Altoona, Pennsylvania

I lived in Altoona for a couple of years, and overall, it’s a fairly boring town with limited culture and diversity. The food options are simple, and there aren’t many culture-based activities or education opportunities for Black residents. Schools aren’t very diverse, and there are very few Black-owned businesses or Black workers in the area. Many people move here because it’s more affordable than larger cities, but the police often don’t take their jobs seriously. There are also safety concerns, including racist biker gangs, and nearby towns are predominantly white. Overall, I would not recommend Altoona for Black families or anyone looking to raise kids with access to cultural education and community.