Once industrial, Bellwood now offers small-town calm
Bellwood rests in Logan Valley, at the base of the Allegheny Plateau. Although early settlers came to the area in the 1780s, the community’s biggest population boom took place in the mid-1800s, following the arrival of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Industries and homes developed along the tracks, and by the late 1800s, an additional line through Bell’s Gap enabled trains to haul goods over the Allegheny Mountains. A few tracks remain today, but most industrial activity has shifted to nearby Altoona . The community now offers a relatively calm, small-town setting on the outskirts of larger cities.
“When I started in real estate, Hollidaysburg had a big appeal for buyers, but now Bellwood is in high demand — homes tend to sell quickly,” says Wally Rossi, a sales associate with Coldwell Banker Town & Country, who was born and raised in the area. “It’s located between Altoona and State College , so we sometimes get families where one spouse works in Altoona, and one works in State College — Bellwood is convenient for both of them.”
Bellwood’s railroad worker homes and newer developments
Bellwood’s housing options reflect its origins. “Because it developed as a railroad town, workers needed places to live, and there were a lot of two-and-a-half-story houses built fairly close together,” Rossi says. Near the town center, these Craftsman and American Foursquare residences line the wide, gridded streets. Newer developments introduced ranch-style homes as Bellwood expanded to accommodate a growing population. Many area streets have sidewalks, and while there are some private driveways, on-street parking is common as well. Home prices generally range between $120,000 and $280,000.
Some parts of the community fall within designated flood zones, and lenders may require flood insurance. The area's CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
Exploring Bell’s Gap, the community park and nearby attractions
Residents have access to several recreation areas, with more in the works. Youth sports often take place at the Bellwood-Antis Community Park, which features ball fields, a playground, basketball courts and a seasonal pool. The borough and township are also converting former industrial land into a biking and walking path called the First Frontier Valley Trail. The first phase has been completed, with a path beside Main Street, through the community park and across Bells Gap Run. Future phases are slated to connect with regional trail systems.
Just west of the borough, the Bell’s Gap Rail Trail follows the old railroad route through Bell’s Gap. Its relatively moderate grade makes it popular for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. State Game Lands 108 and 158 meet the trail at the top of the Allegheny Plateau, and both are open to hunting.
During warmer months, many locals visit DelGrosso's Park & Laguna Splash, an amusement park in neighboring Tipton . The Sinking Valley Country Club, located about 7 miles east, offers an 18-hole golf course that is open to the public.
A student-run website documents Bellwood-Antis school news
Lewis M. Myers Elementary School gets a B rating from Niche. Bellwood-Antis Middle School and Bellwood-Antis High School both hold B-minus ratings. High schoolers can contribute to the BA BluePrint, a news website that documents district updates, student achievements and athletic results.
Small businesses in town, big-box shopping in Altoona
Bellwood has a handful of dining options, including Houser’s Subs, a long-standing takeout spot. Cosmic Charlie's Coffee House serves specialty drinks and sandwiches, while the recently opened Main Street Grille is a popular spot for ice cream and family dinners. Locals can shop at Bellwood Hometown Market, a small regional grocery chain. “There are lots of little convenience stores in town, and you’ve got access to all the big shopping in Altoona,” Rossi says.
Parades along Main Street and events at the Excelsior Fire Department
Community gatherings are held throughout the year, and holidays are often marked with parades down Main Street. Each fall, the Excelsior Fire Department hosts a large craft festival, and during Lent, a fish fry. The winter holiday season begins with the annual tree-lighting ceremony, complete with carolers and a visit from Santa.
Interstate 99 connects Bellwood to nearby cities and services
Amtran buses provide limited transit throughout Blair County. Interstate 99 runs along Bellwood's eastern edge, connecting drivers with State College, about 40 miles northeast, and Altoona, less than 10 miles south. Altoona-Blair County Airport, roughly 30 miles away, offers direct service to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. For broader flight options, locals can drive about 120 miles to Pittsburgh International Airport. There are also two hospitals within a 10-mile drive — UPMC Altoona and Penn Highlands Tyrone.
While Bellwood is distanced from the noise of nearby interstate travel, freight trains are a regular presence in town. Passing trains create some noise in the community, but bridges separate railroads from streets, allowing uninterrupted movement for both cars and trains. “They roll right through — they’re not stopping to blow their horns at intersections,” Rossi says.
