Firstly why Johnstown, Pennsylvania?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Johnstown
• State: Pennsylvania
• Population: 19,125 people
• Johnstown’s quick summary would be In Johnstown, you’ve heard Great Flood stories countless times and likely ridden the Inclined Plane.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 3,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 4,000 annually
• Net Migration: -1000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 300
• Number of Homeless people: 200

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it known for its rich history and affordable housing attracting families

Perk #1: Johnstown Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 70%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Hispanic
• The median income is (and growing)  $45,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Johnstown is $49,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $4000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Johnstown’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 85 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,691
• Property Tax %: 2.12%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,000
• Rent for an average house: $1,500
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Johnstown
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Johnstown, Windber, Cambria-City, Conemaugh, and probably could include Ferndale
• Avg. Age of Homes in Johnstown: 92 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 0.9%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Johnstown’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Johnstown are  Manufacturing, Retail, and Healthcare
• Johnstown Job Scene: moderate job market focusing on manufacturing and services
• The General Tech Scene: modest tech community engaged in local businesses and manufacturing sectors , ,
• Johnstown Resident’s pay $600 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Johnstown: 6%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 50 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 3

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Johnstown

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $85 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-76 runs through Johnstown linking it to major cities
• Commute Time: 24 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy congestion on Route 56
• Transportation Score: 32 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Johnstown: 27,000
• Cars registered per Person: 1.4
• No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Johnstown: dot.state.pa.us
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 59 of 100
• Local Airport: Johnstown-Cambria County

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Johnstown’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Flooding
• General Weather in Johnstown is best described as features cold winters and warm humid summers with high annual rainfall
• Winter Weather in Johnstown i’d describe as cold with snow
• Spring Weather in Johnstown can be described as cool with rain possible
• Summer’s in Johnstown are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Johnstown is usually cool with sunny skies
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 3 days in summer
• Days in a row in Johnstown below Freezing: 22
• Average Annual Rainfall: 38 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality influenced by local emissions
• Johnstown Winter Air average air quality influenced by local industry

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Johnstown Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Johnstown 1
• While the number of trade schools inside Johnstowns’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Johnstown Area Regional Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Johnstown Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 11 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Johnstown only Doctors is about 30
• Local Hospitals here is  3
• Full-time Johnstown only Police Officers is about 100
• Crime Rate Index: 65/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Johnstown’s Monthly utility bill average is $85
• Johnstown’s Monthly Gym Membership: $40
• Johnstown’s Water Quality Score: 72

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Johnstown

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 5 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: city known for its history and cultural events
• You might enjoy local music events at the Johnstown Auditorium
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Johnstown  features local bars and restaurants appealing to families with engaging activities and entertainment options

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Johnstown

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features local diners and a variety of casual dining spots
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 20 scattered around Johnstown
• The Popular Sports Team is Johnstown Tomahawks
• Top Level Political Climate in Johnstown can be described as politically mixed area facing economic challenges and revitalization
• Johnstown’s Longer standing religious establishment is Johnstown First United Methodist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Johnstown Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Johnstown has 25 Parks?
• Johnstown Flood Museum Park is Johnstown’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Johnstown Farmers Market normally open Thursday 3pm-7pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, parks, and outdoor activities

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Johnstown Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Johnstown can be described as moderate pace with a focus on history and community
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Johnstown exploring parks attending fairs local sports activities
• The Cities people commute to from Johnstown are Corry 20 miles away Meadville 25 miles away Conneaut 33 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Johnstown or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy congestion on Route 56. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Johnstown’s Flooding risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Johnstown is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Johnstown are Corry 20 miles away Meadville 25 miles away Conneaut 33 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 65 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Johnstown has 22 days in a row below freezing and 3 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Johnstown people have an average (positive or negative) $4000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   200 homeless people living in Johnstown. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed area facing economic challenges and revitalization could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Johnstown.

Retiree & Senior Life in Johnstown

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might enjoy property tax relief providing financial support
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Atrium
• Johnstown Senior Center hosts various activities health workshops and community resources for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Johnstown, Pennsylvania?

If Johnstown, Pennsylvania ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Johnstown, Pennsylvania, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!