Depends on what you want
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1/10/2008
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!
Di | Columbia, MD