Brick c.1900 Four Bedroom Pennsylvania Home With Gorgeous Original Details Under $90K

This was the rented home of Jesse Crawford Dietrick (1873-1959) and Mary Jane Auker Dietrick (1874- 1966) from about 1915 to 1928. Jesse was foreman of a railroad cars company. The couple raised their children here, JOhn and Elsa (aka Elsie).

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Pros

1. Affordability / Lower cost of living

   • The cost‐of‐living index for Tyrone is about 88, meaning it’s roughly 12% cheaper than the U.S. average.

   • Median household income is around $55,568 (2023 data) which suggests modest incomes but reasonable housing costs.

   • Median property (home) value is about $122,000 (2023) which is much lower than many areas.

   • Example: The housing market median sale price ~ $139K, with homes selling fairly quickly. 
     Altogether, cost‐conscious buyers or renters could find Tyrone attractive.

2. Small-town feel & community character

   • With a population around ~5,400 people in the borough (2023)  you’ll encounter a smaller community — easier to know your neighbors, potentially quieter life.

   • There are local efforts to reinvigorate downtown Tyrone: e.g., business openings, renovated storefronts, good accessibility to nearby larger hubs.

   • Low crime relative to many places: The overall crime rate was estimated ~ 1,763.6 per 100K which is about 24 % below the national average.
     These elements combine to make Tyrone appealing if you prefer a more laid-back, small-town lifestyle.

3. Reasonably good location / access

   • The local downtown and business district is saying that people who work in nearby hubs (such as State College, Pennsylvania and Altoona, Pennsylvania) are relocating into Tyrone to take advantage of housing value and commuting possibilities.

   • Average commute time is about 22.7 minutes in the borough. 
     For some, this means you can enjoy lower cost living while being within reach of larger employment or education centers.

4. Recreational & natural resources

   • The borough’s comprehensive plan mentions multiple parks and recreational areas.

   • For people who like nature, outdoor activities, smaller communities, Tyrone offers more of that than big cities might.
     These are good if you value access to green spaces, less traffic, quieter living.

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Cons

1. Economic & income challenges

   • While the median income is modest, it is below many regional and national averages: For example, per capita income ~$28,951 (2023).

   • Employment has shown some decline: Data show employment in Tyrone in 2023 at ~2,727, down about 5.6% year-on-year.

   • Unemployment rate and income per capita are worse than national averages according to some sources. 
     So if you’re looking for high‐paying jobs or rapid growth, Tyrone may be more limited.

2. Smaller size, fewer amenities

   • As a smaller borough, there will necessarily be fewer of the big‐city amenities: major shopping centers, large corporate job hubs, high-end dining, large entertainment venues may be missing or a drive away.

   • The population has shown slight decline: e.g., the Census QuickFacts shows estimated population change from 2020 to July 2024 of –2.9%. 
     Thus, if you’re used to or expecting the wide array of services found in larger metro areas, you may find Tyrone somewhat limited.

3. Workforce & demographic limitations

   • The racial/ethnic diversity is quite low: White (Non-Hispanic) ~95.6%.

   • Homeownership rate is ~56.9% which is lower than some national norms, meaning there is a fair share of renters.

   • Some sources suggest small towns like Tyrone may face “brain drain” (young people moving away) or slower growth. For instance, one site lists “Declining Population Growth” as a con.
     If you’re seeking a dynamic, diverse, rapidly‐growing environment, this may be a drawback.

4. Commute & transit / location tradeoffs

   • While the commute time is moderate, if your job is outside the region you may have to travel or drive further. Also, public transit options may be limited compared to a metro area.

   • Some amenities may be less accessible; for example, specialized medical facilities, major airports, etc might require longer travel.
     If you need frequent access to big-city infrastructure, this might matter.

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