Altoona, PA
About Altoona
Altoona is located in Blair County, nestled in the Allegheny Mountains amid very scenic rivers and streams. Altoona is home to the famous Horseshoe Curve stretch of rail track, a National Landmark that runs through the mountains. The area is known for the rail and iron-forging industries; early settlers were mostly of Scotch-Irish descent and were drawn to the area to work on the railroad.
Altoona is centrally located within Pennsylvania, making it easy to access major cities in the region. Residents of Blair County can drive to State College, home to Penn State University, in less than an hour. Other nearby cities include Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and New York City.
Blair County was established in 1846; today many of the communities boast beautifully restored properties with impressive architectural features from the early 19th century. All types of properties for sale in Altoona, from economical to high-end, can be found throughout the county.
Blair County contains Canoe Creek State Park for fishing, boating, and swimming. There are four caves in the area for outdoor enthusiasts to explore. Altoona is home to People’s Natural Gas Park and the Altoona Curve, a Pittsburgh Pirates minor league baseball team. Both Delgrosso’s Amusement Park and Lakemont Park draw crowds from many surrounding areas, increasing tourism in Blair County. The Slinky toy is a product of Blair County and continues to be manufactured here today, adding to the tourist attractions around the area. The Logan Valley Mall, a two-story mall, and Logan Town Centre offer many popular national chain stores. Both are conveniently located just off of Interstate 99. There are also several specialty shops located throughout the Altoona area.
The Altoona Symphony and the Altoona Community Theater provide cultural events and entertainment at the historic Mishler Theater. Altoona is home to a historic tea house, where visitors can partake in tea parties, learn about the tea industry, and shop in a boutique setting. The Altoona Railroad Museum celebrates the key role Altoona played in the history of the railroad in industrial America.
Looking for homes for sale in Altoona? Our Altoona real estate office is knowledgeable about the area, and ready to help.