2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Altoona, PA vs Swarthmore, PA

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Highlights
Are people in Swarthmore older or younger than people in Altoona?
- The Median Age in Swarthmore is 3.7 years younger than in Altoona.

Are housing costs cheaper in Swarthmore or Altoona?
- Swarthmore housing costs are 271.1% more expensive than Altoona housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Swarthmore or Altoona?
- The average commute for residents of Swarthmore is 6.6 minutes longer than it is for residents of Altoona.

Things to do in Altoona?
Altoona, Pennsylvania lies within Blair County giving visitors access to Adventure Lagoon Water Park or Baker Mansion plus multiple restaurants like Chewy's Pizza & Wings Bar & Grill

Things to do in Swarthmore?
Living in Swarthmore, PA is a wonderful experience. There is a charming small-town vibe with friendly neighbors and an abundance of parks and trails that make it the perfect place for outdoor activities. The local restaurants are diverse and offer delicious dishes from around the world. Swarthmore College provides cultural events such as lectures, plays, performances, and art shows that cater to different interests. Education is top-notch with renowned schools nearby such as Penn State and Temple University. With its welcoming atmosphere, great education opportunities, and numerous recreational activities, Swarthmore is an ideal place to live.

 Altoona, PASwarthmore, PAUnited States
 Population  Unlock6,560329,725,481
 Median Income$46,010  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock35.938.4
 Avg. Home Price$119,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time17.96  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Altoona    11 Reviews

Sun rises and sets over 2000+ ft. mountains, which does seem to shorten your summer days. It gets hot and humid in the summer, with not a lot of wind or airflow,  More

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Over 5 years ago

Though the climate in Altoona is cold in the Winter, it does often get less snow than Western Pennsylvania because of the Allegheny Front mountain range just to the west  More

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I grew up in Hollidaysburg near Altoona. The city has had its ups and downs throughout the years but all in all I think that central PA has the most beautiful scenery  More

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Reviews for Swarthmore    0 Reviews

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