Hollidaysburg’s community has city convenience and railroad roots
About 8 miles south of Altoona, Hollidaysburg is a busy borough along the Juniata River. In the 1830s, the area’s river canal and access to the railroad created major industrial and commercial development. Since then, residents have enjoyed the borough’s many job opportunities and city conveniences.
Hollidaysburg serves as the county seat of Blair County and has historic residential streets surrounding its areas of commerce. Train tracks, highways and walking trails all follow the river in the south. “It’s a nice area that’s conveniently located to get places. You don’t have to cross mountains to get to any highways,” says Alexis Thompson, a real estate agent with Lake & Country Real Estate, who has about 15 years of experience.
A wide selection of single-family homes spanning centuries
Most homes in Hollidaysburg are found along gridded residential streets and have grassy lawns with trees. “The opportunity for housing is there, so you don’t have to settle for something,” Thompson says. “You can find a rental, a smaller home, an older home, an investment property… There’s something for you in all stages of life.” Traditional two-story homes built between the 1850s and 1920s are common in the borough’s historic district. Some are Victorian-inspired, with simple exteriors and bay windows, while others are American foursquares with porches. Stick-style homes with steep roofs and overhangs above the porch and windows are also popular. Prices range from $100,000 to $270,000. Minimal traditional single-story homes from the 1920s to 1960s have a similar cost.
Farther out from the downtown area are ranch-style homes and split levels from the 1950s to 1970s. These properties go for $150,000 to $380,000. Additional options include multistory townhouses from the 2000s and manufactured homes, though these are not often for sale. Nearly half of residents are renters, while the other half own their homes.
Shops and restaurants downtown and along Plank Road
The downtown area is part of the Hollidaysburg Historic District, with local businesses housed in its 19th-century buildings. “Downtown is cute and quaint. The walkability is really nice, and there are parks nearby. The town is filled with little shops and restaurants,” Thompson says. Everything from clothing stores to specialty stores and gift shops are lined along Allegheny Street. Luigetta’s of Hollidaysburg is a casual sandwich shop, and Mayfield is an American bistro located at The Capitol Hotel. Hometown Market is a grocery store on Church Street.
Plank Road’s commercial corridor on the borough’s western side has fast-food eateries like McDonald’s and Dairy Queen. About 3 miles northwest is Plank Road Commons, a shopping center with Walmart Supercenter and Sam’s Club.
Staying active in parks and on trails
Legion Park is a popular green space in the borough. Its Kid’s Kingdom Play Park is a wooden structure with slides and tunnels, and the Discovery Garden is wheelchair-accessible and promotes outdoor education. The Time Garden is one of several themed gardens and has a 25-foot sundial. Sylvan Hills Golf Club is located north of the borough and has a public 9-hole golf course.
Following the train tracks along the Juniata River, Rails to Trails of Central Pennsylvania is a multiuse trail network spanning Hollidaysburg to Huntingdon. Hiking, biking and horseback riding are allowed, and access to the river encourages fishing and kayaking. Additionally, Chimney Rocks Park is located south of the tracks and has multiple hiking trails leading to natural limestone pillars on top of a ridge. “When you get to the top, you can see all of the valley below and downtown. It’s very pretty,” Thompson says. Live music performances are held in the park’s open field.
Public schools in Hollidaysburg within walking distance of each other
The borough is served by the Hollidaysburg Area School District. Charles W. Longer Elementary School and Hollidaysburg Area Junior High both earn B-plus grades from Niche. From there, students can attend the B-rated Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School, which offers Advanced Placement courses and robust STEM programs. All three schools are within walking distance of each other and connected through the Tiger Paw Path walkway.
Traveling around Hollidaysburg by foot, bus or car
Hollidaysburg’s walking trails and sidewalks encourage a pedestrian-friendly community. When it comes to public transportation, the Altoona Metro Transit (Amtran) has two bus routes in the area, with stops along Allegheny Street and Montgomery Street. U.S. Highway 22 travels east and west, and Pennsylvania Route 36, known as Penn Street, heads north and south. PA 36 can be used to reach Altoona. Interstate 99 runs about 4 miles west of Hollidaysburg. The State College Regional Airport is roughly 48 miles away.
Keeping the borough’s railroad history alive
Hollidaysburg’s railroad ties are still around today, with the Everett Railroad Company’s depot offering recreational rides on remodeled steam engines. Some passenger excursions along the 23-mile track are themed for the holidays. The Santa Express is a popular event, where passengers enjoy cookies and hot chocolate while waiting for Santa to pass by.
