Centerville is a National Pike borough connected by coal town history
When stagecoaches traveled the nation's first federally funded highway, the borough of Centerville was a well-named place to rest between Washington and Uniontown. As industrialists later filled the Monongahela Valley with mines and mills, the hills along the National Pike and Monongahela River cradled the company towns and rural community centers that Pennsylvania's coal country is known for. Long after widespread mine closures, Centerville still relies on its U.S. Route 40 connections to the county seats and natural gas operations of Washington and Fayette counties. But for generational residents and newcomers seeking lower-cost real estate, it’s the human connections built at historic festivals, fire department fundraisers and local bars that keep them around – something that’s been true of the Mon Valley across centuries. “Out in rural places like Centerville, you meet some of the friendliest, most straightforward people,” says Dean Korber, a real estate agent at Howard Hanna Mid Mon Valley that’s served the regional market for over 13 years. “It’s a very calm, easy way of living. You can get more house for your money, get your boat out on the Mon in 10 minutes and stay away from a busy life in Pittsburgh. You get affordability and country living.”
Homes sit along rolling hills near walking trails in Centerville Township.
A Cape Cod-style home stands behind the Centerville village sign welcoming visitors.
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Patch houses and larger acreages in rural Centerville
J&L Steel constructed company towns around the Monongahela Valley in the mid-19th through early 20th centuries. Villages like these, often called coal patch towns, pepper Centerville between more sprawling, rural properties along National Pike and the Monongahela River. People living in places like Richeyville and Denbo might still say they live in the patch, residing in simple detached and semi-detached National homes built in the early 1900s. “A lot of buyers want acreage, 20 or 30 acres that they can hunt and fish on,” Korber says. “But, everything’s based on price. If you’re a buyer in the lower range, you’re looking at the patch. If you’ve got more money and need some space, you can look around rural Richeyville.” Detached prewar and midcentury single-family homes on less than an acre sell for around $40,000 to $340,000. Similar semi-detached homes go for around $20,000 to $160,000. Homes set on 10 or more acres and New Traditional houses built since the 2000s are less common, and can go for around $390,000 to $580,000.
Farmhouse-style homes are popular in Centerville and often include private driveways.
Autumn leaves frame a Colonial Revival home with a sloped yard and a backyard deck.
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Shopping and dining on Route 40
Route 40, historically the National Road or National Pike, connects Centerville’s villages to family-owned and chain businesses. Chuck Wagon Restaurant is a rustic diner that serves homestyle fare at breakfast and lunch. Mysterious stories surround Paci’s Lounge and Dining Room’s time as a horse stable along the National Pike, showcased in a ghostly naming convention that haunts its menu of from-scratch family recipes. Regulars chat at the bar or shoot pool into the evening at Friendship Lounge. Supporters fundraise for the Richeyville Volunteer Fire Company during monthly all-you-can-eat breakfasts. CVS and Dollar General stock some groceries along Route 40. Walmart is in neighboring Brownsville for larger shopping trips.
Litton’s Greenhouses offers bouquets, decorative plants and expert advice for thriving gardens.
Padiddle Gourmet serves seasonal drinks and boba alongside its famous donuts and coffee.
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Pike Days and National Pike Steam, Gas and Horse Association shows
The National Road Pike Days Festival brings live music, roadside markets and Conestoga wagons to the National Pike each May. Communities participate in the festivities along 90 miles of the National Road, earning it the nickname, “the world’s longest festival.” Centerville United Methodist Church and other local venues draw visitors to roadside markets throughout Centerville. The National Pike Steam, Gas and Horse Association opens its sprawling, forested fairgrounds during Pike Days and a later summer show. Crowds arrive ready to browse flea and craft markets, watch construction and farming equipment showcases and wave to neighbors traveling the grounds in antique cars and tractors.
Attending the Bethlehem-Center School District
Centerville is served by the Bethlehem-Center School District, which gets a C-minus from Niche. Bethlehem-Center Elementary School also earns a C-minus. Bethlehem-Center Junior/Senior High School scores a C. Older students can gain career certification by enrolling at the Mon Valley Career and Technology Center.
Bethlehem-Center High School proudly represents the Bulldogs.
Bethlehem-Center High School provides a comprehensive education for students in grades 9–12.
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Recreation on the golf course, in patch towns and on the Mon
Members join the Nemacolin Country Club to swing on the 18-hole course, swim in the outdoor swimming pool and enjoy meals in the clubhouse’s grandly appointed dining rooms. Humbler green spaces pocket coal patches with jungle gyms and athletic fields, including Richeyville Community Playground and the Vestaburg Ball Field. Locals might put a boat into the Monongahela River from backyard docks, the West Brownsville American Legion’s launch, or public wharves in neighboring communities like California and Brownsville.
A golfer lines up a putt on Nemacolin’s 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course.
A patron celebrates a victory at the Grille Room bar inside Nemacolin Country Club.
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Taking the National Pike between county seats, driving to PGH
Commuters head to the junction of Route 40 and state Route 43 to travel outside Centerville. Route 40 offers a roughly 20-mile drive to the cities and county seats of Washington and Uniontown. Penn Highlands Mon Valley Hospital is closer to 15 miles away. Pittsburgh is a roughly 50-mile drive, and Pittsburgh International Airport is about 55 miles from home.
Flood risk on the Monongahela River
The low-lying villages that wind along Centerville’s portion of the Monongahela River fall into flood zones. Buyers can check maps to understand their potential risk and need for flood insurance.
Written By
Julia Szymanski
Photography Contributed By
Matthew Bloch
Video By
EB Fox
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Melissa Barker,
an experienced agent in this area.
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