What about Altoona? (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, State College: amusement park, schools, college)

[Kristy1108]

My husband and I are a younger couple with no children yet. We have been looking at Altoona PA for relocation along with several other places.

What really concerns us about the area is the lack of job opportunity that seems to be available there. We also want to make sure we are moving into a very friendly, simple community with lots of conveniences and culture.
Is this just a terrible match or is it close?

Anything would help!

[danwxman]

Originally Posted by Kristy1108

My husband and I are a younger couple with no children yet. We have been looking at Altoona PA for relocation along with several other places.

What really concerns us about the area is the lack of job opportunity that seems to be available there. We also want to make sure we are moving into a very friendly, simple community with lots of conveniences and culture.
Is this just a terrible match or is it close?

Anything would help!

Friendly? Sort of. Simple? Yes. Conveniences? Sort of. Culture? No way.

[mams1559]

Originally Posted by Kristy1108

My husband and I are a younger couple with no children yet. We have been looking at Altoona PA for relocation along with several other places.

What really concerns us about the area is the lack of job opportunity that seems to be available there. We also want to make sure we are moving into a very friendly, simple community with lots of conveniences and culture.
Is this just a terrible match or is it close?

Anything would help!

I live 50 miles away, just over the mountain, west of Altoona. I used to work in Altoona and a current coworker still lives there. Yes, economically, it could be better. There is not an abundance of jobs. It would help to know what fields you and your husband are seeking jobs in.

The Altoona area (includes Altoona/Hollidaysburg/Duncansville) is a nice place to live. Schools, which aren't of great importance for you at this time, are good. It's a community oriented area and I've always found it friendly. I go shopping there usually monthly. They have lots of retail and restaurants. They have a minor league team (Altoona Curve) in a new stadium and an amusement park, Lakemont Park. Also nearby is DelGrosso's Amusement Park. There's outdoor activities and historical sites including the Horseshoe Curve and Railroaders Memorial Museum. Culture as far as music/arts/plays is limited. But Altoona is situated that it wouldn't be a far drive to other venues in surrounding areas.

I hope this helps give you a fuller picture of Altoona.

[Kristy1108]

Thank you, appreciate the comments. That gives us something to think about.

[janiesgirl]

We live in Pgh, but my brother lives in Duncansville with his family. If you're coming from a bigger city environment, you'll either find Altoona refreshing or depressing.

Friendly? Well, depends. There's a bit of the rural 'suspicious of foreigners' attitude, where foreigners are defined as people new to the area. And to me, the feeling is more rural than urban.
Jobs? Tough area for that.
Conveniences? Not that many. Strip malls.
Culture? No. But you can drive 45 minutes to State College or 2+ hours to Pittsburgh or Philadelphia.

What are your other choices?