Altoona, PA

Altoona is a medium-sized city located along Interstate 99. The population is around 46,000. Altoona is located in Blair County and is about 100 miles east of Pittsburgh within the Allegheny Mountains. The city began as a railroad town in 1849 and stayed a significant transportation hub until the railroads faded out after World War II. Altoona still has one bit of history running on rails: the world's oldest roller coaster, built in 1902.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Nowadays, the predominant industries in Altoona are retail and health care. There are a number of shopping centers around the city and in the downtown area as well. Three hospitals service the area, providing the majority of the city's medical jobs. Additional industries in the area include hospitality, manufacturing, and professional services. Pennsylvania State University has a satellite campus in the city, known as Penn State Altoona.

The city is currently working to better diversify its economy. With a project dubbed the "I-99 Innovation Corridor," city officials are trying to expand Altoona's technology industry, which will hopefully provide jobs and improve the local economy. The city also has programs and incentives in place to help entrepreneurs get their businesses started up, and it offers workforce training classes.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Compared with the rest of the nation, the median home value in Altoona is very low and so are rental rates. Almost 70 percent of the homes in the city are single-family houses. About 45 percent of housing units have three bedrooms. The cost of living in Altoona is much lower than the national average, while the crime rate is about the same.

There are several main districts that dominate the city:

• Downtown: Located at the city's center, this is a pedestrian-friendly, urban area. It is somewhat eclectic with a mix of residences, businesses, and major historical landmarks. Most of the residents here rent apartment units.
• Dutch Hill/Pleasant Valley: This is another walkable urban area, stretching from the east side of Downtown to I-99. Many historic neighborhoods are located in this middle-class area.
• Eldorado/South Altoona: Located on the southwest side of town, this is an artsy, urban area home to upper-middle-class urban sophisticates.
• Fairview: This is a pedestrian-friendly, urban area with historic residences. It is home to middle-class residents. The district is located on the north side of town.
• Greenwood: Located on the northeast side of Altoona, this area is more suburban and quiet. There are mostly single-family homes here, although there are some mobile homes as well.
• Juniata: This industrial district is located just north of Fairview. It is a lower-income area, and many of the residents are manufacturing workers and laborers with no post-secondary education. There are quite a few historic homes in this area.

BEST BETS

Railroaders Memorial Museum: This museum educates visitors about the importance of the railroad industry to the local area. It also commemorates the thousands of Altoona workers who had a part in making the railroad what it is today.

Mishler Theatre: This theater has quite a history. It was destroyed by a fire several months after it first opened in 1906; it was rebuilt and subsequently reopened in 1907. The theater has since been restored to modern standards while preserving the historic architecture. It serves as a venue for live entertainment, including plays and symphony concerts.

Lakemont Park: This is one of the oldest amusement parks in the United States. It is now a theme park and a water park, with more than 30 rides and attractions. It also has a go-kart track and a mini-golf course. The world's oldest roller coast, called "Leap the Dips," is found at Lakemont Park. The wooden coaster was built in 1902, although it has undergone restoration since then.

Boyer Candy Company: Founded in 1936, this factory still operates today. Its factory outlet is open to the public six days a week.

Caves and Rocks: Altoona is one of the largest cities in the Allegheny Mountain range and is home to several cave systems. There are a few shops that rent out climbing and rappelling gear for those who want to explore.