Apollo

Kiskiminetas Township is a community set in rural Western Pennsylvania. “It’s for people who want to be out in the country, who don’t want the hassle of the city and just want a quiet life away from the rat race,” says Kathleen MacKinnon, a Realtor with Realty One Group Landmark who has lived in the area for almost 20 years. And the demographics of those attracted to Kiskiminetas might surprise. “We get a lot of young people buying out here because they don’t want to be in the city either.” The township, which is roughly 35 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, has a wide range of reasonably priced house options, many of which are situated on large or roomy lots in a less than 5,000-person population spanning more than 40 square miles. “There are a variety of housing styles,” says MacKinnon. Those styles include ranch-style homes, contemporary custom homes, Cape Cods and traditional split levels are among the homes that dot the rural landscape. The architectural diversity is especially apparent along Pennsylvania Route 56, also known as 1st Street, which bisects the community. Several homes are located on the quiet streets just off PA-56. Housing prices fall between $70,000 and $1.3 million. Denise Lewandowski of Howard Hanna, who has sold properties in the area for 20 years, says residents value the peaceful, quiet settings. The community’s CaP Index crime score is 1 out of 10, the lowest possible. Kids in the community can attend kindergarten through 12th grade at three schools on one campus: Apollo-Ridge Elementary, Apollo-Ridge Middle and Apollo-Ridge High. The elementary school’s Niche grade is C-plus, while the middle school has a C. Apollo-Ridge High has a B-minus. There are also three colleges and universities near the community, including Westmoreland - New Kensington. With convenient access to the Kiskiminetas River, also called the Kiski River in the area, locals have plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities. “It runs through a lot of nearby state parks, and there are always people launching their canoes and kayaks,” says MacKinnon. “Access to water is always a big deal.” Situated alongside the Allegheny River, the Roaring Run Trail is a well-liked destination for hikers and mountain bikers on the western edge of the community. There are two golf courses in Kiskiminetas as well. The Links at Spring Church is a public 18-hole golf course that is next to a driving range and Brennan's Pub. An 18-hole course is the best perk of being a member of the upscale Apollo Elks Country Club. Athletic fields, including the home diamond of Apollo Kiski Little League, are located in the adjoining borough of Apollo. A vintage amusement park called VALarena Sk8Land has been a mainstay of the area for almost 70 years, and it is located in North Apollo. There are lots of dining options along PA-56. Well-known throughout the community and highly regarded for its bar food is the Cool Water Saloon. The Edgewood Winery, locally owned, serves as a neighborhood gathering place. Although weekly quizzes, line dancing and painting workshops are among the various programs, concerts are the main attraction. It is also possible to hire out the winery for private events like weddings. Comfort cuisine classics are served at the well-liked breakfast establishment Dob-Bros Country Kitchen. Approximately 4 miles distant in Leechburg, the Hyde Park Plaza shopping area is anchored by a Giant Eagle, while Naser Foods is the closest grocery store, situated immediately west of the town. The township and its surroundings are home to several Dollar Stores that offer easy shopping options.