Cambria and Blair Counties soar to the top with high scores in new livability study
Photo: Visit Johnstown PA
Cambria and Blair Counties are coming into their own and people are taking notice. According to this recent article published by The Tribune-Democrat, the region scores impressively high on the Quality of Life Index, ranking higher than destinations like Burlington, Vermont and Asheville, North Carolina.
The rating included a variety of factors, including economics, housing, demographics, education, and health care. (Not included in the factors: The love that locals have for this little slice of the Alleghenies, the family-friendly culture, and the overall warmth of the community that make both counties a perfect small-town home with big-city opportunities.)
We brought in a few local experts to get their reading on the findings.
Local experts chime in
Tasha Adams, Marketing and Outreach Specialist at JARI, said that the rankings don’t surprise her. “This region is an incredible place to live, work, play and raise a family. We have everything at our fingertips without the high costs (or traffic!) you might find in other areas,” she said.
Cambria and Blair Counties score impressively high on the Quality of Life Index, ranking higher than destinations like Burlington, Vermont and Asheville, North Carolina.
Adams mentioned that the last few years have brought a unified energy in the area, along with a clear focus on finding ways to enhance the community for all.
Linda Thomson, JARI President, agrees that the region is outstanding compared to the hustle and bustle of metropolitan areas. Their unique location makes Blair and Cambria counties an ideal destination for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Short commutes to work and plenty of local entertainment also enhance the area’s livability, not to mention the friendliness of the people who live in the region. “Cambria County is a special place,” said Thomson.
Photo: Visit Johnstown PA
Hiking, biking and life-long learning
Easy access to parks, rivers, lakes, and state forests makes Cambria and Blair Counties a destination for outdoor activities. The area boasts a wide array of recreational activities, from high-quality biking paths to stretches of river perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding. Stunning views wait at the end of beautiful hiking trails that wind through mountain passes, and local state parks accommodate boating and fishing on the weekend.
And when it comes to small cities with plenty of room to grow, Altoona ranks up there with the best of them for families seeking a safe place with an affordable cost of living and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Altoona is also home to the famous and historic Horseshoe Curve, DelGrosso’s Amusement Park & Laguna Splash Water Park and plenty of trails for hiking and biking.
Resources for business startups and expansions are abundant and business leadership is strong to work with public officials to bring resources and energy.
Education and schools in Altoona also rank high compared to other cities, with high graduation rates and generous teacher-to-student ratios. For those who wish to continue their education past high school, there’s the Penn State Altoona campus–a convenient choice for those who live in the area.
According to Adams, the region is also home to a plethora of other top-notch continuing education opportunities, from the Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center to the University of Pittsburgh’s satellite campus and the LearningPLUS Program where mature members of the community can pursue life-long learning free of charge.
Photo: AltoonaPA.gov
Find your small business niche
Not only is the region beautiful and brimming with outdoor activities, but it’s also a burgeoning place for entrepreneurs. The area is well-poised for business owners seeking to carve out their niche. “There are many opportunities here to start a business and JARI is always on hand to help with those plans, plus we are relatively close in proximity to bigger cities,” Adams said.
Cambria and Blair Counties also sport a number of quality support systems for startups and small businesses. “Resources for business startups and expansions are abundant and business leadership is strong to work with public officials to bring resources and energy to the county,” said Thompson.
Matt Fox, Startup Alleghenies Coach and Director of Business Expansion at Altoona Blair County Development Corp agrees. “Our area is not only safe, beautiful, filled with outdoor activities and a great place to raise a family, it’s also a prime area to start a business with the assurance that you’ll have plenty of support from both Startup Alleghenies and the community,” said Fox.
“People working together for the greater good”
Thomson appreciates the strong culture of community responsibility in the region. “There is a sense of community, and people here from all walks of life step up to support the betterment of the community,” she said.
Adams agrees. “I like how locally focused everything is here. Everything that happens here is to benefit the community and people work together for the greater good.”
Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.
