Avella preserves rich history and modern community life in rural southwestern PA
Avella is a former coal mining town in southwestern Pennsylvania that’s much closer to West Virginia’s northern panhandle than it is to the cities of Washington or Pittsburgh. Railroad tracks helped grow that strong multi-generational industry more than a century ago, though its old school coal town trappings are positively modern when compared to the Meadowcroft Rockshelter, among the oldest prehistoric human settlements in North America and an active archeological site that's just outside of town. Urban as it might be when compared to millennia-removed campsites or the rural townships that surround it to this day, Avella has long been packaged with the rolling farmland that it interrupts. “Avella’s smaller than you can imagine. But it’s more than the little village, it’s the surrounding area and school district too. There’re more cows than people,” says Doug Burig, an associate broker with Keller Williams who’s specialized in Washington County for more than 40 years. This far from commuter highways and commercial areas, Avella's own community events and recreation centers are gathering spots for neighbors that live far down country roads, showcasing the slower-paced lifestyle of another age.
A blend of century-old and more modern single-family homes
Residents of the village of Avella find century-old properties on small, urban and suburban lots that branch from Avella Road. Simple prewar styles like National homes carry the memory of the village’s coal town days into the modern age, but some developments farther from the main drag also introduced bi-levels and ranch-styles homes through the later 20th century. Prices typically range from around $50,000 to $300,000. Avella is small enough that listings rarely come on the market and tend to linger there for more days than the national average when they do.
Avella Area schools and career preparation
Avella Elementary Center serves kindergarten through sixth grade and earns a C-plus from Niche. Students finish up at Avella Area Jr./Sr. High School, which also earns a C-plus. The district’s oldest students can get a jump on career preparation by enrolling in dual enrollment classes through the Community College of Beaver County or through a half-day program at the Western Area Career and Technology Center.
Shopping and dining in Avella and Washington
Though it’s more densely populated than much of Independence Township, Avella remains a relatively sparse commercial area. Avella Road is home to more municipal buildings than stores and restaurants, but locals can still grab a bite there at Pizza Casa. Other larger restaurants like Breezy Heights Tavern & Restaurant operate a few miles from the village center. Some local farms can supply fresh vegetables, meat and honey within several miles of home, but for groceries beyond what’s available at the Sunoco gas station’s neighboring Uni-Mart, residents are driving about 15 miles away to Washington. The county seat’s walkable downtown is home to smaller businesses and restaurants, while satelliting strip mall developments offer big-box stores like Walmart and Lowe’s.
Independence Township, Washington County and privately operated recreation
The village of Avella houses many of Independence Township’s recreation centers, including the playground and pavilions at Independence Township Community Park. The Avella Area Public Library is inside the same old school building as the Independence Township Community Center. Larger public and private recreation areas are within a few miles’ drive. “They’re putting a lot of money into Cross Creek. That’s a Washington County park – it’s beautiful, a big draw in the area,” says Burig. “Then you’ve got Breezy Heights Tavern – it's a place where you can drive some golf balls and get a beer.” A new dock was installed at Cross Creek County Park in 2024 to better serve anglers who have long cast into the central lake. While it’s best known for its restaurant, Breezy Heights Tavern’s driving range, picturesque lakefront and rentable event spaces make it double as a private recreation hub alongside nearby golf courses, gun clubs and equestrian centers.
Rodeos and atlatl throwing at Avella area community events
Between the local houses of worship, schools and civic groups, Avella experiences no shortage of classic community events. Larger traditions like Little A Town Arena’s rodeo are held annually, while some churches and the volunteer fire department host more frequent fundraising dinners. Throughout the regular season, Meadowcroft Rockshelter draws visitors looking to marvel at the nearly 20,000-year-old archeological site that evidences the continent’s earliest human inhabitants. History gets a little more hands-on during special events like the Meadowcroft Atlatl Competition. Skilled marksmen compete to demonstrate their assisted spear-throwing prowess, but amateur atlatl throwers are also welcome to try their own arms. Residents can keep up to date on the next season’s events through The Declaration of Independence Township newsletter.
Taking Route 50 toward Pittsburgh and Washington County hubs
This pocket of Independence Township is defined by farmland and forests; outside of heading to a handful of nearby manufacturers and family farms, Avella's commuters often travel to reach major employers in Washington and Allegheny counties. State Route 50 is Avella’s connection to the outside world, placing Pittsburgh around 35 miles to the east and the West Virginia border only 5 miles in the opposite direction. Residents rely on cars to get to UPMC Washington Hospital and Canonsburg Hospital, each around 20 miles away. Pittsburgh International Airport is nearly 30 miles from home.
Flood risk along Cross Creek
A fork of Cross Creek curves through Avella, bringing a higher risk flood zone through the village. Buyers can consult maps to understand their need for insurance and risk levels following unusually heavy rain.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
