Altoona blends small-city convenience with surprising character — affordable housing and short-term rentals, a walkable downtown of cafes, breweries and restaurants, plenty of nearby hiking and river trails, plus unique railroad history (Horseshoe Curve) and minor-league sports to keep weeks interesting rather than monotonous.
For weekend variety, State College (home to Penn State, college-town dining, bars and events) is about 40–45 miles north and Johnstown (arts, riverfront trails and seasonal festivals) about 30–35 miles away, both easy drives.