Buffalo

Incorporated in 1803, Buffalo Township has a long farming history, with original names carefully preserved and traced back to when settlement first began. Heavily rural, its natural beauty and serene atmosphere are a massive draw for those who want to avoid being steeped in fast-paced urban life. If you want to pop into the city, downtown Pittsburgh is only 28 miles away.<br><br>Considering its settlement in 1795, it's no surprise that architecture in Buffalo Township is incredibly diverse. One of its most significant assets is the endless rolling green land it has in its borders. New subdivisions have cropped up in the 21st century, with gorgeous contemporary homes backdropped by acre after acre. If you want privacy, it's increasingly popular for modern properties to be built tucked away on winding backroads. Of course, only some properties are a product of the last 20 years. You can find appealing brick ranch homes and spacious split-levels from the mid-20th century alongside original Colonial and rustic farmhouse properties. Many have been restored, with construction dates as far back as 1900. Prices range wildly due to the diverse range of architecture and acreage – the median selling price for town houses is $310,000, while single-family homes dial up to $350,000. These prices sit slightly above the Pennsylvania average, but you get more square footage and land than you would closer to urban areas.<br><br>Buffalo Township is intersected by Interstate 28, which acts as a main artery for the area – you can be in Pittsburgh within 30 minutes. As it's more rural, it's a very car-dependent community. Along South Pike Road to the center of the township is where you'll find the largest commercial area, so you can pop into Giant Eagle Supermarket for groceries, get your banking done or catch a movie at AMC. Interspersed with the chains are locally owned businesses, such as Cellar Works Brewing Company, which always has craft brews on tap and delicious flatbreads to be ordered at the bar.<br><br>Public institutions are served by the Freeport Area School District, and it's got some stellar feedback. "It's one of the best education systems in the Pittsburgh area. People flock here to get their kids into those schools," says Michelle Blume, a Realtor with Realty One Group with over 10 years of experience in the Pittsburgh area. To begin their educational journey, students start at Buffalo Elementary, which receives a B-plus grade from Niche and reaches the top percentile for elementary schools in Butler County. Children move on to Freeport Area Middle, which grabs a B-plus from Niche and is cited by U.S. News & Reports to be in the top percentile of Pennsylvania. To finish primary education, students head to Freeport Area Senior High, keeping the momentum with another B-plus and a stunning 10 out of 10 for college readiness on GreatSchools. Boasting a 99% graduation rate, Freeport Area Senior High has a vast and diverse roster of extracurriculars – their music and theater programs have raked in several awards just in the past few years alone – and its affiliated Lenape Technical School offers both vocational and technical curriculum.<br><br>"The Butler-Freeport Trail is so well-maintained, and you go for miles – and it's got beautiful views. Pittsburgh has put a lot of time into making these township trails," Blume says. "It might seem random, but a ton of people scuba dive over at Crusty's Quarry." A gem for getting fresh air and finding community events, the 6-acre Buffalo Creek Nature Park is supported by the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania. They aim to inform visitors about native flora and fauna with educational tours and hold events and programs year-round. It's a great way to meet your neighbors, from seasonal festivals to weekly yoga sessions and gardening groups. You can also head to the Freeport Community Park, equipped with athletic fields, a playground for the kids and a beach volleyball court.<br><br>If you've been looking for your rural escape, Buffalo Township is a worthy consideration.