Somerset, Johnstown area (Windber, Bedford, Ebensburg: best neighborhoods, neighborhoods, school district)

[wclemons]

Can anyone tell me what are the best neighborhoods to live in the Somerset, Johnstown area? I have small children, so schools are important. Any info will be appreciated.

[PAman]

A lot can depend, are you looking for catholic schools or public? rural or a more urban setting?

I have been through the area several times and have found Ebensburg(about 20 minutes north of johnstown) to be a nice town(about 5,000), county seat of Cambria county, Central Cambria school district from what I've heard and read is a good district, and Bishop Carroll high school is there as well, atop "husky hill," about 300 kids there, known for a strong football program.

I like the city of Johnstown itself. Some parts seem rougher than others, but in general it appears safe and from the reading I've done they're working on some redevelopment projects. greater johnstown schools are not bad, ditto for Bishop McCort HS.

Windber is a more urban area as well, located about 10 minutes east of downtown Johnstown, very safe, maybe safest of the 3 i mentioned. small school district, but probably good nonetheless.

Richland Twp. is a slightly more suburban setting. Richland Twp. schools are good, UPJ is located there.

The entire johnstown area\cambria county in general is what I acronym GISPI( or any reversal of the letters depending on town) for ethnicities, German, Irish, Slovak, Polish, Italian, as they are the major groups.(If you're from PA, you know ethnic pride still runs deep in many parts of the state, not that I find that to be a bad thing, good to be proud of where you came from and keep heritages alive...I sure am proud of my heritage.)

A basic overview, but again, there are some specifics up top that can help people help you even more.

[Weicht]

Central City is a pretty good town. It is between Johnstown and Somerset and Bedford. It is a nice quite town. I grew up there. Shade-Central City has a decent school.