Logantown / Fairview — Neighborhood Profile & Real Estate Analysis (2026)
Detailed overview of property trends, community lifestyle, safety, and infrastructure in the Logantown–Fairview area of Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Neighborhood introduction
The Logantown–Fairview district represents a broad residential zone in western Altoona. Once an industrially adjacent area serving the Pennsylvania Railroad network, it has evolved into a working- and middle-class neighborhood with affordable housing and convenient access to central Altoona and major highways.
The area combines two overlapping subdistricts — Logantown, which sits closer to downtown and industrial corridors, and Fairview, slightly farther west with quieter residential streets. Today, they function together as an accessible and budget-friendly neighborhood with potential for steady long-term growth.
Market performance (2016–2026)
Over the past decade, the Logantown–Fairview housing market has shown strong recovery and upward movement in pricing, especially after 2020 when Altoona’s broader real estate market began tightening. Between 2016 and 2026, the median home price has increased by approximately 45%, driven by affordability demand and small-scale renovations.
As of early 2026, the estimated median home price stands at $155,000, with an average sale price per square foot of $98 (around $1,054 per m²). Homes here generally sell faster than city average due to lower price points and strong investor activity.
| Market Indicator | 2026 Estimate | 10-Year Change | Commentary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $155,000 | +45% | Above-city growth; affordability-driven demand |
| Average $/ft² | $98 | +40% | Reflects small-home stock and investor renovations |
| Average $/m² | $1,054 | +40% | Converted metric equivalent |
| Days on Market | 27 days | -25% | High demand, quicker closings |
Housing composition & architecture
The Logantown–Fairview housing landscape consists mainly of older single-family homes built between 1910 and 1970. Architectural styles are modest but varied, ranging from classic Craftsman bungalows to small two-story colonials and duplexes.
- Average home size: 1,300–1,800 sq ft (120–165 m²)
- Lot size: 0.15–0.25 acres
- Home types: Single-family, duplexes, small multifamily
- New construction: Minimal, mostly renovations and conversions
Safety and livability
Safety in Logantown–Fairview has improved noticeably over the past decade thanks to community initiatives, better street lighting, and declining property crime rates. While crime levels remain slightly above those in Highland Park or Mansion Park, they are significantly better than older industrial corridors downtown.
- Crime index: Moderate, improving trend since 2018
- Community engagement: Active neighborhood watch and local associations
- Flood exposure: Some low-lying blocks near Mill Run require flood insurance checks
Infrastructure, access & amenities
The Logantown–Fairview district has excellent access to major transport arteries, including US-220 Business and I-99, as well as short travel times to Altoona’s downtown and Logan Valley Mall. Local infrastructure supports both residential living and light commercial uses.
| Category | Key Facilities | Proximity |
|---|---|---|
| Schools | Fairview Elementary, Altoona Area Junior High | Within 1.5 miles |
| Healthcare | UPMC Altoona, Central PA Family Medicine | ~2 miles |
| Parks | Garfield Park, Fairview Playground | Walking distance |
| Transit | Bus lines via Logan Blvd & Fairview Ave | Frequent weekday service |
Investment & rental opportunities
Logantown–Fairview has become one of Altoona’s most popular submarkets for investors. Its combination of affordability, proximity to downtown, and consistent rental demand make it ideal for both traditional and short-term rental strategies. Renovations, particularly cosmetic updates and energy-efficient upgrades, can yield excellent ROI.
- Average rent (2026): $1,100 / month (2–3 bed homes)
- Gross yield: 7–8%
- Vacancy rate: Below 5%
- Renovation ROI: 15–20% for light to moderate rehabs
Comparative context — within Altoona (2026)
Compared to other neighborhoods in Altoona, Logantown–Fairview occupies the “middle market” segment: more affordable than Highland Park or Mansion Park but offering better long-term potential than downtown’s entry-level zones.
| Neighborhood | Median Price | $ / m² | Market Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mansion Park | $238,000 | $893 / m² | Premium |
| Highland Park | $205,000 | $1,022 / m² | Upper-middle |
| Logantown / Fairview | $155,000 | $1,054 / m² | Mid-tier |
| Center City | $80,000 | $850 / m² | Entry-level |
Homebuyer notes
Buyers entering Logantown–Fairview should consider structural condition and update history when evaluating older homes. Many properties still have original electrical systems or older HVAC units.
- Inspect for foundation settling common in pre-1950 homes.
- Upgrade insulation and roofing for energy savings.
- Confirm flood zone classification before purchase.
- Seek local renovation grants (some available under Blair County programs).