Why Live in Center City
Center City in Altoona, Pennsylvania, is a neighborhood deeply rooted in its railroad history, originally developed for mechanics and railroad workers in the mid-19th century. The area features Victorian-style and American Foursquare homes, many with front porches, pitched roofs, and dormer windows, built around 1910. The Railroaders Memorial Museum, located within the neighborhood, pays homage to Altoona's rich railroad heritage, while the nearby Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art showcases nearly 8,000 American art pieces. The Jaffa Shrine convention center, known locally as "The Jaffa," hosts community events, including a summer concert series and an annual circus.
Dining options in and around Center City include Greenbean Coffee House, popular for its drive-through service and sandwiches, and JJ Hadley & Co. Brewers, known for woodfired pizza and a variety of beers and cocktails. Levity Brewing Co. is another nearby spot with an industrial vibe. The neighborhood is also seeing new developments, such as the conversion of the former McCrory’s Department Store into a mixed-use facility with apartments and shops.
Prospect Park, the closest green space, offers a playground, basketball court, and fitness equipment, while nearby Valley View County Park provides hiking trails, a disc golf course, and an amphitheater with summer concerts. The Amtrak Altoona station, just outside the neighborhood, connects residents to New York City and Pittsburgh, though it is more suited for occasional trips than daily commutes. Public transit is accessible via Amtran bus stops, and U.S. Interstate 99 is about 3 miles away. The neighborhood is served by the Altoona Area School District.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Center City a good place to live?
Center City is a good place to live. Center City is considered fairly walkable and bikeable. Center City has 3 parks for recreational activities. It has a median age of 39. The average household income is $46,498 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 9.1% of residents. A majority of residents in Center City are renters, with 59% of residents renting and 41% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Center City can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Center City neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Center City?
The median home price in Center City is $761,303. If you put a 20% down payment of $152,300 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.72%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $3,940 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $169K a year to afford the median home price in Center City. The average household income in Center City is $46K.
What are the best public schools in Center City?
The best public schools that serve Center City are:
What are the best private schools in Center City?
The best private schools that serve Center City are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Center City, Altoona, PA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Center City, Altoona, PA?
Home Trends in Center City, PA
On average, homes in Center City, Altoona sell after 65 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Center City, Altoona over the last 12 months is $732,303, up 133% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$732,303
Median Single Family Sale Price
$732,303
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$221
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
3
Median List Price
$761,303
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
133%