Western Pennsylvania
Johnstown, Pennsylvania
City
A river city defined by flood history and steel
Johnstown is a city in Cambria County about 60 miles east of Pittsburgh, set in a valley where the Conemaugh, Little Conemaugh and Stonycreek rivers meet. It is known for the 1889 and 1977 floods, its steel heritage and the Flood City Music Festival.
History & Local Character
Laid out in 1800, Johnstown grew with the Cambria Iron Works and the 1889 South Fork Dam failure that killed more than 2,200 people. Steel production continued until the 1980s.
Housing & Real Estate
Johnstown offers rowhouses and older singles at very low prices, with newer housing in surrounding townships.
Restaurants & Shopping
Downtown's Central Park area hosts cafes and restaurants, with a growing brewery and arts scene.
Schools & Education
Greater Johnstown School District serves the city, and the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown is nearby.
Parks & Recreation
Stackhouse Park, the Stonycreek River and nearby Prince Gallitzin State Park provide recreation.
Transportation & Accessibility
Route 56, Route 219 and US 30 serve Johnstown, with Amtrak's Pennsylvanian stopping at the historic station.
Local Businesses
Healthcare, small manufacturing and downtown retail make up the local economy.
No businesses are listed in Johnstown yet. Add your business to be the first.
Nearby Attractions
- Johnstown Flood National Memorial
- Johnstown Inclined Plane
- Stackhouse Park
- Heritage Discovery Center
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Very affordable housing
- Amtrak service
- Distinctive river-valley setting
- Rich history and cultural events
Considerations
- Flood risk along the rivers
- Population decline
- Limited retail
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the 1889 Johnstown Flood?
The South Fork Dam failed after heavy rain on May 31, 1889, sending a wall of water into Johnstown and killing more than 2,200 people.
Does Amtrak stop in Johnstown?
Yes. Amtrak's Pennsylvanian stops at Johnstown station on its route between Pittsburgh and New York.