Information About Retirement and Senior Living in Huntingdon County
As more retirees move to Huntingdon County, there will be an increasing need for business to support this growing population. Some statistics to consider:
11% of the population of Huntingdon is over the age of 75. (a)
Retirees choose their retirement destination based on "home prices, taxes, and cost of living indexes." Homes in Huntingdon County are still very affordable with ranges from $60,000 - $140,000 for the average home. Property taxes are still very reasonable compared to urban areas as well.
Retirees want close-knit communities that are well protected. The crime rate in Huntingdon County is very low and due to the friendliness of the community, people who live here generally get to know their neighbors. A State Police barracks is located in Huntingdon and the other parts of the county are protected by local law enforcement officials.
Modern Maturity Magazine uses five categories to rate retirement areas:
- green and clean
- college towns
- big cities
- small towns
- quirly
Statistics indicate that seniors are interested in the ARTS. Huntingdon has numerous art and cultural centers housed at Juniata College -- with a new Performing Arts Center and a quality art museum -- and though the Huntingdon County Historical Society, Huntingdon County Library and Swigart or Isett Museums. The county has a wonderful local theatre called McConnelstown Playhouse and the Raystown Visitors Center hosts free concerts and events during the summer. In addition, plays, exhibits and speakers programs are constantly available in Altoona and State College, both about 30 minutes from Huntingdon.
Proximity to a college is generally important to retirees. Juniata College offers individuals the opportunity to monitor classes and attend numerous sporting and cultural events.
Healthcare is of great concern to seniors. J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital is located in Huntingdon and has four satellite centers. The hospital is constanting upgrading and expanding to meet the healthcare needs of local residents. Located next to the hospital is the Huntingdon Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. In additon, J.C. Blair has access to Life Flight helicopters for transportation to Hershey Medical Center, Harrisburg, or larger hospitals in Altoona or State College.
Air quality is also important to seniors since many suffer from respiratory problems. Huntingdon County is among Pennyslvania's least populated areas and air quality is rated very high.
Access to air transport is often a factor for retirees who like to travel. While Huntingdon County does not have an airport, jet service to major hubs like Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Pittsburgh is available in Martinsburg and State College.
Access to recreational activites is something that seniors desire. Huntingdon County is the home to Raystown Lake, the largest inland lake in Pennsylvania at 28-miles long with two public marinas. Pontoon, house, fishing and recreational boating are popular here, along with jet skiing, canoeing and kyaking (www.raystown.org). The area surrounding the lake is owned by the Army Corp of Engineers who have restricted building on the lake to only a few sites. This has allowed the development of hiking, biking and cross-county ski trails that enjoy pristine forest venues, lake vistas and unspoiled terrain.
In addition, there are many other hiking and biking trails in the area, two ski resorts within a one hour drive and a minor-league baseball team in Altoona called The Altoona Curve. Penn State offers inside ice skating and a recreation center open to visitors, along with many activities that involve the community. The Issett Community Pool in downtown Huntingdon is open in the summer, and the Huntingdon middle-school pool is open to the public on a fixed schedule.
For retirees who enjoy outdoor sports, some of the best fly fishing streams in the East can be found along the Juniata River, Spring Creek and Spruce Creek. And, all types of hunting is popular here, including small game, pheasant, bear and deer hunting. Volunteer opportunities are available with numerous organizations including United Way, J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital, Huntingdon Historical Society and all local schools and libraries. There are many bridge clubs throughout the region, several Red Hat Society clubs, the Huntingdon Garden Club and the Standing Stone Art League. The best source of local clubs and organizations is by contacting the local chamber of commerce.
Senior Centers offer a variety of services. They are available in Huntingdon Cuonty in the towns of Alexandria, Orbisonis, Huntingdon, Mout Union, Shade Gap and Three Springs.
Sources
(a) Huntingdon County Comprehensive Plan 2002