Let the numbers do the talking.
Altoona, PA vs Scranton, PA
Altoona, PA vs Scranton, PA: What the data shows
Altoona, PA is in Altoona, PA while Scranton, PA is in Scranton, PA — both in the same state. On home prices, Scranton, PA is the more affordable option at $120,000 median — $14,700 less than Altoona, PA's $134,700. WYLT rates Altoona, PA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Scranton, PA as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Altoona, PA has the stronger safety profile of the two. Altoona, PA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Scranton, PA has Moderate violent crime and High property crime. On environmental risk, Altoona, PA has Low flood risk and Scranton, PA has Low flood risk.
Scranton, PA is the more walkable neighborhood. Altoona, PA scores 4/100 (car-dependent) versus Scranton, PA's 37/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Scranton, PA has the higher school rating — Altoona, PA rates 5.6/10 and Scranton, PA rates 6.2/10.
| Category | Altoona, PA | Scranton, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Think twice |
| Median Price | $135K | $120K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $797 ✓ Lower rent | $860 |
| Median Income | $55K ✓ Higher income | $35K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 4/100 | 37/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | 17/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | N/A |
| Commute | 90 min | N/A |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ ✓ Safer | F |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 5.6/10 | 6.2/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | Budget-conscious familiesFirst-time homebuyersRetirees seeking affordable living | low income rentersbudget familiesstudents |
Bottom line
If you're a budget-conscious family or retiree looking for an affordable place to live, either Altoona or Scranton might work. However, if you're a remote worker or family prioritizing walkability, public transit, and a more active urban feel, Altoona's 90-minute commute to Pittsburgh is worth considering over Scranton's limited public transit and sluggish economy. For budget-conscious renters, Scranton's proximity to Philadelphia and slightly better schools make it marginally more appealing.
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