Well, if you have a job to come to, that's a plus. Overall, Altoona's not great, but it's not the absolute worst either. It's a mid-sized city with smaller towns around it. It's in the Laurel Highlands of PA. The economy is stressed, but as I said, if you have a job to come to, you're already a step ahead.
It depends a great deal where you live in Altoona as to how much crime you're exposed to. Living further out from the downtown area is best. They have the usual drug issues, like most every other city. They have crime, but it's not widespread. The main problem areas are "intown" or what you'd call downtown Altoona, the neighborhoods around Altoona Hospital and Fairview Hills. These areas are mostly the folks with the least amount of income and where the drug issues are more apparent, which causes more petty crimes, like burglary.
Altoona overall, it's a safe place. If you can move to Hollidaysburg or Duncansville, two smaller towns about 5 to 10 miles south of Altoona, that would be even better. They're quaint and safer than Altoona.
Altoona schools are good. They have plenty of shopping. Not big on culture events. They have a minor-league baseball team,
The Altoona Curve, which is a farm team for the Pittsburgh Pirates. They have
Lakemont Park & Island Waterpark, a small amusement park that's family friendly and inexpensive and just 5 min. from downtown Altoona. There's also
DelGrosso Amusement Park in Tipton, PA which is less than 30 min north of Altoona and is another small, inexpensive family friendly amusement/water park with free concerts during the summer.
Altoona hosts it's own campus of Penn State University. Can't forget the
Railroader's Museum and Historic Horseshoe Curve.
Like I tried to say above, Altoona overall isn't a terrible city. It has pockets of trouble here and there, like any other city. It is a good town with good folks and a decent place to raise kids. As far as culture and events, it's not New Orleans or NYC or even Philly and Pittsburgh, but it has outdoor activities and amusement parks. It's not far to drive to the larger cities for culture. It's even close to Penn State main, where there is a smattering more culture and exhibits/shows up there. Hope this is beneficial to you.
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Possible re-location to Altoona, Pa
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