Franklin Neighborhood Overview
Neighborhood Overview
Franklin is a historic, primarily residential neighborhood located in the southwestern quadrant of Altoona, Pennsylvania. Bordered roughly by 5th Avenue to the north, 14th Street to the east, and the steep slopes of the Allegheny Mountains to the south and west, Franklin is characterized by its quiet, tree-lined streets and a strong sense of community. The neighborhood's layout and housing stock reflect its development during Altoona's late 19th and early 20th-century boom as a major railroad hub for the Pennsylvania Railroad. This legacy is woven into the fabric of the area, with many residents having multi-generational ties to the region.
Franklin offers a distinct blend of accessibility and seclusion. While it feels removed from the busier commercial corridors, it remains just minutes from downtown Altoona and the sprawling UPMC Altoona medical campus. The neighborhood's topography, with its hills and valleys, provides scenic views and a sense of privacy, contributing to its enduring appeal as a stable, family-oriented enclave within the city limits. Its identity is less defined by commercial activity and more by its cohesive residential character and proximity to significant community assets.
Housing & Real Estate
The housing stock in Franklin is predominantly composed of classic American vernacular styles, including sturdy brick and frame single-family homes, many dating from the early 1900s to the mid-20th century. You will find a mix of Cape Cods, American Foursquares, and bungalows, often featuring generous lot sizes, mature landscaping, and architectural details like covered front porches. The neighborhood also contains a smaller inventory of well-maintained duplexes and some larger, stately homes on its perimeter streets, reflecting the economic diversity of its original railroad-era residents.
Franklin is overwhelmingly an owner-occupied neighborhood, with a homeownership rate significantly above the city average. This high rate of ownership contributes to the area's stability and pride of place. Price points are generally considered moderate for the Altoona market, typically ranging from the low $100,000s for a compact, updated home to the mid-$200,000s for larger properties with more square footage and modern renovations. Recent trends show a steady, reliable market where well-presented homes attract strong interest from buyers seeking value, space, and an established neighborhood feel close to city amenities.
Lifestyle & Amenities
Franklin is a neighborhood where daily life centers around the home and community. While not a highly walkable commercial district, residents enjoy quick, convenient drives to major retail and dining hubs along Plank Road and in the Logan Town Centre. The neighborhood's primary commercial corridor lies along 8th Avenue, featuring essential local businesses, convenience stores, and beloved eateries like the iconic Coney Island Lunch, a fixture since 1933. Proximity to the downtown Altoona area provides access to the Mishler Theatre, the Altoona Curve baseball stadium (PNC Field), and the Railroaders Memorial Museum.
Key lifestyle amenities include the expansive and highly popular Altoona Area Public Library on 58th Street, which serves as a community hub. For outdoor recreation, residents have easy access to the nearby Highland Park, which offers walking paths, sports facilities, and a pool. The neighborhood's quiet streets themselves are ideal for walking and cycling. Public transit is provided by the Altoona Metro Transit (AMTRAN) bus system, with routes connecting Franklin to the wider city, though the automobile remains the primary mode of transportation for most households.
Schools & Education
Franklin is served by the Altoona Area School District (AASD), a large district offering comprehensive K-12 education. Students in the neighborhood typically attend elementary schools such as Washington-Jefferson or Pleasant Valley, which feed into Keith Junior High School and finally Altoona Area High School. The high school is a major regional facility offering a wide array of academic tracks, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and extensive extracurricular and athletic programs, known as the Altoona Mountain Lions.
For families seeking private educational options, several are located within a short commute. These include the Altoona Area Catholic School system (St. Mary's and St. John's) and the Beacon School, a private Christian academy. The neighborhood's proximity to the main campus of the Pennsylvania State University (Penn State Altoona) also provides unique opportunities for enrichment, dual enrollment programs for high school students, and contributes to the area's educational ecosystem. The consistent presence of long-term residents often reflects satisfaction with the local public school offerings.
Community & Demographics
Franklin is characterized by a stable, predominantly white demographic profile that mirrors much of the broader Blair County region. The neighborhood has a slightly higher median age than the national average, reflecting both aging-in-place residents and young families attracted by the area's affordability and traditional setting. It is a community with deep roots; it is common to find multiple generations of families living in the area or returning to raise their own children, fostering a strong, interwoven social fabric and neighborly accountability.
The community character is one of quiet pride, resilience, and practicality. Residents are often employed in healthcare (thanks to UPMC Altoona), education, local government, retail, and light industry. The neighborhood hosts little through-traffic, creating a safe environment for children and a strong sense of territoriality among residents. Community engagement is often channeled through local churches, school-related activities, and neighborhood watch initiatives rather than formal neighborhood associations, emphasizing an organic, word-of-mouth connection among neighbors.
Real Estate Market Insights
For real estate professionals, Franklin represents a cornerstone of stability in the Altoona market. Its high owner-occupancy rate translates to lower turnover than some areas, but it consistently attracts a reliable pool of buyers: first-time homeowners, young families, and downsizers seeking single-level living in bungalows or ranches. The neighborhood's investment potential lies in its steady demand and the opportunity for value-add renovations. Well-maintained or updated properties move efficiently, while fixer-uppers appeal to investors and owner-occupants looking to build sweat equity in a solid location.
Current market dynamics favor sellers in the lower to mid-price tiers due to persistent demand for affordable, move-in ready homes. However, the market remains price-sensitive, requiring accurate comparative market analysis. For buyers, Franklin offers a compelling value proposition—more home and land for the money compared to newer subdivisions, within established city infrastructure. This neighborhood matters to real estate professionals because it is a bellwether for the traditional Altoona family market; its performance underscores the enduring demand for classic, no-frills housing in safe,
Top Real Estate Agents in Franklin, Altoona
10 agents met the full merit gate for Franklin, Altoona, PA, selected from over 70,000 licensed Pennsylvania professionals.
Contact
Phone: (916) 666-6788
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.portfoliore.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Portfolio%20RealEstate
Why selected: Selected for her dedicated community service and mentorship, alongside exceptional performance. Her two decades of experience and recognition by RealTrends further demonstrate her proven expertise.
Community & Leadership
volunteer at Local community service initiatives[6]
mentor at Real estate professional development programs[6]
Notable Achievements
24 years in real estate
24 Years Experience
585 client reviews
585 Five-Star Reviews
5-star rating maintained
24 Years Real Estate Experience
RealTrends Recognition
Verified Specialties
Property Management, residential, buying, selling, residential sales, luxury properties, investment opportunities, buyer representation, seller advocacy, luxury homes, lakefront properties, commercial, new construction, multi-unit properties[4]
Cities Served
Elk Grove
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (916) 694-3542
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.hprehomes.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/HPTeam
Why selected: Selected for their dedicated community leadership as a Board Member and strong performance with a 5.0 rating across 200+ transactions. Their consistent excellence and local engagement set them apart.
Verified Specialties
Commercial Properties, Property Management[4]
Cities Served
Elk Grove
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (209) 676-1819
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.mercedagent.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Alifonso%20Mendoza
Why selected: Selected for his deep community roots as a lifelong resident and his recognition in the NAHREP Top 250 Agent Report. He combines this local commitment with a from and specialized certifications (SFR, CDPE) in complex transactions.
Community & Leadership
lifelong resident at Local community[6]
Notable Achievements
16 Years Real Estate Experience
15+ years of real estate experience
NAR Short Sales and Foreclosures Resource Certified
Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
4.9 Star Client Rating
4.9-Star Client Rating
134 five-star reviews
NAHREP Top 250 Agent
4.9-Star Rating
Verified Specialties
Property Management, Investment Properties, buyers, resale homes, short sales, REO properties, distressed properties, Resale homes, Short sales, Distressed properties, Buyer representation, Technology-enhanced services, commercial real estate, residential sales[4]
Cities Served
Merced
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (209) 724-3107
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.soldavi.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/armandodiaz1
Why selected: Selected for his active involvement in local community initiatives and support of neighborhood development. This is paired with a from and of trusted expertise.
Community & Leadership
community supporter at Local community[6]
Notable Achievements
High Customer Satisfaction Rating
Strong Client Rating
20-Year Real Estate Career
Over 1,300 Career Transactions
20+ Years Real Estate Experience
116 Client Reviews
Exceptional Client Rating
20 Years of Service
Long-term Real Estate Professional
High Client Satisfaction Rating
Founded Soldavi Realty
4.8-Star Rating
Verified Specialties
Foreclosure, Property Management, New Construction, buyers, sellers, market knowledge, client communication, residential sales, market analysis, client consultation, buyer representation, seller representation, residential transactions, client service, negotiation, residential real estate, relationship building[4]
Cities Served
Merced
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (916) 613-4900
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.thesuperiorrealty.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/annachihuang
Why selected: Selected for her significant community leadership as a resource for real estate investors and her team's quantifiable excellence, and over $174 million in sales volume.
Notable Achievements
#1 Small Team in California by Transaction Sides
266 Homes Sold in 2021
243 Homes Sold in 2020
$174+ Million in Sales Volume
#7 Medium Size Team by Transaction Sides
#47 Medium Size Team by Sales Volume
#69 Small Team in California by Sales Volume
#7 Medium Size Team by Transaction Sides Nationally
RealTrends Recognition
eXp Realty Icon Agent
Verified Specialties
Relocation, First Time Homebuyers, Investment Properties, Rentals, Luxury Homes, New Construction, Investment properties, Residential sales, First-time buyers, Market analysis, Property management referrals, Contractor connections, real estate investing, buyers, sellers, multilingual service, Greater Sacramento Area, first-time buyers, investment properties, Real estate investing, Chinese-speaking clients, real estate investors, buying, selling, property management, contractor referrals[4]
Cities Served
Elk Grove
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (916) 821-9807
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.topsacramentoagent.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Arsalon%20Badri
Why selected: Selected for sustained community leadership and market excellence, with career, highlighted by a and consistent industry-wide recognition. His strong professional foundation includes a UC Berkeley degree and prior experience as a top-performing Morgan Stanley financial ad..
Community & Leadership
<UNKNOWN> at <UNKNOWN>[6]
Notable Achievements
California Real Estate Broker License
5-Star Rating
Real Estate Experience Since 2003
California Real Estate License
Perfect 5-Star Rating
UC Berkeley Graduate
5-star rating across 70 reviews
Top Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley
5-Star Rating Record
Multi-Platform Recognition
Verified Specialties
Relocation, buying, selling, financial advisory background, portfolio management, Residential Real Estate, Investment Properties, Financial Advisory Background, Financial advising background, Client portfolio management, Buying and selling guidance, Financial advisory background, Investment properties, Residential transactions, Portfolio growth strategies, Financial background, Portfolio management experience, Buying process guidance, Selling process guidance[4]
Cities Served
Elk Grove
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (209) 354-3857
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.mercedrealestate.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/mercedrealtor
Why selected: Aaron Fabian Vega is also a dedicated community leader. His professional expertise ensures informed, strategic guidance for every client.
Community & Leadership
Board Member at Stanislaus County Association of Realtors[6]
Committee Member at Local Chamber of Commerce[6]
Volunteer at Local Housing Charity[6]
Mentor at Real Estate Brokerage[6]
Notable Achievements
17 Years Active Practice
5-Star Client Rating
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Property Management, local market expert, buyer representation, seller representation[4]
Cities Served
Merced
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (916) 601-6719
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.fullersellshomes.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/SoldbyFULLER
Why selected: Selected for his significant community involvement, Bart James Fuller combines a and extensive transaction experience in Elk Grove. His professional expertise spans residential, investment, and relocation services.
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Vacation / Short-term Rentals, Investment Properties, Rentals[4]
Cities Served
Elk Grove
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (916) 801-1963
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.tomsells.net/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/TomLichtenberg
Why selected: Selected for her career of community leadership and deep local engagement. She maintains a, demonstrating consistent excellence in complex residential and investment transactions.
Notable Achievements
24+ Years Real Estate Experience
5-Star Client Rating
Verified Specialties
Investment Properties, home sales, short sales, investment properties, HUD properties, bank owned homes, distressed assets, government-owned real estate, foreclosure properties, distressed properties[4]
Cities Served
Elk Grove
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (209) 938-8140
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.barbmontalbo.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Barbmontalbo
Why selected: Selected for and consistent Top Producer awards. Her decades of client-focused experience since 1988 ensure skilled negotiation and exceptional results.
Notable Achievements
CVAR Master's Club Award
Verified Specialties
Senior Communities, customer service[4]
Cities Served
Elk Grove
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).