA: ABE) , located approximately 4 miles northeast of the community in Allentown . ABE offers domestic flights to major hubs and is the primary airport for the region. For more extensive international service, travelers can use Newark Liberty International Airport (IATA: EWR) or Philadelphia International Airport (IATA: PHL) , both about 80-90 miles away .
Major Highways
The main highway through Fullerton is U.S. Route 22 (Lehigh Valley Thruway) , which runs through the center of the community and provides connections to Easton, Bethlehem, and Allentown . Pennsylvania Route 145 (MacArthur Road) is another major artery, leading south into Allentown and north to Walnutport . These highways provide access to Interstate 78, which connects to Harrisburg and New York City .
Public Transportation System
Public transportation in Fullerton is provided by the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA) . Several LANTA bus routes, including Route 323, serve the community, connecting it to nearby cities like Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton . This provides essential public transit access for residents and visitors to get around the Lehigh Valley. Amtrak service is accessible at stations in the nearby cities of Easton and Lansdale .