Choose Johnstown!
Safety
Johnstown is consistently known as one of the safest places in the U.S. and in all of North America. According to David Savageau and Richard Boyer's 2005 almanac titled Places Rated Almanac: Your Guide to Finding the Best Places to Live in North America, Johnstown, Pennsylvania is ranked as number one out of 343 metropolitan areas, the city lowest in violent and property crimes.
Location
The Johnstown Metropolitan Statistical Area is strategically located within 500 miles of over 50% of the U.S. population (6 out of 10 major U.S. markets) and 60% of Canada's population. The city is located 70 miles east of Pittsburgh in the Allegheny Mountains/Laurel Highlands region.
Transportation
Johnstown is easily accessible by air, bus, train, or vehicle. U.S. Route 219, a modern scenic expressway connects the city to major interstates: US. 22, Route 422 and I-80 to the north; and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Route 56 and U.S. 30 to the south.
Industries
Today, the Johnstown Region is host to a variety of industries and according to the Greater Johnstown/Cambria County Chamber of Commerce the city is a national leader in technology. Johnstown has been ranked 45th in the nation for technology growth by the Milken Institute, is known as the 4th best city in the eastern US by Money Magazine and is the most affordable city in the nation by Forbes Magazine.
Events
Tourism brings nearly $170 million annually to the county as visitors attend festivals, heritage museums and historical attractions. The Thunder in the Valley® Motorcycle Rally, always held the fourth weekend in June, attracts over 200,000 motorcycle enthusiasts. Polka lovers attend the Friendly City PolkaFest in June while 150,000 food and entertainment seekers attend the annual AmeriServ FolkFest in September. Throughout the summer months there are numerous craft and arts festivals, races, jubilees, theatrical productions, and sporting events.
