Here are some views on Bethlehem from the demographically, geographically confused website at http://www.city-data.com/city/South-Bethlehem-Pennsylvania.html.
The forum question is "North Side or South Side," and the first to post an answer has definitely been here, although he/she is confused about some specific details. In general, he/she is not fond of the place. Here are excerpts from that posting, which seems to have been made in late 2006:
"The north side of Bethlehem is more 'upscale,' with higher rents and less crime...Fountain Hill used to be lovely, but is in the same league as south Bethlehem...If you are a Latino you will probably feel very much at home in South Bethlehem. If you are used to crime, noise, and loud music, and siesta-style living, then South Bethlehem is probably for you." (My, my, when do all those siesta-style livers get time to commit all that crime? My comment, not the forum poster's.)
He/she also is down on Lehigh University and its students, noting that the police will clamp down and clear up a student disturbance, but will not pursue the matter owing to the economic power of the university.
He/she loves Musikfest (spelled here "Musicfest"); but on the North Side-South Side question comes down heavily against the South Side, writing "...don't walk through South Bethlehem at night, and don't drive through unless you have to." The conclusion of this post is, "Bethlehem Township is also more upscale, and would be good to check out."
Fortunately there are two other posters. One goes to the defense of Fountain Hill, which indeed has always had a different feel from Southside Bethlehem; and the other points out Southside Bethlehem itself has greatly improved. Myself, I don't know. I lived for years on the South Side without feeling greatly threatened. I walked through the neighborhood at night and by day,and I have always found the place fascinating. What's more, I'm still alive.
Anyway, it's obvious that the City of Bethlehem and its neighborhood are the subjects of intense discussion in the rapidly encroaching outside world. As I find more interesting commentary I'll share it with whoever is reading this.