Highland Park, Altoona,PA

If you’re considering a move to the southeastern part of Altoona, PA, Highland Park is a neighborhood that truly stands out for its charming community vibe and convenient amenities. Known for its tree-lined streets and well-maintained homes, Highland Park offers a welcoming atmosphere perfect for families, professionals, and retirees alike. One of the biggest draws to this area is its proximity to the beautiful Highland Park itself, a local green space that features walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas—ideal for those who love spending time outdoors and want a peaceful retreat just steps from home.

For those who appreciate convenience, Highland Park is just a short drive northwest of Downtown Altoona, making commuting or accessing city attractions a breeze. In addition to its natural beauty, the neighborhood boasts several charming local shops, restaurants, and cafes where residents can enjoy a cup of coffee or a casual meal with friends. The community also benefits from nearby schools and healthcare facilities, adding to the appeal for families and individuals looking for a balanced lifestyle that combines suburban tranquility with urban accessibility.

Highland Park is not only about scenic beauty and convenience but also about community spirit. The neighborhood hosts seasonal events and gatherings that bring neighbors together, creating a friendly and close-knit environment. Whether you’re drawn by the outdoor spaces, the easy access to downtown, or the welcoming atmosphere, Highland Park offers an inviting option for anyone relocating to Altoona. It’s a neighborhood where you can enjoy both the comfort of a quiet residential area and the excitement of city life just minutes away.

In Highland Park, 21% of residents aged 16 and older are married, which is notably higher than the national average. This could point to a more settled, community-driven neighborhood where long-term residents and homeowners are common. It’s the kind of place where stability, and a close-knit atmosphere make it especially appealing to families and couples looking to put down roots.

With only 21% of people over 16 having children, you can expect an easygoing environment that tends to attract residents seeking a quieter lifestyle. The atmosphere here leans more toward adult-oriented living. Without the constant rhythm of school schedules or kid-centered events, the community maintains a slower, more relaxed pace. This makes it especially appealing to singles, couples, and empty nesters who appreciate tranquil streets, and recreation on their own terms.

Highland Park demographics offer valuable insights into the character and lifestyle of the neighborhood, helping you understand who lives there and what daily life might feel like. Home to only about 2,052 residents, Highland Park is notably smaller than many other Altoona neighborhoods, creating a more peaceful and community-oriented atmosphere. Its lower population can translate to quieter streets, a more relaxed pace of life, and easier access to local amenities — all without sacrificing the vibrant urban lifestyle the city is known for.

Highland Park has a population density of 2,653, which strikes a balanced feel when compared to other Altoona neighborhoods. The area offers just the right mix of activity and breathing room, creating a community that’s lively yet comfortable, with easy access to amenities and everyday conveniences.

Home to a population with a higher-than-average age of 44, this area offers a calm and refined atmosphere shaped by experience and tradition. The neighborhood’s more mature demographic fosters a strong sense of community, a relaxed pace of life, and an environment that’s both welcoming and well-established — making it an especially appealing choice for retirees seeking comfort, stability, and connection.

The Highland Park crime map uses detailed block group boundaries from address-based crime data to visualize crime patterns across the neighborhood, highlighting both low-crime zones and areas with higher levels of reported crime. This crime heat map helps paint a clearer picture of local safety trends, showing how crime can vary from one part of the community to another. Keep in mind that areas with higher activity on the map don’t always equate to dangerous conditions — locations near entertainment districts, major roads, or tourist destinations often see more reports simply due to the larger number of people passing through.

Housing trends offer valuable insight into the accessibility and character of a neighborhood. In Highland Park, the median home price is $169,120, which is less than many surrounding areas. This affordability makes it an attractive option for first-time buyers, young families, or anyone looking to enter the housing market without a significant financial barrier. Looking at appreciation rates and past market trends in Highland Park can offer valuable insight into the neighborhood’s investment potential. Understanding how home values have changed over time helps buyers gauge future growth, assess long-term stability, and make more informed real estate decisions.

The median rent is around $916, which is on par with many comparable neighborhoods. This balanced pricing offers a mix of affordability and value, making it a practical choice for a wide range of renters.

School ratings in Highland Park combine factors like student performance, graduation rates, and standardized test scores to provide a clear picture of overall educational quality. The use of NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) scores adds valuable context by offering a consistent national benchmark to see how local schools compare on a broader scale. Additionally, understanding the overall education level achieved by residents in Highland Park can give insight into the community’s priorities and opportunities, helping families make more informed decisions about where to live and how well local schools may support long-term student success.