3/2 c.1939 Pennsylvania Home W/ Fireplace and 2-Car Garage $75K

CITY OF JOHNSTOWN’S 19TH WARD…this well-maintained 3 bedroom home includes many of the features you have been looking for in your next residence and more. The cozy sunroom with an abundance of natural light; the inviting dining room that is perfect for sharing casual meals or more formal dinners with your guests; and the home chef’s dream kitchen with ample wood cabinets, butcherblock counters, and appliances. Upstairs you will find an updated full bath and 3 bedrooms – one which has access to the 2nd floor covered deck. Lots of storage in the walk up attic. The basement includes laundry area, half bath, and additional storage. Gas hot water heat, 100 amp electrical, and radon system. Covered front porch, patio, 2-car garage with auto opener and concrete drive, fenced corner lot, and so much more. This must see home won’t last long so call today for all the details, to receive your tour packet, and to schedule your personal tour!

The Pros

• Ultra-Low Real Estate Prices: Johnstown regularly ranks as one of the cheapest housing markets in the entire nation. Median home values sit around $50,000–$65,000 in the city proper, making it a high-cash-flow market for investors or an exceptionally cheap entry point for first-time buyers.

• Proximity to Outdoor Recreation: Nestled in the Laurel Highlands, Johnstown offers immediate access to world-class hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and fishing along the Stonycreek and Conemaugh Rivers. Ski resorts like Blue Knob and Seven Springs are roughly 45 minutes away.

   

• Rich Historic Landmarks: The city boasts incredible vintage architecture, the iconic Johnstown Inclined Plane(a funicular railway built after the 1889 flood), and downtown historic sites like the Point Stadium, home to the AAABA National Tournament.

• Higher Education & Healthcare Anchors: The area is stabilized somewhat by the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown (UPJ), Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, and Conemaugh Health System, which serve as major regional employers and educational hubs.

   

• Low Commute Times & Pittsburgh Proximity: Average local commute times are just 16 minutes. Pittsburgh is only about an hour and fifteen minutes away via US-22, making weekend trips to the city straightforward.

   

The Cons

• Post-Industrial Economic Decline: Following the collapse of the steel industry and manufacturing, Johnstown has suffered decades of population loss and low median household incomes. Finding high-paying jobs locally outside of healthcare or education can be tough.

• Blight and Urban Decay: The low home prices reflect significant deferred maintenance. Many neighborhoods feature vacant lots, abandoned properties, and homes requiring massive capital expenditures to bring up to code.

• Flood Risk and Geography: Because the city sits at the confluence of several rivers in a narrow valley, certain lower-lying sections (like the downtown basin) carry persistent flood risks and elevated insurance considerations, though surrounding elevated townships (e.g., Westmont, Richland) are high and dry.

• Neighborhood Safety Disparities: Crime rates in the city core are higher than state averages, particularly for property crime and drug-related offenses. Living quality varies drastically between the valley floor neighborhoods and the suburban townships.

• High Property Tax Rates relative to Value: Local municipal and school district tax rates can be surprisingly high relative to the underlying property values, which can eat into investor cash flow if not factored into calculations early.