$113,761Average Value$133Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Bolivar is rich in community spirit, though it's had economic issues
Not too much has changed over the years in Bolivar, established as a company town for industrial workers in the early 19th century. The tiny borough about 50 miles east of Pittsburgh maintains its working-class roots and a strong sense of togetherness. “It’s a small, tight-knit community, but it’s in a depressed area," says Lorraine DiCecco, a Realtor with Loyalhanna Realty, which serves the surrounding Ligonier Valley. "There’s a coal plant in New Florence that employs a lot of people, so if you’re getting a job there, it could be an attractive community. Otherwise, you are there because your family lives there.”
That coal plant, the Conemaugh Generating Station, is located about 7 miles away, but it is slated to close by the end of 2028 because of environmental regulations. Yet Bolivar is nothing if not resilient. The Great Depression wiped out most of the borough’s businesses, but the community that is home to a little over 400 residents has moved forward at its own pace ever since. Today, there are no industries in the borough, but there are several places for the community to interact on a daily basis. “Most people are there because they want to be there," says DiCecco. The Bolivar Community Center, the Borough Building and the American Legion headquarters host an array of events that includes everything from art classes to seminars on health care and outdoor survival training, and provide facilities for recreational games such as pool, darts and cornhole. Local concerts and holiday events take place at Burney Park, also known as Bolivar Park. Bolivar Lanes is a community gathering space where residents can enjoy their spare time with a little friendly competition and comfort food from The Pizza Post, the popular in-house eatery.
Mom-and-pop stores are still prevalent in much of western Pennsylvania, and the borough is home to La Mantia Produce, a quaint neighborhood market. The closest retail center is about 10 miles north in Blairsville. It is anchored by a Walmart Supercenter.
Kelly Memorial Field’s walking path honors Diane Pickup in Bolivar.
Bolivar’s central brick church is a landmark for community gatherings.
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Brick bungalow- and ranch-style houses, as well as manufactured homes
Housing consists primarily of established multi-level homes. Brick bungalow-style homes with large porches and ranch-style homes with spacious yards mingle with a collection of architecturally distinct renovations. Manufactured homes on oversized lots built as recently as 2019 also can be found. The median sale price is about $183,000.
Residents enjoy spacious yards and classic home designs in Bolivar.
Many homes in Bolivar offer inviting spaces and large front porches.
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Ligonier Valley School District has C-plus and B-minus-rated schools
Bolivar is part of the Ligonier Valley School District. Laurel Valley Elementary and Ligonier Valley Middle are C-plus-rated schools by Niche. Ligonier Valley High is a B-minus school that gets its highest grade for academics.
Laurel Valley Elementary serves Bolivar’s youngest learners.
Ligonier Valley High School serves Bolivar with strong academics.
Education in Bolivar includes access to Ligonier Valley Middle School.
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Water recreation on the Conemaugh River, with access at Kelly Park
With the Conemaugh River forming part of its border and Tubmill Creek running through it, residents of the Westmoreland County community have plenty of opportunities for water-related outdoor recreation. A public boat launch can be found at Kelly Park, just a block from the confluence of the two waterways. Both provide opportunities for open-water and bankside fishing, as well as canoeing and kayaking. Kelly Park’s traditional amenities include a multi-purpose field and basketball and tennis courts. The creek runs south for miles into neighboring Fairfield, while the river is 70 miles long and encompasses parts of Westmoreland, Indiana and Cambria counties.
Kelly Memorial Field in Bolivar is perfect for children’s play.
Locals enjoy sports and recreation at Kelly Memorial Field.
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Mom-and-pop shops are common in Bolivar; more retail is in Blairsville
Mom-and-pop stores are still prevalent in much of western Pennsylvania, and the borough is home to La Mantia Produce, a quaint neighborhood market. The closest retail center is about 10 miles north in Blairsville. It is anchored by a Walmart Supercenter.
La Mantia’s has served Bolivar since 1911 as a family-owned business.
La Mantia's is a local Bolivar beer distributor also known as "The Garage".
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Written By
Matt Pallister
Photography Contributed By
Patrick Graham
Video By
Kellan Beaver
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Paula Bracken,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Bolivar, PA sell after 87 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Bolivar, PA over the last 12 months is $160,000, down 72% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This well-kept 3 bed, 2.5 bath ranch sits on 3.66 acres with a peaceful stream in the backyard. Offering over 1,800 sq ft, it features an open kitchen with a huge island, tons of counter space, and more storage than you can shake a stick at. The partially finished basement adds room to grow, and the enormous back patio and partially fenced yard are perfect for kids, pets, and entertaining. Enjoy
Looking to build a home with fantastic views of the Ligonier Valley countryside? Look no further! Located just a few miles from Ligonier, this is the ideal spot for your dream home. This lot is slightly sloped with some brush and small trees making it easy to clear. An Elevated Sand Mound Trench System has already been drawn up by an engineer...see attachment for details. Gas and Electric are
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