Areas around Altoona (Pittsburgh, State College, Huntingdon: low crime, college, camp)

[clem16]

Not sure I'm in the right forum since I don't know PA geography very well. My husband and I both grew up in central PA, hubby in Altoona and me in Patton. We have not lived in the state for 40 years, but we want to return "home" to retire as most of our families are still there. Can anyone suggest an area, within an hour's drive of Altoona, that is clean, quiet, environmentally friendly and with reasonable housing costs?

[Awesomo.2000]

I like Ebensburg. It is half way between Pittsburgh and Altoona. So if you have any reason to come to Pittsburgh you would be closer. Pittsburgh has changed a lot by the last time you lived in the state.

There is State College too. The housing is probably more expensive there, but towns outside of State College are beautiful and cheaper like Boalsburg. There is also Huntington, or Bedford south of Altoona.

Then there is Holidaysburg 5 miles away from Altoona. (my hometown). It is a really historic and beautiful town.

BTW, My family use to camp near Patton at Prince Gallitzin State Park. I love that place.

[Kate88]

What kind of area are you looking for? Rural, small town, suburban, city?

[clem16]

Thanks for the replies. I've forgotten all about Ebensburg. Used to really like that town. As far as the kind of area, we'd prefer to be outside the city or town limits as we have 6 dogs plus love to have a large garden so we do need some space. We just want to be a reasonable distance from grocery stores. As we'll be retired we won't mind driving a bit for other shopping. A safe, low crime area would be wonderful, that's why we don't want to live in Altoona as the drug-related crime seems to be great.

[rocafeller05]

I would pick Tyrone. Nice, quaint town and you get the best of both Altoona and State College! Thats where I would come back to.

[ThorsHammer]

I would recommend looking at areas they call the "Mainline" like Cresson, Gallitzin, Asheville etc.
These are smaller towns that have rich family values and history.
I myself live in Du Bois but that's because of business, but would move to these areas in a heartbeat when I get the chance.
Hunting, Fishing and lots of places to visit for retired couples but yet you have the amenities of getting to the big city in about an hour or less if you like.


Also remember you are coming from Myrtle Beach so there will be a culture shock immediately. I use to always go to Myrtle Beach when I was in the military.

[kerri3317]

I agree with ThorsHammer about the Mainline area.Although I wouldn't recommend Gallitzin coming from Myrtle Beach since Gallitzin seems to see the worst of the mountain weather. My hometown is Lilly but am now living in Pittsburgh. The good thing about central PA is that if you don't want to live in a city, you don't have to go too far out from the city. So I think an hour distance might be overkill and too broad of a starting point. Other areas you might try are Duncansville and East Freedom.

[clem16]

Hey, thanks for all the replies. My husband is saying we have to stay away from "up the mountain" LOL. So we are researching Duncansville, actually, and as far east as the Huntingdon area.

I know it's gonna be tough getting used to those cold, dismal winters after years and years of living in the south, but the familly is getting older, we have no children of our own, and just feel it's time to go "home".

[rocafeller05]

I agree with your husband. Up the mountain in the winter is a b*tch. Not only that there's not much to do other than bingo, church or the sportsman club.

Originally Posted by clem16

Hey, thanks for all the replies. My husband is saying we have to stay away from "up the mountain" LOL. So we are researching Duncansville, actually, and as far east as the Huntingdon area.

I know it's gonna be tough getting used to those cold, dismal winters after years and years of living in the south, but the familly is getting older, we have no children of our own, and just feel it's time to go "home".

[Awesomo.2000]

Originally Posted by clem16

Hey, thanks for all the replies. My husband is saying we have to stay away from "up the mountain" LOL. So we are researching Duncansville, actually, and as far east as the Huntingdon area.

I know it's gonna be tough getting used to those cold, dismal winters after years and years of living in the south, but the familly is getting older, we have no children of our own, and just feel it's time to go "home".

I said my hometown was Hollidaysbug, It was actually Duncansville. I grew up on a little street that is off of Maple Hollow road. We lived on a steep hill and could see all the mountains outside our windows. It was a great view, and a great place to grow up as a kid.