Brownstown Borough is a small but connected suburb of Johnstown
Brownstown Borough is a small residential community situated on the bluffs above Johnstown and the Conemaugh River. The area has experienced growth after flooding events in Johnstown in the late 1800s and 1930s. These floods eventually led to the establishment of single-family homes and small businesses in the borough. Brownstown also has transit connections to Johnstown’s transit system and is within a quick drive of other suburbs such as Westmont and Southmont.
Lower-cost housing options with a variety of styles to pick from
Architecture includes Colonial Revivals, Craftsman, split-levels, four squares and ranch-styles. Prices typically cost between $50,000 and $300,000. Inventory also tends to move quickly in Brownstown Borough, selling after four days on the market, lower than the national average of 53 days. Homes are typically on a gridded layout with properties close together and mature oaks accenting lawns and sidewalks. Streets are generally hilly, and pools can be a fixture of some backyards.
Public schools belong to the Ferndale Area School District
Students can attend the Ferndale Area School District, graded C-plus on niche. The district allows enrollment via application. Students can start at Ferndale Elementary School, rated C-plus. Pupils can then continue to Ferndale Area Junior/Senior High, which also earns a C-plus and has courses in baking, coding and engineering.
Parks and trails in the borough while downtown is nearby
Brownstown Level Recreational Park has a playground, courts and a baseball diamond. The start of the Brownstown Trial is on Albany Street Extension. The community is also home to St. Michael Catholic Church. Westmont Grove, just south of Brownstown, has indoor courts and a multipurpose room. The Mound also has multiple courts, a playground and a baseball field. Johnstown’s Inclined Plane railway is also south of Brownstown Borough but is currently under renovation.
At the bottom of the bluffs on Gilbert Street, the Heritage Discovery Center in Johnstown has exhibits on local history. More events and attractions are in downtown, 2 miles south.
Dining and shopping is outside of Brownstown
Brownstown has a few independent shops, but most shopping locations are outside the community. Broad Street has a Giant Eagle Supermarket, while more dollar stores and other retailers are on Goucher Street.
Life’s A Treat on Gilbert Street is a bakery that sells sweet and savory goods. Chains and locally owned restaurants are nearby, including Ryan’s Artisan Goods on Broad Street, offering pizza, sandwiches and burgers. The Phoenix Tavern, also on Broad Street, features seafood, salads and soups. Asiago’s Tuscan Italian on Edgehill Drive has a happy hour and a gluten-friendly menu.
Weather risks in Brownstown Borough
According to maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the borough has no flooding risks. However, storms and snow are present. A rail line does operate along the northeastern border of the borough.
CamTran provides public transit to the borough
CamTran provides bus service to Brownstown Borough, with the No. 20 service connecting to Westmont and Downtown. The Johnstown Amtrak Station and Greyhound stops are roughly 2 miles southeast on Walnut Street. John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport is 7 miles east. Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center is 3 miles south.
