Mansion Park — Neighborhood Profile & Real Estate Analysis (2026)

Quick summary

Mansion Park is one of Altoona’s most recognizable residential neighborhoods — named for the historic Baker Mansion and anchored by Mansion Park Stadium and several mature, tree-lined streets with larger lots and period architecture. The neighborhood sits northeast of Altoona’s downtown core and is frequently cited as a higher-priced pocket relative to many other Altoona neighborhoods. Recent neighborhood-level market snapshots report median sale prices well above the city median, reflecting larger homes and lots.

Market & 10-year trend (high-level)

Over the last decade the Altoona metro area has shown modest appreciation overall. Mansion Park, as a smaller, more premium micro-market, has exhibited stronger median values and higher per-square-foot numbers than the city average. Public market pages report Mansion Park median sale prices in the mid-to-high hundreds (neighborhood snapshots vary by timeframe — Redfin listed a median sale of about $238,000 with sale $/sq ft reported around $83/ft² in recent market snapshots). By comparison, the broader Altoona median has been around $125k–$140k in recent years. These differences reflect Mansion Park’s larger home sizes, lot premiums, and limited inventory.

What that means for buyers and investors

• Buyers pay a premium in Mansion Park for lot size, architectural character, and proximity to local schools and athletic facilities.
• Inventory in Mansion Park is typically low; sellers who list here often see longer listing histories but higher absolute prices per sale.
• Investors should consider longer holding horizons: Mansion Park properties are less likely to flip rapidly but hold value steadily in a small-market context.

Price conversions — metric view

Many U.S. feeds use $/ft². For metric display convert by 1 ft² = 0.092903 m² (multiply $/ft² by 10.7639 to get $/m²). Using the reported neighborhood figure:

Neighborhood character & amenities

Mansion Park presents a mix of architectural styles—many early 20th-century homes, some later infill, and civic/athletic anchors. Important local features:

1. Mansion Park Stadium — major athletic complex used by the Altoona Area School District and community events; a local landmark that increases neighborhood activity and visibility.
2. Baker Mansion & parkland — historical properties and green space that give the area identity and pleasant public spaces.
3. Proximity to downtown — an easy drive to central Altoona services while keeping a quieter, residential feel.

Schools, services & transport

Mansion Park sits within the Altoona Area School District boundaries — families often value proximity to the stadium, school facilities, and community sports programs. The neighborhood’s street layout and lot sizes support walkable blocks in places, though most residents still rely on cars for commuting and errands. Interstate access (US-22 / I-99 corridors) is reachable within a short drive, which helps buyers commuting regionally.

Safety & risk factors

Altoona’s crime profile is elevated relative to statewide averages in some categories; however, Mansion Park is typically perceived as one of the safer, more established pockets of the city. City-level indices show higher violent- and property-crime rates in parts of Altoona, so block-level checks are essential. Additionally, parts of the Mansion Park area lie near Mill Run and low-lying sections where localized flooding was noted in neighborhood guides, so buyers should always review FEMA flood maps and local stormwater management history for specific parcels.

Deep analytics — inventory, days on market, and price dynamics

Neighborhoods like Mansion Park have limited active inventory compared with the broader city. Typical analytics observations from neighborhood feeds:

• Inventory: small absolute number of active listings at any time (often single-digit listings), so sampling noise is high and median moves can be large from month to month.
• Days on market: longer DOM due to larger homes and higher price points; use multi-year averages for accuracy.
• Price volatility: because Mansion Park is a thin market, one higher-priced sale can pull medians upward; rolling 12-month medians smooth volatility.

Comparable neighborhoods & relative value

If you’re comparing options inside Altoona, Mansion Park typically ranks above Highland Park, Logantown / Fairview, and Center City on median price and lot size. Use the following quick compare table to orient yourself:

Buying & renovation considerations

Mansion Park homes are often older and may need targeted renovations. Consider these points:

1. Historic elements: preserve architectural features where possible — these can raise resale value in this micro-market.
2. Systems & roofs: expect typical replacements for heating, electrical upgrades, or roof work on early-20th-century homes; get thorough inspections.
3. Lot & drainage: due to local topography and Mill Run proximity, confirm drainage improvements and any flood mitigation history for the lot.

Investment checklist

Short checklist for investors considering Mansion Park properties:

• Verify historic district or conservation restrictions before planning exterior changes.
• Use rolling 12-month median $/sq ft to estimate realistic ARV (after-repair value).
• Account for longer marketing time if positioning the property at premium price points.