Altoona PA

Altoona, PA – Nestled in the rolling hills of Central Pennsylvania, Altoona is a welcoming city where small-town warmth meets rich railroad heritage. From the hum of passing trains to scenic mountain views and a bustling downtown, Altoona offers a unique blend of history, community spirit, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re catching a ball game, exploring local parks, or savoring hometown flavors, this city invites you to slow down and experience its authentic charm.

• Population: ~43,900
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; warm summers (60-85°F), crisp autumns, cold snowy winters (20-40°F), and mild, blossoming springs.
• Places To Visit: Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark, Railroaders Memorial Museum, Lakemont Park, Baker Mansion, Canoe Creek State Park.
• Top Activities: Riding the world-famous Horseshoe Curve, hiking and picnicking in nearby parks, catching an Altoona Curve baseball game, attending local festivals, discovering railroad history.
• Famous Food: Texas hot dogs at The Texas Hot Dogs, sweet treats at Boyer Candy (home of Mallo Cups), classic diner fare, and homemade Pennsylvania Dutch pies.

Altoona, PA, is a vibrant city with a growing job market, especially in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and logistics. Thanks to local hospitals, schools, and a revitalized downtown, Altoona offers promising career paths for residents and newcomers alike. Below are the top 5 in-demand jobs in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

Altoona, PA may feel small compared to a big city, but it’s packed with amazing places where students can unwind, meet up with friends, and make memories. Whether you’re into nature, games, or grabbing a bite, there’s something here to help you escape the stress of classes and just enjoy yourself.

Lakemont Park – This classic amusement park is a local favorite. With roller coasters, mini golf, go-karts, and a big lake full of paddle boats, it’s the perfect spot for letting off steam after a tough week. Grab some fries, ride Leap-the-Dips (the world’s oldest roller coaster!), or just chill on the grass.

Urban Air Adventure Park – If you want a jolt of excitement, head here for trampolines, obstacle courses, climbing walls, and even dodgeball. It’s impossible not to laugh as you bounce around with your friends, and it’s a great way to loosen up before a late-night study session.

The Clay Cup – This artsy coffee spot is way more than just a place to get your caffeine fix. Not only will you find killer lattes, but you can also unwind with a painting or pottery class, or join open mic nights. The cozy vibe makes it ideal for group hangs or solo relaxation.

Brush Mountain Park – If you want some outdoor time, Brush Mountain is packed with trails for hiking or biking. The views are gorgeous year-round, and it’s a peaceful spot to clear your head or take some cool group photos for your socials.

Four Deuces Lounge – For those 21 and up, Four Deuces is a popular student hangout that mixes pool tables, affordable eats, and trivia nights. It’s the spot to cheer on your team during big games or catch up with friends after class.

Escape Rooms Altoona – If you and your crew want a challenge, test your problem-solving skills in one of Altoona’s local escape rooms. It’s teamwork, suspense, and tons of laughs rolled into one fun night out.

Downtown Altoona – Filled with quirky shops, bubble tea cafes, and locally owned restaurants, downtown is the place to wander when you need a study break. Stop by The Knickerbocker Tavern for wings or hit up Greenbean Coffee House for smoothies and snacks.

The Railroaders Memorial Museum – For something unique, check out this interactive museum that tells Altoona’s history. There are cool events, movie nights, and open mic sessions, so there’s always something going on—even if you’re not a history buff!

Altoona may surprise you with how much it has to offer. Grab your friends, try something new, and discover your favorite spot to relax and have fun!

Altoona, PA, is a city that blends a scenic setting with a vibrant educational community. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or an adult learner exploring new horizons, Altoona offers a range of respected colleges and universities—both public and private—to help you achieve your goals.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Altoona, PA

Penn State Altoona – As a commonwealth campus of the prestigious Penn State University, Penn State Altoona delivers a robust selection of undergraduate programs, with strong offerings in business, engineering, nursing, and the liberal arts. Students benefit from a close-knit community and access to Penn State resources.

Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center – Ideal for those seeking hands-on careers, the Greater Altoona CTC provides high-quality vocational training in areas like healthcare, culinary arts, automotive technology, and information technology. Its strong ties to local industry ensure graduates are ready for the workforce.

South Hills School of Business & Technology (Altoona location) – While not a traditional four-year public university, South Hills offers two-year associate programs in business, healthcare, and technology. It’s known for its strong job placement rates and personalized learning experience.

Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) - Blair Center – This center serves Blair County, including Altoona, with accessible community college courses. Students can complete general education credits, workforce programs, and even transfer to four-year universities.

Mount Aloysius College (Extension/Partnership programs) – Through partnerships and extension opportunities, Mount Aloysius College brings select public degree programs and resources to the Altoona community, particularly in health sciences and education.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Altoona, PA

Saint Francis University (Altoona Area Off-Campus Center) – Saint Francis, based in nearby Loretto, offers satellite and online programs to Altoona students. It’s highly regarded for nursing, occupational therapy, and business programs that blend strong academics with Franciscan values.

Mount Aloysius College – While its main campus is in Cresson, Mount Aloysius is widely attended by Altoona residents. The private college is celebrated for its nursing, allied health, business, and criminal justice programs. Support services and a welcoming atmosphere stand out.

South Hills School of Business & Technology (Private Programs) – Along with its public associate offerings, South Hills is a private institution, making it a popular choice for business, technology, and allied health studies in Altoona.

YTI Career Institute (Altoona Extension) – This private institution provides focused, career-oriented programs in healthcare, trades, and business. YTI is known for flexible schedules that suit working adults and career changers.

Triangle Tech (Altoona Campus) – A leader in technical education, Triangle Tech’s Altoona campus offers hands-on programs in welding, HVAC, carpentry, and industrial technology. Its strong reputation with local employers makes graduates highly sought after in the skilled trades.

Whether you’re seeking a world-class university experience or tailored training for a specific career, Altoona’s diverse educational landscape offers something for everyone. The welcoming campus communities and dedicated faculty across these top colleges and universities ensure every student feels supported and empowered on their academic journey.

Finding the right high school in Altoona, PA, can be a huge step in ensuring a bright future for your teen. The city and nearby areas offer several excellent public and private schools, each with unique strengths. Here’s a look at the top options that are helping local students thrive academically, socially, and personally.

Top Public High Schools in Altoona, PA

• Altoona Area High School – The largest public high school in the region, AAHS offers a broad range of AP and honors courses, state-of-the-art STEM labs, music, athletics, and career tech programs. The school is known for its dedicated teachers and support staff, making it a solid choice for students of all interests.
• Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School – While technically private, BG offers open enrollment and attracts many local families for its strong academics and Catholic education. The school excels in college prep and offers many clubs and athletic teams.
• Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School – Located just a short drive from Altoona, this high-performing school is known for great academic results, strong arts and tech programs, and a caring school community. Students consistently score well on standardized tests.
• Bellwood-Antis High School – A bit north of Altoona, Bellwood-Antis is recognized for its close-knit environment, personalized attention, and solid academic and extracurricular choices. The school regularly receives high marks in regional rankings.
• Tyrone Area High School – Serving the northern part of Blair County, Tyrone offers a welcoming atmosphere, strong college prep, and opportunities in athletics, music, and technology. The faculty is dedicated to student growth, both academically and personally.

Top Private High Schools in Altoona, PA

• Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School – With a tradition of academic excellence, community service, and faith-based learning, BG stands out in the Altoona area. Small class sizes and a supportive staff help students succeed in academics, arts, and athletics.
• Great Commission Schools – This private, Christian school offers education from elementary through high school. GCS is known for its nurturing environment, personalized instruction, and a focus on building strong character and academic skills.
• St. Joseph's Catholic Academy (Boalsburg) – While located about 45 minutes away, St. Joe’s draws families from Altoona. The school has a reputation for college prep, strong academics, athletics, and a caring, faith-centered approach.
• Seeds of Faith Christian Academy – A newer private option, SOFCA provides a Christ-centered education in a small, supportive setting. Their commitment to academic excellence and individual development makes it a standout choice for some local families.
• The Grier School (Tyrone) – This all-girls boarding and day school welcomes students from Altoona and beyond. Grier offers a challenging academic program, world-class arts, equestrian opportunities, and a vibrant, inclusive community.

Choosing the right high school can make all the difference in your teen’s educational journey. Whether you’re looking for rigorous academics, strong extracurriculars, or a faith-based approach, Altoona and the surrounding area offer an impressive range of options for every family.

Altoona, Pennsylvania may be a smaller city, but it has a passionate sports culture and is home to professional teams that bring the community together all year round. Fans in Altoona eagerly support their local clubs, making every game day a special event filled with excitement and hope for victory.

Baseball – Altoona Curve (Double-A, Eastern League)

• Altoona Curve – The Altoona Curve are the heart and soul of professional sports in Altoona. Established in 1999, they are the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Curve play their home games at Peoples Natural Gas Field, which is famous for its family-friendly atmosphere and gorgeous views of the surrounding area. Over the years, many future MLB stars have played for the Curve, getting their start in pro baseball before making it to the big leagues. The team clinched the Eastern League championship titles in 2010 and 2017, providing memorable moments for local fans and making them a beloved staple of the Altoona sports scene.

Soccer and Other Professional Sports

• Currently, Altoona does not have professional teams in major soccer, football, basketball, or hockey leagues. However, the region is passionate about sports at every level—supporting youth, high school, and collegiate teams, and embracing visiting exhibition matches and events whenever they come to town.

Sports Culture in Altoona

• What Altoona may lack in the number of professional teams, it more than makes up for with spirit. Local fans rally around the Altoona Curve every summer, filling the ballpark with energy and making professional baseball an unforgettable experience for families and friends. The city's support for college sports and community athletics creates a vibrant sports environment that brings people together and fosters local pride. If you love minor league baseball or simply enjoy cheering on the home team, Altoona offers fantastic opportunities for fun and excitement!

Altoona, Pennsylvania might be a small city, but it’s packed with history, charm, and a few surprises up its sleeve. Whether you’re a local, visitor, or just curious, here are 10 fun facts about Altoona that might make you see it in a whole new light:

1. Railroad City USA – Altoona was founded by the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1849 and was once one of the busiest rail hubs in America.
2. The Horseshoe Curve Wonder – The Horseshoe Curve is an engineering marvel built in 1854, letting trains cross the Allegheny Mountains. It’s so cool it was a target during World War II!
3. Home of Boyer Candies – Altoona is where the Boyer Brothers invented the Mallo Cup, a milk chocolate and marshmallow treat loved nationwide.
4. Lights, Camera, Altoona – Scenes from the movie Unstoppable (with Denzel Washington) were filmed right here, taking advantage of Altoona’s authentic rail spirit.
5. Penn State Proud – The Penn State Altoona campus is one of the largest Commonwealth campuses and a vital part of the city's energy and culture.
6. All-America City – In 1967, Altoona was officially named an All-America City, a distinction only given to communities with exceptional civic accomplishments.
7. Historic Amusement – Lakemont Park is home to the Leap-The-Dips, the oldest operating wooden roller coaster in the world, built in 1902.
8. Blessed with Beautiful Views – The city’s name comes from the Cherokee word for “high,” and you’ll understand why after seeing the striking views from Brush Mountain and the Allegheny Ridge.
9. Firefighter’s Heritage – Altoona has the second oldest volunteer fire department in the country, a point of local pride and tradition.
10. Homegrown Athletes – Altoona has produced pro sports talent, including NFL players and world champion wrestler Kurt Angle, showing you don’t have to be a big city to dream big.