Moving to Ferndale (Cambria County) (Johnstown, Franklin: crime, houses, neighborhood)

[Pigbeavis]

Looking into possibly retiring to the Ferndale area of Johnstown, and was wondering if anyone had any comments good or bad about the area.
Thanks

[mams1559]

Ferndale is a nice, quite boro adjacent to (across the river from) the City of Johnstown. I lived in Ferndale for 1 yr. I've grown up and lived in Jtwn my entire life.

Ferndale is a quiet bedroom community. It has its own school district, but as you say you're retiring, I won't go into that, other than to say it's a good district. It's very community oriented and has several churches. It's clean and quiet. There's the one main street (Ferndale Ave - PA Rte 403) through the neighborhood where a few businesses are. They have the Ferndale Jubilee every summer for the fire dept. to raise funds. It's held at Ferndale park and nearby HS football field (both on the avenue). It always draws a large crowd and has good, family fun.

Ferndale is close to Berkley Hills Municipal Golf Course, the John Myer River-walk Trail and the soon to open Stoneycreek Whitewater Rafting Park. Travel to the bigger shopping districts in the area (Richland/Westmont/Downtown) is about 20 min at most in either direction. That also includes the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center at UPJ (Richland), the movies, etc.

There really isn't much I've heard lately regarding crime in the area. It's usually very, very low. There were one or two instances of an arrest in the area, mainly Vickroy Ave., a while back, but since they've been locked up it's returned to normal -- peaceful, friendly with kids playing in the streets and folks walking their dogs. Hope this helps.

[Pigbeavis]

Thanks for the input. One of the houses that I am looking at in the area of Vickroy Ave., and Station Street (large 1900's Victorian). My Wife grew up in the Johnstown, Richland, and Everett areas, ad we are looking forward to retiring there. She rembers going to the Fire Dept. Fair, but doesn't remember much else about Ferndale. She has relatives in Geistown, and I am familiar with that area, as well as Richland, Westmont, Southmont, etc., but don't think I have ever been in Ferndale.We are palnning to head up there and look around as soon as the weather clears a liitle bit. Thanks Again.

[mams1559]

Your locale is only about 1 block from where I had lived Truly, the entire time I lived there I had no problems related to crime whatsoever. That's why when they did announce an arrest from Vickroy, it was surprising because no one had any indication of anything criminal happening. There's been no reports of trouble or crime in Ferndale for quite some time now... I'd say over 3 yrs??

You'll be located in what's referred to as lower Ferndale .. the part of the borough that is closest to the valley/river. As you continue up Station St and pass the High School, on your way towards Franklin St/Goucher St/Westmont, you'll be in upper Ferndale. It's all full of very nice homes and well kept properties. People take care of their possessions in that neighborhood. It's streets are tree lined and it should be a lovely place to retire to.