$109,452Average Value$1,034Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
The old and new Altoona comes to life in Westmont
Before highways and semi-trucks began dominating the United States in the 1950s, the railroad transported goods throughout the country. Altoona was a hub for railroad operations in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and since the industry’s decline, the city has faced economic hardships. But many historic homes still stand in neighborhoods like Westmont, where the streetcar shuttled locals around, and the city celebrates its railroad history at the nearby Railroaders Memorial Museum. Plus, eager, young developers and investors are putting money into Altoona. “Altoona has some established roots,” says Brenden Goldizen, real estate investor with Goldizen Real Estate LLC, who lives in Blair County. “There’s a lot of refurbishing and polishing happening, but the city will not lose its charm.” Westmont offers residents access to all that’s happening downtown, the historic buildings and the local restaurants, for a slightly lower price point. It’s near some of Altoona’s most notable attractions, but it's not right in the thick of things.
Railroaders museum focuses on the history of railroad workers and railroad communities.
The Railroaders Museum is a historical walk through Altoona's History for everyone to see.
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Weekends in Westmont
Westmont is within walking distance of some of Altoona’s most well-known attractions. The Railroaders Memorial Museum pays tribute to the city’s history as a railroad hub, while the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art showcases nearly 8,000 displays of American art. Jaffa Shrine – or “The Jaffa,” as some locals call it – brings the circus to Altoona every year. A meeting place for Shriners, the venue is used for conventions, meetings and trade shows and puts on events throughout the year, like a summer concert series. The circa 1906 Beaux-Arts Historic Mishler Theatre brings the performing arts to the city, hosting the Altoona Community Theatre and the Altoona Symphony Orchestra.
A Brotherhood of Fun and Fellowship since 1903. The Jaffa Shrine is a temple.
Mishler Theatre, is preserving one of the remaining links to the area's cultural past.
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Historic homes in varying conditions
The neighborhood has a beautiful collection of historic homes built in the early 1900s. American Foursquares, Dutch Farmhouses, and bungalows line Westmont’s city streets. On Broad Avenue, large Victorian-style, Italianate and Colonial Revival properties are well-maintained, with expansive porches and turrets. This former streetcar suburb is known as the Broad Avenue Historic District, a collection of residences built from the late 1800s to the early 1900s that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. The Broad Avenue Presbyterian Church and the Broad Avenue United Methodist Church are also on this road. Not all houses, however, have been preserved. Condition is reflected in the price, which for homes that have fallen to disrepair, is typically under $100,000. “Altoona saw a dip when the railroad became less prominent,” Goldizen says. “A lot of money was pulled out of the economy and, with that, the people. They moved out of state and had typically paid off their homes and didn’t sell them. So, a lot of properties were left there to rot.” He notes that with that, however, comes opportunities for investors. “General contractors and investors are purchasing properties and giving them a full remodel, gutting everything,” Goldizen says. Potential homebuyers can find a property in Westmont for between $50,000 and $180,000, with most hovering around $122,000.
The Westmont community has some amazing homes with immaculate landscaping.
The Westmont community boast some of the nicest homes in all of Altoona, PA.
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A;'s Tavern has some of the best winds in town served by even better people.
Westmont’s dining and retail options
Auto parts shops, electrical facilities, building materials suppliers and other industrial units are scattered throughout Westmont. There are also a few small eateries in the neighborhood, like Original Italian Pizza. This modest corner pizzeria is popular for dine-in and take-out. On a corner a bit further east, Al’s Tavern is a hole-in-the-wall dive that’s open late. This low-lit bar serves American fare and tons of beer in bottles and on draft. Stone Cellar is a bit further down 8th Avenue and has marble floors, stone fireplaces and large columns inside. Opened in 2020, this is a popular restaurant for date nights or family dinners. A neighborhood Dollar General is useful for quick errands; however, locals will need to drive or take a bus to the nearest grocery store, Martin's, which is about 3 miles away in Logan. But there’s more to come for Altoona’s shopping and dining scene. “Everyone is really excited and appreciative of the work investors are doing throughout the city,” Goldizen says. In the former McCrory’s Department Store on nearby 11th Avenue, a modern mixed-use facility is being built. The lower level will house shops and restaurants, while the second and third levels will be apartments, providing more housing to downtown Altoona.
Iuzzolino Park, Garfield Park and indoor recreation
Iuzzolino Park is a small neighborhood outdoor space within walking distance of many homes in Westmont. With a playground, basketball court and picnic pavilion, this is a place where local kids hang out after school. Garfield Park is just outside the neighborhood and has a baseball field and pickleball courts. There are also a variety of indoor recreation opportunities in the neighborhood. SK814 Action Sports Park is where skateboarders and bikers practice their tricks. This indoor skate park sits in the basement of an old A&P warehouse and has an industrial vibe with concrete floors and exposed brick. Visitors can purchase daily, monthly or annual passes. There are two gyms in Westmont: Dorman’s Gym, which focuses on CrossFit, sports training and powerlifting and The Underground Gym, which is in the same building as SK814 Action Sports Park.
Iuzzolino Park has been totally renovated for the neighborhood to enjoy.
Garfield Park is a local favorite for the local sports teams to practice and play
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Altoona Area School District
Students are zoned for the Altoona Area School District. They can attend Pleasant Valley Elementary School, which receives a C from Niche, before Altoona Area Junior High School and Altoona Area High School, both of which earn C-plus grades. The high school has two buildings – Building A and Building B – connected by a glass pedestrian bridge. Building B houses the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center, a vocational school for high schoolers to learn various trades. The center also offers diploma programs for adults in areas such as welding, dental assistance and practical nursing.
Altoona Area High School serves 9-12th grade students for future success.
Altoona Area Junior High School is a public school located in Altoona, PA.
Pleasant Valley Elementary serves K-6th grade students and is part of Altoona School District.
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Getting around Westmont
With a gridded street pattern and sidewalks, Westmont is walkable. Amtran buses run throughout the neighborhood, and the Altoona Transportation Center, the hub for the city's Amtrak and Amtran services, is about a mile away. The entrance to U.S. Interstate 99, which travels throughout central Pennsylvania, is about 3 miles east. In case of emergency, UPMC Altoona is about a mile away. And when it’s time to fly, the Altoona-Blair County Airport is about 20 miles south.
The Altoona Transportation Center allows Westmont residents to catch the bus, or train on site.
Westmont residents can move easily throughout the city on Amtran buses that go everywhere.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Melinda Feaster,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Iuzzolino Park
Garfield Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Westmont
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Westmont Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Westmont, Altoona sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Westmont, Altoona over the last 12 months is $335,000.
Beautifully Remolded 2 Story Home with Finished Attic and Ample Parking!Step into this newly remodeled 3 bedroom, 2 bath home featuring a finished attic and enclosed front porch. Both are perfect for a home office or bonus living area. Attic can easily be used as a 4th bedroom. Lovely kitchen with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. There is a full bathroom on the 1st and
Crystal BerardiColdwell Banker Town & Country R.E.
Spacious and freshly painted, this charming 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in Altoona's sought-after Westmont neighborhood offers room to grow—with the potential for a 5th or 6th bedroom. Featuring over 1,800 square feet of living space, this detached two-story residence blends vintage character with thoughtful updates, including insulation, newer windows, and a finished attic. Enjoy ample off-street
Welcome to 2602 W Chestnut Avenue in Altoona — a completely renovated home that blends modern style with peace of mind. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home features a possible 4th bedroom in the spacious walk-up attic and a convenient first-floor laundry. Fully remodeled down to the studs with all permits and inspections completed, no detail was overlooked. Updates include a new roof, insulation,
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Melinda Feaster,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,968
Median Age
39
Population under 18
24%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$51,892
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$60,576
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
91.4%
College Graduates
14.4%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.9%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68.7%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
45/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
52/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
