SperlingViews - Altoona, Pennsylvania

Hi all... i've read the charts and graphs available from RECON and i just can't seem to figure where this kind of job growth over the next 10 years is coming from(?) Any thoughts from the community on what sector might be creating these gains ? (other than new big box retailers ?)[read more...]

I lived in the Altoona area for about 5 years and still go back often to visit friends. I moved there from further east in the state for a job and it was quite an adjustment. It grew on me over time. It's got its good side and plenty of bad. It depends upon what you want. This city used to be twice its size as the railroad building and repair hub for the PA Railroad. If you like trains etc, Altoona will be interesting to you. There are still vestiges of the culture that used to be there - a symphony, a Jaffa Shrine, for example. There is plenty of shopping - better than State College, where Penn State is located. There is a lively branch campus of Penn State there also. Healthcare access is not so great - the doctors are overwhelmed because there are so many older people. You can wait months to see a specialist. There is a serious drug problem in the downtown neighborhoods. However...if you like a Leave-It-To-Beaver era lifestyle, you can still find it in Altoona. It's a pretty good place to raise kids. It's a cold climate in the winter, but does not get snow like towns up by the Lakes. It is not as hot in the summer since its 1600 feet above sea level. There are excellent forests and mountain scenery all around for those who like the outdoors. Regulation is low. Plus you can live outside in the country and still get to work in 10 - 15 minutes. A great choice if you want to escape the Eastern megapolis and the fast lane. Just make sure you have a good job in place first![read more...]

A previous poster commented that Altoona was only a good situation for the rich or well-connected. I came to Altoona in 2003 on the advice of some friends from college. I found it to be a nice little city, not too busy and not too quiet. It's got its downsides, but everywhere does. On the whole, my wife and I find it an ideal situation in which to raise our family. We also find quite a bit of negativity, as evidenced by the previous poster. While I am not surprised to hear his/her comments, I am disappointed. Even though that may have been his/her experience, life is only as good as you make it, and perspective can go a long way to make an experience pleasurable or painful. We regularly thank God, sincerely, for having put us in Altoona, PA.[read more...]

I'll be moving to Altoona soon and hope to meet some great people. See you there![read more...]

When it comes to housing, the cost of living is so low, but the utility companies, grocers, and the taxes balance out the scales a bit.[read more...]

I was also born and raised in Altoona and moved away in 1994 for about a year. When I came back from Arizona, I was astonished at the prices they charge in Altoona and get away with. The area is geared toward the limited number of the wealthy and screws the rest. After trying to maintain a decent (what a joke) living for ten years, I was, once again, screwed. Found a job in Atlanta Georgia and just cannot believe how the employees are treated and the wages they are paid. I just bought a home that would be priced around $200,000 in Blair Cty., for about $50,000 less than that. I gave the so-called city two chances and will NOT give it a third. I am getting to old to fight the overpowering, greedy wealthy in PA and now live in an area that just does not care how much you earn, but who you are. Good luck to anyone, unless you are a descendent of certain families or marry into one, who tries to make Altoona, PA a home. P.S. In Georgia, police do not have to worry about doing their job. Signed, I tried to make it a home, but could not get into the CLICK!!![read more...]

I have lived in Altoona my whole life and am currently saving money to move out. There is a lot of crime for the size of the town and a lot of drugs. There is very little entertainment or jobs. Seriously if you are considering moving here please change your mind![read more...]

I grew up in Ohio and am looking for a good place to raise my family . Altoona seems to fit a lot of my requirements. Anyone who can tell me anything about the place?[read more...]