A burgeoning township outside of Pittsburgh
Chartiers Township is a quickly evolving rural area on the cusp of southwestern Pittsburgh's suburban residential developments. Situated close to Canonsburg and Interstate 79, the exurb offers convenience to modern amenities and commercial hot spots like the Tanger Outlets, while giving residents more space than properties closer to the city. "Homes here are more spread out with spacious yards, but very close to amenities," says Jordan Schramm, Realtor at RE/MAX Select Realty. New residential construction in burgeoning subdivisions provides a suburban lifestyle amidst the rural setting of Washington County.
A blend of established small cottages and new Colonial Revival styles
While midcentury-era subdivisions of smaller cottages, raised ranches and split-level homes – typically listing between $90,000 and $325,000 – make up the more established housing stock in this neighborhood, new subdivisions have been sprouting up with more contemporary styles. Colonial Revival and New Traditional architecture are most common among these newer subdivisions, most built within the last 15 years. These more recent builds, along with single-family homes set on larger lots of up to 10 acres, may price from around $315,000 to $450,000, though outliers include farms with sprawling 80-plus acre lots for $1.4 million. Townhouses and carriage homes are also available, clustered in rows among growing subdivisions, costing between $280,000 and $390,000.
Two schools in Chartiers-Houston district serve students
Students in Chartiers Township are zoned to attend the Chartiers-Houston School District, shared with the neighboring borough of Houston. The school district is known for its connected community, strengthened by its well-attended performing arts and athletic events. Kids may start at Allison Park Elementary School, which earns a B from Niche and serves kindergarten through sixth grade. Chartiers-Houston Junior/Senior High School serves seventh through twelfth grade. Home of the Buccaneers, the C-plus-rated high school boasts a high-performing athletics program, including wrestling, basketball and the Lady Bucs softball team.
Local dining in Canonsburg and big brands at Tanger Outlets
Chartiers Township residents are close to convenient shopping and dining options in Canonsburg, many clustered along Pike Street. Dining locales include Fresh Start Café, which serves specialty coffee drinks, and Rusty Gold Brewing, a brewery staple for frosty drafts and bar food favorites. A handful of antique stores and thrift stores sell their curious finds and home décor next door to the brewery. The Canonsburg Shop ‘n Save is a go-to for groceries. For a day of retail therapy, residents head to the Tanger Outlets of Pittsburgh, located off Interstate 79. The mall features familiar brands such as Nike, Levi’s and H&M.
Sports and recreation at Canonsburg Town Park
Canonsburg Town Park is a recreational destination for Chartiers Township and the surrounding communities. Located in the heart of Canonsburg, the park features walking trails and a playground, as well as sporting facilities like basketball and pickleball courts and baseball fields. Locals enjoy the large pool in the summertime. Additional smaller parks with playgrounds nearby include Allsion Park and Arnold Park. The Chartiers Township Community Center is located in Arnold Park and is a hub for local events and other recreational courses, such as dancing classes and yoga. Avid golfers can hone their skills at the Washington Country Club, known its top-rated restaurant as much as the scenic fairways. The 460-mile Montour Trail also runs through Chartier Township, providing recreationists with multi-purpose trails for running, biking and hiking.
Attractions in Washington County
At the southern edge of the township, locals can take a deeper dive into the state’s rich industrial history at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. Visitors can take a ride on restored cars to another part of the museum housing a collection of 50 streetcars dating back to the late 19th century and browse interactive exhibits.
Carnival rides and rodeos at the Washington County Agricultural Fair
Chartiers Township is home to the Washington County Fairgrounds, where multiple large-scale events take place throughout the year. The Annual Antiques and Collectibles Show occurs every July and showcases vintage goods from furniture to coins and more. The fairgrounds’ most popular event is the Washington County Agricultural Fair. The weeklong celebration draws crowds from all over the county for carnival rides, food vendors and a slew of events for all ages. Buckey rodeo and harness racing keep adrenaline high, while 4H and FFA youth livestock shows let kids tout their skills. Additional attractions include a pet parade, a petting zoo and an antique car show.
The community also comes together annually on the last Sunday of June for Community Day, a family-friendly event at the community center with live music and fireworks.
Connections to Interstate 79, Pittsburgh and the airport
Wedged in between Pennsylvania Route 18 and Interstate 79, Chartiers Township offers proximity to major thoroughfares, further connecting residents to Interstate 70 to the south and US Route 376 to the north. Pittsburgh is 27 miles away, while the Pittsburgh International Airport is about 24 miles away.
