Access to Johnstown and outdoor recreation in Geistown
Peaceful residential lanes border wooded groves, outdoor recreation areas and a small business district in Geistown, Pennsylvania. Only minutes from downtown Johnstown, the borough lies among the rolling hills of the Allegheny Mountains, with spacious lots and mountain views providing an almost rural atmosphere. The community dates back to the late 1800s, with some original, century-old businesses still going strong. “It is a compact, primarily residential community,” says Richard Truscello, the Geistown borough manager and zoning officer. “You have a diverse array of homes with the affordability that comes with living in the Johnstown area. A lot of people that live here are part of families that have been in the area for generations, so neighbors know one another and you have that close-knit feel.”
Mid-20th century homes with spacious lots
The streets of Geistown are lined with Cape Cods, ranch-style homes, bungalows and Colonial Revivals, most of which were built between the 1920s and 1950s. Residents can enjoy spacious lots, with most homes sitting on properties of at least a quarter acre. Paved driveways and detached garages are common. “You get some regular turnover on the market here, usually one or two homes sell every week,” says Truscello. “Homes get snatched up pretty fast once they are listed.” Fixer-uppers in need of some TLC range from $70,000 to $100,000, while move-in-ready homes can go for $100,000 to $400,000.
Dual enrollment and extracurriculars at Richland High School
Most of the area’s kindergarten through sixth graders attend Richland Elementary School, which earns an A-minus grade from Niche. The B-plus-rated Richland High School serves seventh through 12th graders and offers a wide variety of clubs and extracurriculars, from mock trial and forensics to the skiing and creative writing clubs. High schoolers can take dual enrollment courses through the Accelerated College Education program at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College.
Long-standing businesses and casual eateries in Geistown
Bedford Street and Scalp Avenue serve as the borough’s main business corridors, with local eateries and long-standing businesses throughout the area. The Orchard has been in business since 1913 and is a popular watering hole serving wings, pizza and pub fare. The Corner Coffee Shop is a go-to for brunch and dinner, with dishes ranging from country fried steak to barbecue sandwiches. For Italian fare, Anthony’s Restaurant serves handmade pasta and brick oven pizza. The Geistown Shopping Center has a handful of restaurants, a candy store and an Ideal Market for groceries and household essentials. For more shopping and dining, downtown Johnstown is about 5 miles away.
Wooded hiking areas and a nearby sportsmen club
Just north of town, the 137-acre Highland Regional Park has wooded walking trails, covered picnic areas, athletic facilities and a BMX and mountain biking course. The Lorain/Stonycreek hiking area has 12 miles of trails ideal for hiking and mountain biking. The nine-hole Richland Greens Golf Center is open to the public, with verdant, well-maintained greens, a driving range and a pro shop. With the surrounding woodlands and the nearby Stonycreek River, Geistown is a popular spot for anglers and hunters. The Daisytown Sportsmen Club has a rifle range and trap shooting. A short drive southeast of the community, Gallitzin State Forest has thousands of acres for hiking, hunting and fishing.
CamTran bus routes and access to Pittsburgh and Altoona
CamTran operates over 20 bus routes across Cambria County, with Route 17 providing service from Geistown to downtown Johnstown and other nearby communities. State Route 56 and U.S. Route 219 are close by for regional travel. Altoona is roughly 45 miles away, while Pittsburgh is 70 miles west.
Written By
Jillian Pillow
