Bradys Bend

Bradys Bend Township in western Pennsylvania's namesake, Captain Samuel Brady, while under pursuit from Seneca and Munsee Native Americans, leaped a gorge over the Cuyahoga River to escape, and the legend of “Brady’s Leap” was born. Fittingly, nearly two centuries later, Brady’s Bend Overlook, which is perched more than 500 feet above the Allegheny River, became a popular hang-glider launch. Hang gliding from the perch is no longer allowed, but the namesake lives on. A rural town situated in the undulating Appalachian hills, Bradys Bend, occasionally spelled Brady’s Bend, is 55 miles north of Pittsburgh and borders the Allegheny River. It’s very community-oriented," says local Realtor Sandy Bracken of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, who has worked in real estate for over 15 years. "This is the kind of area that once you move in, you become a part of it. People are very friendly and very helpful. People tend not to move away or they move back.” Like most of the communities in western Pennsylvania and Armstrong County, Bradys Bend has a wide range of housing styles — country farmhouses, cottages, riverfront homes and ranch-style structures dot the area streets. The mix includes homes that are as old as 100 years to newly constructed riverfront properties. Price points for housing sits at $137,000 and $278,000. A 3-bedroom, 2-bath riverfront home built in 2013 can cost $280,000, while a 3-bedroom, 1 1/2-bath Ranch home built in 1948 on over an acre of land within earshot of a creek goes for $129,000. Bradys Bend's rural setting contributes to the fact that some homes sell in weeks while others take months to sell. Homebuyers seeking tranquility and a slow pace of life value living there once they’ve found the right home. "Some homes can sell in a week, maybe two weeks if they’re priced right, but it really depends on the location," Bracken says. Because of the proximity to the Allegheny River, the flooding factor for the community is very high — a deadly flood in 1980 killed 9 people. The CAP Index crime score for the community is 1 out of 10, the lowest possible score. Students in Bradys Bend go to schools in the Karns City Area School District. Children can attend Karns City Area Elementary School, which earns an overall grade of C from Niche, from kindergarten through Grade 6 before advancing to Karns City High School, which has a C grade, for Grades 7 through 12. Karns City High School had a fierce rivalry with East Brady High School, which closed in 1993. East Brady’s most famous alum is former NFL quarterback Jim Kelly, who was a part of the outpouring of talented Western Pennsylvania quarterbacks, including Dan Marino, Joe Montana, Joe Namath, George Blanda and Johnny Unitas. Bracken says the closing of East Brady High School changed the vibe of the area but, eventually, the community. Accepted the change. “The rivalry is gone. Now we are on the same side,” she explains. As for Kelly being one of the more well-known people to live there, she says, “He’s been known to pop in for a football game.” In fact, Kelly brings a basketball team of ex-Bills players to East Brady each winter for a game against the locals with all proceeds going to charity. The love of sports in the region is no secret, Bracken explains. “It’s a sports-oriented area.” She adds kids start participating young in Little League baseball and youth football. Although some necessities are available at the nearby Family Dollar, which is situated across the river in East Brady, the closest supermarket with fresh meats and veggies is DG Market, which is 8 miles west off Chicora Road. A local restaurant and bar called All Stars on Kelly’s Way is just down the street from Family Dollar, off Kellys Way. Patrons can channel their favorite rock star on karaoke night or order a burger and fries and watch a game. Rocky's Pizza is a Bradys Bend mainstay for those looking for a freshly made slice and is conveniently located near All Stars. For a morning jolt, the Old Bank Deli & Coffee Shoppe offers cinnamon rolls and the much-needed caffeine. It's not far for Bradys Bend locals to enjoy the great outdoors. Kids can try to learn how to hit a curveball at Brady's Bend Ballfield or join a pickup game of hoops. Hikers can take in Mother Nature and history along the Armstrong Trail, while local hunters can be found close to State Game Land 105. Game species like white‐tailed deer, ruffed grouse, bears and turkeys are hunted at the gameland. Brady's Bend Overlook is another place to visit for stunning views of the community's surroundings. Residents heading into Pittsburgh must take Kittanning Hollow Road, which connects to East Brady Road to the south and leads to the Allegheny Valley Expressway. The trip is about 50 miles. Public transit for Armstrong County is provided by Town & Country Transit (TACT).