info on Ebensburg/Cambria County (Altoona, Johnstown: appointed, rental, home)

[tz1308]

Hello. If you are thinking about relocating to Ebensburg/Cambria County, there are a few things you should know:

Ebensburg does not have set rules in effect for rental properties, i.e. landlords do not have to follow certain codes unless the property is new. We rented a home that had no heat source in the master bedroom, not enough hot water to fill the tub even half-way full, etc. and there were no laws in effect to protect us.
Depending on where you live you might be forced to use a "cooperative" for your electricity. Please be aware that the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission does not govern a company that is a "coop".
Ebensburg Public Library does not have its own parking lot; the lot is owned by the middle school! This is not usually a problem unless school is starting or dismissing. I mention this because we have never heard of a public library not having its own parking lot. Further, if someone really wanted to complain, there is no dedicated handicapped parking for the library. Go figure...
More on libraries: The earliest the Ebensburg library opens is 11 am of Fridays. Mon thru Thurs. they open at 2 pm. The library is closed on Saturdays!!! Interestingly, they are open on Sundays until 7 or 8 pm. If you are a library buff you will have to travel to Altoona or Johnstown to find a library that opens in the morning.
I found Ebensburg to be a place where you have very little rights. A local realtor told me that the general attitude of folks in the Ebensburg area is one of take, take, take. Ironically, the churches are full on Sundays...
I was very disappointed in Ebensburg, most likely because I have been in protected environments that bigger cities provide, i.e. housing, local government, etc.
Finally, it appears that Cambria County has the highest appeal rate for local government.
Take care,
tz