Landscape shapes life in Allegheny
In the Allegheny Township of west-central Pennsylvania, topography has played a significant role in shaping the community. In the relatively flat southeastern section of Allegheny, the landscape has fostered suburban development. Heading west, the land begins to slope steeply upward along the Allegheny Front, where “it gets pretty rural,” says Brian Witt, a Realtor with Perry Wellington Realty who has lived in the region his entire life. “It’s a little harder to find a spot you can build on.”
Allegheny offers acres of forested public land, and history lovers can visit notable railroad landmarks. While there are some businesses in the township, Hollidaysburg and Altoona are just a few minutes away, so residents also have access to major employers, walkable downtown areas and medical care.
Hiking and hunting to the west, movies and golf to the east
While Allegheny’s rugged hillsides may prove challenging for developers, they are a draw for many outdoor enthusiasts. State Game Lands No. 198 spans more than 8,000 acres in the western portion of the community, providing opportunities for game hunting and exploring. Other nearby attractions include the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site, with trails leading past historic railroad sites, and Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark, a popular site for railfans and history buffs. AMC Altoona 12 screens first-run movies, and the 18-hole course at Park Hills Golf & Grille is open to the public. The Slinky Action Zone in neighboring Duncansville offers a family-friendly indoor play space.
Allegheny has a mix of rural properties and planned developments
The township's mix of housing provides options for a wide range of budgets. At the lower end are manufactured homes, which typically sell from $20,000 to $80,000, with some owners paying around $500 in monthly site fees. Townhouses range from around $90,000 to $170,000, and condos may go from $190,000 to $200,000.
The majority of single-family home sales fall between $100,000 and $400,000. Some residences sit on rural, multiacre properties, and there are several planned neighborhoods, including the Maple Hollow subdivision, where Cape Cods and ranch-style houses dot rolling hills. Prices tend to be higher in the Fox Hollow development, which features post-2000 New Traditional-style builds on spacious lots. “It has a lot of really nice houses, and they’re close to amenities like the movie theater and Sam’s Club,” Witt says. Sales in Fox Hollow range from around $490,000 to $800,000.
A choice of private schools or Hollidaysburg public schools
Foot of Ten Elementary School and Hollidaysburg Area Junior High School both earn B-plus ratings from Niche. The B-rated Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School offers more than 20 college-level courses in partnership with Mount Aloysius and Juniata colleges. Nearby private options include Blair County Christian School, which serves preschool through 12th grade and gets a B rating from Niche.
Plank Road’s big-box retail or boutique shopping in Hollidaysburg
Allegheny has a few locally owned cafes and restaurants, including Wilson's Fish Bowl Inn, which serves homemade chili and Philly cheesesteaks. The community’s main shopping destination lies along Plank Road at the township’s eastern tip, where there are shopping centers packed with big-box retail and chain restaurants. Walmart Supercenter offers a full grocery selection, and there are Martin’s grocery stores in Duncansville and Altoona as well. For weekend outings, some people head into Hollidaysburg’s historic downtown to browse boutiques and antique stores or brunch on the patio of Allegheny Creamery & Crepes.
Highways connect Allegheny to jobs and medical care
Amtran buses make stops in the Plank Road shopping centers, but the township is largely car dependent. U.S. Route 22 and Interstate 99 connect drivers to Hollidaysburg, less than 10 miles east, and Altoona, which is about 20 miles from the most remote parts of Allegheny. Altoona is home to several large employers, including the Juniata Locomotive Shop, Penn State Altoona and UPMC Altoona, a Level III trauma center. The Altoona-Blair County Airport, about 15 miles away, offers direct flights to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. While parts of the community are fairly quiet, other areas are closer to highways and railroad tracks, which can be disruptive for homeowners.
