Historic railroads and industry shaped Duncansville’s growth
The borough of Duncansville rests near the base of the Allegheny Front. In the early 1800s, railroads were laid through the area, allowing trains to haul boats from the Hollidaysburg Canal Basin over the mountains. Homes and businesses grew up along the tracks, and a small community developed. Later, larger industries — like the original Slinky manufacturing plant — cropped up along the outskirts as well. Today, there are still a few nearby factories, and Duncansville’s proximity to major travel routes and the larger cities of Hollidaysburg and Altoona also makes it a convenient bedroom community.
Duncansville has a mix of historical homes and newer options
A mix of homes from the 1800s and early 1900s rest along the gridded streets to the west of Interstate 99. Styles include American Foursquares and Colonial Revivals, as well as some bungalows. On-street parking is relatively common, but some residents have parking spaces along the rear alleys. Midcentury ranch-style houses are more prevalent in the northern section of the community. Home prices tend to range between $90,000 and $290,000.
East of I-99 is Independence Place, a 55-plus neighborhood with manufactured homes built between the late 1900s and early 2000s. These generally sell for $40,000 to $70,000, with monthly HOA fees around $700. Some parts of Duncansville are prone to flooding, and lenders may require flood insurance.
Hollidaysburg schools and proximity to Penn State Altoona
Duncansville is served by the Hollidaysburg Area School District, which holds an overall B-plus rating from Niche. Foot of Ten Elementary School and Hollidaysburg Area Junior High also earn B-plus ratings. Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School gets a B, and it offers a variety of extracurricular sports, including golf, swimming and wrestling. Some students continue their learning at Penn State Altoona, a private, four-year college about 10 miles away.
Nearby recreation includes hiking areas and the Slinky Action Zone
Duncansville Memorial Park is the borough’s primary recreation space, and it features picnic pavilions, a playground and baseball fields. “There are a lot of woods around, so many people go out four-wheeling or hiking,” says Brian Witt, a Realtor with Perry Wellington Realty who has lived in the region his entire life. Some hikers head up to the overlook at Chimney Rocks Park in southern Hollidaysburg. The 6 to 10 Trail begins a few miles west, and this multiuse path traces the former route of the Allegheny Portage Railroad. Other nearby attractions include the Slinky Action Zone, located to the east of Interstate 99. It offers a family-friendly space with arcade games, laser tag and an indoor playground, as well as a small Sugar Run Brewing Company tap room with duckpin bowling lanes.
I-99 divides downtown’s small businesses from larger ones
Duncansville’s downtown area has a modest variety of locally owned businesses, including Twisted Tales, a used bookstore, and The Duncansville Antiques Co-op. Witt says that Coffee on 3rd is a popular local meetup spot. The more modern, commercial district is just east of I-99, with a Martin’s grocery store and several restaurants. Witt recommends Sugar Run Brewing Company, a craft brewery that also serves upscale pub fare and cocktails. The Meadows Original Frozen Custard, which originally opened in 1950, is a beloved dessert spot. Many locals also venture into neighboring Hollidaysburg to explore its historic downtown shopping district, and the Logan Towne Center in Altoona is home to big-box chains.
Community festivals and regular bingo nights bring locals together
The Duncansville Community Center hosts regular bingo nights and occasional comedy shows to raise money for the fire department. One of the borough’s most well-attended events is the annual Duncansville Community Days, a weekend gathering with live music, pony rides and a large yard sale. The Pawpaw Festival, which launched in 2024, celebrates the native fruit with tree sales and tastings.
Cyclists, pedestrians and drivers share roads through Duncansville
U.S. Route 22 runs through Duncansville, and cyclists often share the road as part of the September 11th National Memorial Trail. Sidewalks line some of the way, providing pedestrian access to some of the borough’s antique stores, restaurants and churches, but Witt says that most of the larger businesses are not as walkable.
Interstate 99 crosses over Duncansville, and the closest on-ramp is a few miles away. Hollidaysburg is about 3 miles east, and Altoona is less than 10 miles north. Amtran buses stop in front of Martin’s, connecting riders with both larger cities. Emergency care is available at UPMC Altoona, a Level III trauma center. The Altoona-Blair County Airport, less than 15 miles southeast, offers commercial service to and from Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
