Altoona, PA Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Altoona, PA: What You Need to Know

Altoona, Pennsylvania, is a major railroad city. Its proximity to the Horseshoe Curve route over the Allegheny Mountains made it critical to Pennsylvania Railroad operations for more than a century.

The Local History

There are different theories as to how Altoona got its name. Most likely it came from the Cherokee word Allatoona, meaning “high lands of great worth.” The Pennsylvania Railroad, chartered by the state in 1846, created a community that would grow into Altoona as the base for the construction of the rail line. By 1850, the railroad was ready from Harrisburg west to Altoona. By 1925, it was a major railroad town with 14,000 of the 17,000 workers in the area employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad.

Tourist Attractions

The Railroaders Memorial Museum showcases the history of the industry in the region with the use of dioramas and artifacts. It also features several historic railcars. To actually view trains going around a railroad track with a 220-degree arc on a mountainside, visit Horseshoe Curve, which leads trains across the Allegheny Mountains. At the visitors’ center, ride the funicular or take the staircase up the mountainside to reach the viewing area. 

Things to Do in Altoona

Altoona (population: 43,364) offers an inexpensive small-town lifestyle with a cost of living that’s 3.8% lower than the national average. Likewise, food and housing costs are 22.4% and 43.6% lower than the national average. Altoona’s median gross rent (median rent plus estimated cost of utilities) is $685. Pennsylvania collects a flat income tax rate of 3.07%, the lowest among all the states with a flat tax. Its statewide sales tax rate is 6%, but two counties charge an additional sales tax.

Know Your Neighborhoods

The city’s Historic District neighborhood offers scenic vantage points overlooking downtown. Housing options include single-family homes, duplexes, and apartment buildings. Altoona residents praise their city’s affordability and small-town friendliness. In the suburbs, Tyrone and Hollidaysburg are good choices for their proximity to Altoona and their highly ranked schools. Tyrone gets kudos for its welcoming environment and walkable layout. Hollidaysburg is a quiet town with picturesque views of hills. A big percentage of Tyrone’s residents rent; almost half of all residents in Hollidaysburg are renters.

Getting Around in Altoona

The Altoona Metro Transit (AMTRAN) provides bus and paratransit services in Altoona, Hollidaysburg, and select communities in Blair County, Pennsylvania. Amtrak train services the city for destinations outside of the state. The Altoona-Blair County Airport is the closest airport, with easy connections to hundreds of cities via Pittsburgh International airport and Baltimore International Airport.