Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Ratings
Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Located in the state of Pennsylvania, Altoona is a moderately-sized city with a population of 43,669 residents. Altoona has a population density of 4,460 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. At 93%, the majority of the Altoona population is White; this is followed by 4% Black and 0% Asian. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Altoona will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 19 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Altoona, Pennsylvania. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. To help you find the best places to live in and around Altoona, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, employment, housing and more.
Using data and statistics Altoona has received a livability score of 76 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 91st percentile when compared to all other cities. Compared to the US average, Altoona ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! The cherry on top is that Altoona also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Altoona has higher than average rankings for the following: cost of living (A+), education (B-) and housing (B+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Altoona. The following was graded with a disappointing score: amenities (F), crime (D-) and employment (D-).
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Altoona apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Altoona is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Altoona come in at $92,900, which is 44.6% lower than the Pennsylvania average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Altoona, the home price to income ratio is 2.2, which is 29% lower than the Pennsylvania average.
| Statistic | Altoona | Pennsylvania | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 81.6% | 76.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.2% | 8.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 2.8% | 5.6% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 4.3% | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.7% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
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