A community situated near the Ohio and Beaver rivers
Bridgewater, Pa. is a classic example of a small town in western Pennsylvania that saw its economy fall in the 20th century as more inventive and modern transportation networks supplanted older and less efficient ones. The town is also steeped in American History. Before the Civil War, Bridgewater, originally known as Sharon Village, served as a major transportation hub as the last stop for the Bridgewater Canal. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the town's transportation networks played a significant role in shaping its urban and architectural character, as well as its early commercial activities. During this period, the area was home to Aliquippa Works, once the biggest steel plant in the U.S. Because of Bridgewater’s access to two rivers, the community was a bustling pre-Revolutionary War period town that was home to early commerce. The first cemetery in Bridgewater, used during the Fort McIntosh era, is what is now Bouquet Park. The fort was built in 1778 and, after the Revolutionary War, was home to the United States Army's longest continuously serving regiment, the First American Regiment. One important event that took place at Fort McIntosh was the signing of a treaty between the U.S. and the Chippewa nations. Another interesting historical fact about the area is that one of Bridgewater’s most infamous residents was Aaron Burr, Thomas Jefferson’s Vice President, well-known for killing Alexander Hamilton. Burr was building several keel boats in Bridgewater in a later abandoned plot to annex the southwest territories from Spain.
Situated 30 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, near the meeting point of the Ohio and Beaver rivers, the borough boasts a historic district with restaurants and stores all within walking distance. Many of the residences in the district date back to the 1800s. According to Ed McLaughlin, President and Co-Owner of Bovard-Anderson, many of the homes have undergone renovations, providing a fusion of modern and historic design. McLaughlin has sold homes in the area for 30 years — his family has sold housing here for 120 years. Location is a common cliché in the realty business, but in Bridgewater’s case, location is one of its strongest attributes due to its proximity to both rivers and Pittsburgh.
Bridgewater is located on the Beaver and Ohio Rivers in Beaver County.
Float down the Beaver River and relax in Bridgewater.
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Many of the area structures are brick
Filled with single-family two-story homes that include saltbox homes, ranch styles and foursquares to name a few, Bridgewater offers historic charm mixed with modern amenities. Homebuyers may also find some mid-nineteenth-century Greek Revivals, late nineteenth-century Queen Annes and early twentieth-century colonial revivals. Many of the structures are made of brick and many homes have been renovated. McLaughlin says most renovations consist of new kitchens, new baths and added modern amenities that don’t sacrifice the historic appearance and nature of the housing’s older exteriors. Nearly 40% of residents are renters, but McLaughlin says that number is skewed due to the recent construction of a high-end 120-unit condo building that overlooks both rivers. Home prices sit between $127,000 and $475,000, depending on the home. Roughly $220,000 can get a 2-bed, 1-bath cottage with a 2-car garage built in 1950, while a single-family home built in 1900 that needs sweat equity can go for $85,000. For a larger family, a 4-bedroom, 4-bath single-family dwelling can cost $485,000. Most homes spend an average of 77 days on the market. The CAP Index crime score for the area is 4 out of 10, which matches the national average.
American Foursquare homes represent some of the oldest homes standing in Bridgewater.
Older Colonial homes are found in the Northern part of Bridgewater.
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The school district in one of the area's draws
McLaughlin says that the Beaver Area School District and the schools are another reason residents are attracted to the area. Peters echoes his sentiments. “A good school district is definitely a draw,” says Peters. “Who doesn’t want that?” Niche grades the school system an A-minus. College Square Elementary is a B-rated school by Niche that serves kindergarten through second graders and Dutch Ridge Elementary is an A-rated school that serves third through sixth graders. Situated on the same campus are Beaver Area Middle and Beaver Area High, both of which have B ratings from Niche. The high school is the only one in the Beaver Area School District. There are three colleges and universities local to the community, including Penn State Beaver.
Beaver Area Senior High School serves Bridgewater students in grades 9-12.
Beaver Area Middle School welcomes Bridgewater and earns a B+ overall grade from niche.
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The rivers drive outdoor fun
Outdoor time in Bridgewater can often revolve around the rivers. “The rivers are an attraction,” says McLaughlin. “They are a drawing point for a lot of people. And all the towns in Beaver County are interconnected by the rivers.” Adds Peters, “There’s paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing and all kinds of docks in the area with boat slips you can rent.” Bridgewater Crossing Riverfront Park and Trail offers stunning waterfront views and trails residents and stretch their legs on. Rochester Riverfront Park's level two-mile trail gives visitors a chance to check out the area’s local wildlife, such as ducks, beavers, blue herons and geese. The first cemetery in Bridgewater, used during the Fort McIntosh era, is what is now Bouquet Park. With a mix of terrains, the trails at this park offer a bigger challenge than the trails at Rochester Riverfront Park.
Bridgewater Landings Marina provides access to the Beaver River for boating and recreation.
The Beaver Rives provides endless beauty and recreation for the residents of Bridgewater.
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No need to head to Pittsburgh for a bite to eat
The historic district is home to the majority of the borough's emerging dining scene. “All the restaurants are across the river,” says Lia Peters, a Realtor with RE-MAX Select Realty who grew up just west of the borough in neighboring Brighton Township and still lives there. “They’ve built up Bridgewater so much in recent years that a lot of the restaurants have turned over and are relatively new. But they still occupy many of the original buildings.” For a sweet and savory breakfast, Waffles Incaffeinated is one spot residents can visit. Vocelli Pizza serves up pizza slices and Italian fare with views of both rivers. Uncl' Chuck's Bar & Grill and Back Door Tavern are two local watering holes that also serve food. Kelly's Riverside Saloon features a sandy beach and real palm trees along with live music. Visiting this eatery is like going on two international vacations — Kelly’s, which is an Irish pub with a Caribbean-style beach bar known for its crab legs and handhelds.
Hank's Frozen Custard & Mexican Food is a good place to grab a cone and a scoop, but the eatery isn’t the most famous area dessert spot. Bruster's Ice Cream, founded in 1989 in Bridgwater by Bruce Reed, has longtime Bridgewater roots; Reed’s father Jerry put him to work as a kid in their diner, Jerry's Curb Service. Reed would later open the first Brewster’s next door to his parent’s eatery. The chain now has nearly 170 stores operating in the U.S., Guyana and South Korea. Grocery shopping options include Beaver Supermarket, Giant Eagle Supermarket and The Market on Bridge Street.
Bridgewater is home to Bruster's Real Ice Cream.
Stop in to Kelly's Roadside Saloon in Bridgewater to meet up with friends.
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Several travel arteries are nearby
For transportation needs, the major highways near the community include routes 51,18,678 and Interstate 376. The main travel arteries through the township include Riverside Drive, Market Street and Bridge Street. Beaver County Transit Authority provides public transportation services for the area and there are stops in Bridgewater, including Brighton Avenue/Jefferson Street and Delaware Avenue. Long-distance travelers will have to make the trip to Pittsburgh to utilize Amtrak PGH, 30 miles, and Pittsburgh International Airport, 20 miles.
Bridgewater is a community located on the west side of the Beaver River.
Bridgewater residents cross the bridge to Rochester for the Beaver County Transit Authority.
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Events
Events in Beaver include annual holiday events, farmers markets, speaker series and Garrison Day, which draws 10,000 spectators. The historical roots of Garrison Day can be traced back to the military garrison stationed at Fort McIntosh in the 18th century. For nearly 40 years, this yearly event has showcased artists, crafts and history.
Bridgewater is one of several communities located along the banks of the Beaver River.
Jerry's Curb Service in Bridgewater is a classic drive-in with great food.
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Crime
The CAP Index crime score for the area is 4 out of 10, which matches the national average.
Quaint bungalows line the residential streets of Bridgewater.
Reddi Bait is where you go for all of your fishing needs in Bridgewater.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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This beautifully renovated ranch home will WOW you! The kitchen/dining area boasts an 11' vaulted ceiling, stainless appliances, quartz countertops, glass tiled backsplash, a 7 foot kitchen island/breakfast bar with barstools and stylish light fixtures. The sleek and modern kitchen opens to the living room featuring a floor to ceiling stacked stone electric fireplace with stunning fire glass and
Rita BrimmeierPIATT SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
The Spot boasting the most breath taking views of the Beaver Valley is now available! A residential lot well over 3 acres awaits to be the host for your dream home and it comes with all utilities! Located in Bridgewater, the views overlook the confluence of the Beaver River and Ohio River with the most iconic bridges in the Valley as the setting. Each season brings a special treat whether it's
Level Open Land in Bridgewater. Located on the Corner of Clarion St. and Cherry Alley. Property Fronts Clarion St and Cherry Alley. All Utilities are Available. Beaver Area School District. Walking Distance to the Town of Beaver via Steps to Adjoining Sidewalk along SR68. Located in the Heart of Bridgewater. Easy Access to SR51 and SR68. PROPERTY LOCATED Behind 401, 407 & 413 Bridge St.
Brenda & John PetkunasHOWARD HANNA REAL ESTATE SERVICES
Great opportunity to own a home in Bridgewater/or investment! 3 bedroom 1.5 bathroom with large rooms and lots of details. 3rd floor attic could be used for storage, bedrooms, pocket doors in dining room with built in. Home is on a corner lot with beautiful views! Bring your vision and TLC to 1101 Market St! Property being sold AS IS.
Welcome to your new one-level home on the river in Beaver County! Maintenance-free living. Walking distance to downtown Beaver to enjoy restaurants and shopping. Clubhouse and pool opening soon!
Great 2 room OFFICE for lease on second floor in Bridgewater above Vic's Pizza. This space is made up of 2 rooms, it can be rented as that for $550.00 OR each room can be rented individually. The cost of the larger inside room is $350.00 per month and the cost of the smaller room with entrance from the back of the building is $225.00. Enter into waiting area that is shared by other offices on
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
981
Median Age
47
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
27.9%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$59,999
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$75,913
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.9%
College Graduates
26.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.8%
% Population in Labor Force
55.1%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
12''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
6/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
17/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
