Why Live in Garfield
Garfield, a neighborhood in Altoona, features homes dating from the late-1800s and early-1900s with American Foursquare, traditional, and Colonial Revival styles, as well as newer homes from the mid-20th century. The older homes often have larger backyards and are closely spaced, while the newer homes on the western side offer more space and larger front and backyards. Garfield Park, located on the neighborhood's western edge, includes soccer and baseball fields and six pickleball courts, with the Blair County Pickleball Club offering free lessons. The Donald E. Witherspoon Memorial Basketball Court and the nearby Vet's Field Baseball Park provide additional recreational options. The Booker T. Washington Center hosts youth summer camps and coed volleyball leagues. Canoe Creek State Park, with its 12 miles of hiking trails and Canoe Creek Lake, is a short drive away for more outdoor activities. Downtown Altoona, just over a mile from Garfield, offers various dining options, including Tom & Joe's Restaurant and local breweries like Railroad City Brewing Company. Grocery stores such as Aldi and Weis are within a few miles. The Jaffa Shrine Center, south of Garfield, hosts community events, including concerts and an annual circus. Residents have access to Amtran buses for commuting, and the neighborhood is bordered by Route 36. UPMC Altoona hospital is 1.5 miles northeast, and Altoona-Blair County Airport is 20 miles southeast. The neighborhood is safer than the national average.
