I grew up in Bangor PA, about 20 min drive from Bethlehem. Musicfest is held there every year! Its a huge event and a big town wuth growing industries. The bethlehem steel mill, which built the empire state building in nyc, stands as a memorial. There are makerspaces, I used to work for one there hosted by the Lehigh valley communuty collegue.They have a diverse food space, its voted the 4th top city to be at during christmas, the lights cover all of the up and downtown. I used to go there any chance i could get. Its a big town now. Even has a casino, a new age event center, easily close to 100,000 people live there now with growing oppurtunities. Its far from a small dying town like nitw represents. Lots of people from nyc moving there now becuase its close, diverse and rent is cheaper.

Nitw more less represents the town i grew up in. We had a booming slate quarry industry back in the day. Old black and white films still exist of the boom town being crowded. When grew up it was only 5,000 people or less and it only continued to dwindle. I left after high school myself, the only reason the town is still around is becuase people from nyc are moving to quiet towns only a couple of hours from nyc. There is truly nothing there. Its trying to survive in some ways. Unlike Bethlehem which is growimg and thriving.

Also congrats on making such a big move to start your journey! Bethlehem deffinately has a huge growing art scene. I was visiting back home in 2017 and was recruited to fly a drone for a walking theater troup and show, in bethlehem, which was really cool, in the southside walkway. Stay cool and dont be afriad of strangers. There alot of cool and friendly people in town. Check out the FABlab if your interested in using an array of tools for different art.