Conemaugh Township is a proud farming community
The rolling green countryside of Conemaugh Township, 8 miles from Johnstown in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, attracts residents looking for a rural environment separate from the hustle and bustle of an urban center. “It’s a nice community,” says Martha Albright, an associate Realtor with RE/MAX Premiere Realtors. “Lots of farmland. It’s quiet and beautiful. Very rural, very scenic.” While residents move to the location for its rural beauty, they stay for the community involvement and agricultural pride. During Lent, the Conemaugh Volunteer Fire Department puts on Lenten Fish Fry Fridays to raise money for the department and bring the community together. Fairs and farmer’s markets are also a big part of the area, allowing local farms to share their harvest. “Farming is big in Conemaugh Township,” says Albright. The CAP Index crime score for Conemaugh Township is 1 out of 10. The national average is 4.
Bedford County Fair highlights agriculture
Colorful lights glitter below the Ferris wheel, and applause can heard as a large-eyed cow is labeled a master showman. The lively Bedford County Fair aims to educate locals on the role of agriculture and horticulture in their everyday lives while celebrating Bedford County and its surrounding communities. This mission continues throughout the year. Even though the fair itself only runs from July 21st to the 27th, the grounds are constantly bustling with people and animals attending concerts, tractor pulling or bull riding. Another event that draws crowds from all over Pennsylvania is the Rumble Through The Valley bike rally, a grassroots event aimed at motorcycle enthusiasts. The rumble takes place in June and begins at the edge of Johnstown in the Woodside Bar and Grill. Bikers set off to Jim & Jimmie’s in Conemaugh and conclude at Peoples Natural Gas Park in the heart of Johnstown. Rivers traverse Somerset County, and locals take full advantage during the Stony-Kiski-Conemaugh River Sojourn, a four-day paddle from June 6th to 9th from Johnstown to Apollo with camping spots along the way. Religious services occur at Kaufman Mennonite Church, Maple Spring Of Brethren and Thomas Mennonite Church.
Ligonier Country Market features local products
Local food trucks and vendors gather at the Ligonier Country Market, which runs from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Saturday from mid-May to late September and a few specialty events, including a Night Market in August and a Holiday Market in November. Closer to home, farmers and artisans may visit the Downtown Johnstown Farmer’s Market to sell fresh fruit and vegetables and other local produce and household items. Conemaugh has two prominent eateries, Jim & Jimmie’s and The Pike Steakhouse and Pub. Jim & Jimmie’s, a local bar specializing in wings and a stopping point at Rumble Through The Valley, offers live music. Patrons have a quick breakfast at The Pike Steakhouse and Pub before heading out to nearby Rhoads Creek for an afternoon of fishing. Groceries may be found within Johnstown at the nearby Giant Eagle Supermarket.
Swimming and tubing near Greenhouse Park
Laurel Ridge State Park off Somerset Pike features large swaths of greenery and a collection of hiking trails. “You can hike, go in the streams and do some fishing,” says Albright. A popular gathering place, Greenhouse Park has pavilions that may be rented for picnics or family gatherings. Residents swim in the lake and dry off on beach towels in the nearby grassy area. Tubing near the park is also possible through Coal Tubin’ in Johnstown. The business takes adventurers on white water rafting and tubing excursions down Stony Creek River. Winter is spent on Laurel Mountain, a ski resort with overnight lodging and dining options. Snowboarding and ski lessons are offered, as well as multi-level ski trails.
Single-family homes starting at $75,000
Modestly sized homes sit on farmland or large lots dotted along roadways throughout the township. Clusters of houses are built beside Laurel View Village, an assisted living area, and along Tire Hill Road. Split-levels, ranches, Foursquares, farmhouses and minimal traditionals are common styles in the area. Home prices vary depending on the year it was built. Residences built between 1900 and 1920 range from $75,000 to $120,000, while those built between 1920 and 1980 range from $140,000 to $325,000.
Students may attend Conemaugh Township Area School District
Conemaugh Township is served by the Conemaugh Township Area School District, which receives a B from Niche and is listed as the second-best school district in Somerset County. Children may attend Conemaugh Township Area Elementary School, which receives an A-minus, and Conemaugh Township Area Middle/High School, which receives a B-minus. The Middle/High School has a monthly student newspaper, the Contownian News, which features school schedule changes, movie reviews, an alumni of the month column and other school-related pieces.
Commuters use state Route 985 and U.S. Route 219
The township has no sidewalks or public transportation, but several popular routes traverse the area. The Shaffer Bridge, built in 1877 and one of 10 covered bridges in Somerset County, intersects with Pennsylvania 985. U.S. Route 219 borders the region, and the Johnstown Amtrak Station goes to New York and Pittsburgh. The Johnstown Airport is 13 miles away.
Important to know
Flooding does occur in the area, especially after heavy rainfall. Somerset County has a Hazard Mitigation Plan and works with municipalities to see what they may require to mitigate flooding. Somerset County continuously evaluates flooding risk.
