Nestled in the last valley before the rolling Pennsylvania Alleghenies turn into the Allegheny Plateau, Altoona is the largest city between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg.

Altoona is a significant transportation center, being on the main railroad line coming east from Pittsburgh. I-99, one of the nation's newest interstate highways, goes through the City and will be soon connected to State College, Altoona's neighbor and a major educational center of the state. Altoona itself hosts one of Penn State University's major branch campuses, with nearly 4,000 students in attendance yearly.

With a population of nearly 50,000 residents, Altoona is known for its hilly terrain, many stores and restaurants, the Altoona Curve minor league baseball franchise, the Tour de Toona bicycle race, and the Horseshoe Curve, a historic landmark just west of the City.

Founded in 1849 as a base of operations for the Pennsylvania Railroad, Altoona quickly grew to become a major industrial city. By the early 20^th century, the Railroad's Altoona Works complex employed, at its peak, approximately 15,000 people. Altoona was a target of Nazi saboteurs in World War II due to its key role in the transportation industry. Since World War II, the extent of the railroad operations has diminished but still employs hundreds of workers. Altoona's economy has diversified in the last twenty years as it has become a major retail center of the region.

Today, Altoona is experiencing growth in the technological sector and has continued to be a big player in the transportation industry. The City's neighboring townships and boroughs are home to many outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, swimming, boating, skiing, hunting and fishing. Altoona boasts a diverse array of cultural and entertainment options, including professional baseball, a symphony orchestra, a classic theatre, movies and festivals.