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Downtown Johnstown Historic District

Downtown Johnstown Historic District

$87,284 Average Value
$326 Average Price per Sq Ft
0 Homes For Sale

Historic district with modern energy

Downtown Johnstown is where history meets progress. The district is known for its rich architectural heritage, with many buildings dating back to the early 20th century, but it’s also experiencing a resurgence. "It’s historic, of course, but it’s also really up-and-coming," says Fran Pletcher, Owner at Keller Williams Exclusive Realty Johnstown and a lifelong resident. "Johnstown is ever-growing, up-and-coming, and historic all in one—it offers so much, and the area is just really beautiful," says Pletcher. The area benefits from various incentives, such as residential housing grants and first-time home buyer programs, which are encouraging both commercial and residential growth. The blend of historic charm and modern development makes the Downtown Johnstown Historic District a unique place to live, work, and explore.

Victorians and other traditional styles

The Downtown Johnstown Historic District offers a variety of housing options, including Victorian homes, Colonial Revival residences, and top-floor penthouses - the latter of which offers scenic views of the entire city. These homes are often priced between $70,000 to $200,000, depending on the style and level of restoration. Victorian homes typically fall on the higher end of this range due to their ornate details and larger size. The district’s focus on revitalization includes incentives such as first-time homebuyer programs and residential housing grants. "There’s just so much to offer, and that’s just from the real estate point of view," says Pletcher. Residents and prospective residents should be aware that the area's proximity to the Little Conemaugh River makes flood risk a consistent concern - something proven by Johnstown's history.

Victorian homes can be found on the edges of Downtown Johnstown.
Victorian homes can be found on the edges of Downtown Johnstown.
Colonial revival buildings are being renovated in Downtown Johnstown.
Colonial revival buildings are being renovated in Downtown Johnstown.
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Johnstown schools earn good grades across the board

Students can begin at Johnstown Elementary, which earns a B from Niche. They can then move on to Johnstown Middle School, also rated B, before finishing up at fellow B-rated Johnstown High School. The high school is known for its strong vocational programs, particularly in fields like automotive technology and health sciences.

The Johnstown Inclined Plane connects residents with local history

The Inclined Plane, a historic landmark that was once used to help evacuate citizens in the event of a flood and one of the steepest funicular inclines in the world, is nearing the completion of its renovations and continues to be a major attraction. The Cambria County War Memorial Arena Offering more history and context for the Inclined Plane and the area over, the Johnstown Flood Museum For those looking for a unique outdoor experience, Coal Tubin' on the Stonycreek River provides a fun and relaxing way to float down the Little Conemaugh River.

The Johnstown Flood Museum is located in Downtown Johnstown and should be on your visit list.
The Johnstown Flood Museum is located in Downtown Johnstown and should be on your visit list.
Coal Tubin' is a seasonal recreational spot a few minutes south of Downtown Johnstown.
Coal Tubin' is a seasonal recreational spot a few minutes south of Downtown Johnstown.
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Unique local eateries with history of their own

The Main Street and Central Park area is the heart of Downtown Johnstown, offering a variety of amenities such as the public library, medical facilities, and businesses like United Way. The district is also home to numerous eateries and coffee shops, making it a vibrant place to spend time. "The area is filled with quaint coffee shops, a brewery, pubs, and businesses," notes Pletcher. Popular dining spots include Balance Restaurant for modern American cuisine, Scott’s by Dam for riverside dining, and The Sweet Spot for ice cream. The beloved Coney Island Lunch remains a local favorite for its famous hot dogs. For groceries, locals have access to Weis Market and Shop N' Save. Retail options include vintage treasures at Crown Antique Mall and everything a music lover could want at Flood City Music.

Balance Restaurant is the place to stop and relax with friends in Downtown Johnstown.
Balance Restaurant is the place to stop and relax with friends in Downtown Johnstown.
Scott's by Dam is a fantastic eatery located near the 1st Summit Arena in Downtown Johnstown.
Scott's by Dam is a fantastic eatery located near the 1st Summit Arena in Downtown Johnstown.
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Richland, Ebensburg and more within reach

Downtown Johnstown is well-connected by both highways and public transit thanks to direct access to Route 56 and Route 403. Both allow residents to reach the district, making it easy to reach neighboring areas like Richland and Ebensburg. For those commuting or traveling longer distances, U.S. Route 219 is conveniently nearby, offering a connection to major interstates. Public transportation is available through CamTran, which operates bus routes throughout the region, including stops in the downtown area. Additionally, the Johnstown Amtrak station offers rail services to cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, while the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport provides flights to larger hubs.

Vision Together 2025 and community initiatives

Central to the district’s revitalization is Vision Together 2025, a community-driven initiative focused on fostering a vibrant local economy, sustaining natural landscapes, and strengthening community bonds through inclusive governance. "Vision 2025 is a new community-based initiative centered around three core ideas: a vibrant local economy, life-sustaining landscapes, and a strong sense of community—all guided by an inclusive, good governance model," explains Pletcher. The initiative has brought new energy to the area, encouraging participation in community events like the popular "Music in the Park" series and regular farmers markets. The Johnstown Paper Company is another organization devoted to combating blight in Johnstown, with an emphasis on replacing abandoned or derelict buildings with green spaces.

Gerald Withers
Written By
Gerald Withers
Chris Mantz
Photography Contributed By
Chris Mantz
Drew Webster
Video By
Drew Webster

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Schools

Source:
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 Dan Waterhouse, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Arnold Palmer Regional

54 min drive

Bus

Ideal Market Walnut

Bus

Franklin St & Lincoln St Inbound

Bus

Conemaugh Hospital Downtown

Bus

Johnstown Public Library

Bus

Washington St & Johns St Outbound

Bus

Locust St & Walnut St Outbound

Bus

Transit Center

Downtown Johnstown Historic District Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$760,629
Median Sale Price
$684,588
Median Single Family Sale Price
$684,588
Median Change From 1st List Price
10%
Last 12 months Home Sales
2
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-1%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$326

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
12
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Median Year Built
2001
Months of Supply
0.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,451
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,367
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
871

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Dan Waterhouse, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
1,210
Median Age
60
Population under 18
6.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
39.6%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$12,874
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$17,833

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
77.1%
College Graduates
10.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.4%
% Population in Labor Force
18.5%
Significantly below the national average
65.1%

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

59 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

82 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown Johnstown Historic District