A Love Letter to Johnstown: 10 Reasons We Love "Flood City"
Johnstown, PA, may be known as "Flood City," but to those of us who live, work, and raise families here, it’s so much more. It’s a town full of resilience, charm, and community spirit. In honor of the season of love, here’s a heartfelt tribute to the place we call home.... 10 reasons we absolutely adore Johnstown.
1.A Community That Cares
From neighbors lending a helping hand to local organizations rallying for a cause, Johnstown is a town where people truly want the best for their community. Whether it’s raising funds for a family in need or simply shoveling an elderly neighbor’s sidewalk, kindness thrives here.
2. Rich History and Resilience
Johnstown’s past is one of hardship and strength, but I don't know about you... but I'm sick of the mentality of it being all we are. The infamous floods of 1889, 1936, and 1977 tested the town’s spirit, but each time, Johnstown rebuilt itself with unwavering determination. We've been proving that resilience with every obstacle we've faced since those devastating times.
3.Breathtaking Scenery
Nestled in the Laurel Highlands, Johnstown boasts stunning natural beauty. Whether it's the vibrant autumn leaves on Luzerne Street, peaceful rivers, or the breathtaking views from the top of the Inclined Plane, there’s no shortage of picture-perfect landscapes to admire.
4.The Johnstown Inclined Plane
Speaking of the Inclined Plane, this engineering marvel is more than just a tourist attraction. It’s a symbol of our city’s innovation and strength. Plus, the ride to the top offers one of the best views in Pennsylvania!
5. An Appreciation for the Arts
Johnstown is home to a thriving arts community. From the Johnstown Concert Ballet and Johnstown Symphony Orchestra to local art classes, galleries and live music events, creativity is alive and well in our town.
6. A Hub for Festivals and Events
There’s always something happening in Johnstown! The annual Flood City Music Festival, Folk & Arts Fest, Ethnic Fest, PolkaFest... (the list goes on and on), we've got an incredible array of events that bring people together and showcase the town’s lively spirit.
7. Delicious Local Eats
From the comforting pierogies at St. Mary’s and the famous Coney Island hot dog to the fine dining experiences at Laurel & Grouse, Asiago's and more, Johnstown is home to some seriously good food. Local diners, family-run bakeries, and hidden gems keep our taste buds happy.
8. A Sports Town Through and Through
Whether you're cheering for the Tomahawks at 1st Summit Arena, supporting local high school teams, or playing in community leagues, Johnstown has a deep love for sports. We even have a claim to fame with the cult-classic hockey movie Slap Shot filmed right here!
9.Family-Friendly Fun
Raising a family in Johnstown means access to parks, playgrounds, and family-friendly activities. The Children's Museum at the Heritage Discovery Center, The Cambria County Library, ACRP Play Center & Splash Park, Roxbury Park, and fun seasonal events like the Bunny Hop, Trunk or Treat, the Christmas Village downtown make it a great place for kids to grow up.
10.The People Who Make It Home
At the heart of it all, Johnstown is special because of the people. Whether you've lived here your whole life, just moved in, or just moved back (like me) there's a sense of belonging that makes this town feel like home.
Johnstown, we love you... your history, your people, your traditions, and your future. Through ups and downs, you continue to shine, and we wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. 💙
