Altoona,PA Neighborhood Guides
Neighborhoods in Altoona, PA – Data, Lifestyle & Local Insights
Neighborhood Map
Discover the Charm of Altoona, PA Neighborhoods
Altoona, Pennsylvania, is a city rich in history and community spirit, with neighborhoods that offer a unique blend of small-town charm and vibrant city living. Whether you're drawn to the quiet streets lined with classic homes or the bustling areas filled with shops and eateries, Altoona's neighborhoods have something for everyone. Exploring the best neighborhoods in Altoona reveals a city where history meets modern convenience, making it a wonderful place to call home or visit.
Lifestyle Variety: What Different Areas Offer
Altoona neighborhoods vary widely in lifestyle and amenities. For instance, the Juniata neighborhood is known for its cozy, family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to local schools and parks, making it ideal for young families. Meanwhile, the Downtown Altoona area offers a more urban vibe with historic buildings, art galleries, and the beautiful Mishler Theatre, perfect for those who enjoy cultural events and city living. If you prefer a suburban feel, areas like Lakemont provide quiet residential streets near Lakemont Park, a popular amusement park that adds a fun, recreational dimension to the neighborhood.
Crime, Safety & Neighborhood Stability
When considering the best neighborhoods in Altoona, safety and stability are key factors. Areas like Pleasant Valley and Logan Township are often highlighted for their lower crime rates and strong community engagement, contributing to a sense of security and long-term neighborhood stability. The city works actively with local police and neighborhood groups to maintain safe environments, with many residents participating in neighborhood watch programs. Checking the Altoona neighborhoods map can help potential residents find areas known for their peaceful, family-friendly settings.
The Structure, Culture & Personality of the City’s Neighborhoods
Each Altoona neighborhood boasts its own distinct personality. The Historic District is a treasure trove of Victorian architecture and old-world charm, reflecting the city’s rich railroad heritage. In contrast, the Lakemont area leans more towards outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its proximity to hiking trails and the scenic Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark. The diversity in culture and community events across these neighborhoods ensures that Altoona is not just a city but a collection of vibrant, welcoming communities.
Getting Around: Transit Information and Accessibility
Getting around Altoona is convenient, with several transit options connecting the neighborhoods. The Altoona Amtrak station, located centrally, provides easy rail access to larger cities, while the Altoona Metro Transit system offers bus services that link residential areas like Juniata and Logan Township to Downtown and commercial zones. The city’s walkability varies, with Downtown and the Historic District being more pedestrian-friendly, while suburban neighborhoods are better accessed by car. Consulting an Altoona neighborhoods map can be a great tool for understanding transit routes and neighborhood connectivity.
Altoona Demographics
Best Neighborhoods
| Hood | Med. Age | Have Kids | Home Price | Med. Income | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dutch Hill | 34.9 | 28.8% | $82,070 | $49,391 | 1.7 |
| Calvert Hills | 40.3 | 30.2% | $127,440 | $68,244 | 1.9 |
| East End | 38.4 | 32.1% | $101,933 | $57,095 | 1.9 |
| Downtown | 40.3 | 24.9% | $80,683 | $38,735 | 1.9 |
| Eldorado | 48.3 | 20% | $126,588 | $57,686 | 2.1 |
| Pleasant Valley | 46.4 | 20.5% | $141,588 | $70,159 | 2.1 |
| Highland Park | 44.4 | 21.5% | $169,120 | $75,305 | 2.2 |
| Westmont | 41.2 | 23.9% | $119,200 | $52,097 | 2.2 |
| Center City | 41 | 23.4% | $69,300 | $26,063 | 2.3 |
| Logantown | 38.8 | 30.6% | $104,683 | $48,658 | 2.4 |
Altoona neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Altoona—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Altoona, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.
Crime in Altoona
| Crime |
Reported |
Altoona /100k |
PA /100k |
National /100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 1 | 2.4 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 32 | 75.4 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 31 | 73.1 | 51.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 78 | 183.9 | 161.4 | 256.1 |
| Total Violent Crime | 142 | 335 | 246 | 359 |
| Burglary | 141 | 332.4 | 116.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 595 | 1,402.5 | 1,129.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle Theft | 49 | 115.5 | 188.5 | 258.8 |
| Total Property Crime | 785 | 1,850 | 1,435 | 1,760 |
| TOTAL CRIME | 927 | 2,185 | 1,681 | 2,119 |