Conway’s rail yard roots remain in a close-knit community
Once home to the largest rail yard in the world, Conway is now a close-knit residential borough north of Pittsburgh. “It’s a small town where everyone knows each other, and people live there for many years,” says Marianne Hall, Realtor with Howard Hanna. The borough’s growth in the mid-20th century led to the construction of many split-level houses, which the suburb still showcases. In addition to the 1960s flair, Conway also has a variety of parks and laidback restaurants.
Midcentury homes with garages and yards line Conway streets
Located on the Ohio River, Conway is mostly composed of blocks lined with single-family houses. As a suburban community, the borough has many homes with attached garages and breathing room. “You can get a nice-sized yard there. Everyone takes care of their lawns,” Hall says. Driving down a street, you’ll see many well-kept garden beds decorated with trimmed bushes. From 1956 to 1980, Conway boasted the world’s largest rail yard, which allowed the community to expand rapidly during this period. That growth explains the popularity of midcentury home architecture in the borough. Prospective buyers can choose from styles like split-levels, bi-levels and ranch-style houses. Sales prices can range from $150,000 for a bi-level to $275,000 for a move-in ready split-level.
Local schools earn average ratings but offer course variety
Students in Conway attend the Freedom Area School District, which earns a B-minus rating in academics and a B in college prep according to Niche. Schools include Freedom Area Elementary School, Freedom Area Middle School and Freedom Area High School. The elementary school receives a C rating, the middle school a C rating and the high school a C-plus rating. The high school offers a wide range of electives from Woodworking to Psychology.
Skatepark, ball fields and playgrounds offer outdoor variety
To spend time outdoors, you can find a bevy of recreation spots in Conway. At multipurpose Edward Gratty Park, bring children to burn off their energy on the playground and swing set. The park also has a picnic pavilion and a basketball court for pick-up games, but its special feature is the skatepark for rollerblading or skateboarding. In the mood for a ball game? Watch softball or baseball on the bleachers at the Conway Community Baseball Fields. For a smaller feel, Catherine Drive Park is a pocket park with a basketball court and a playground shaded by trees. At Buttermore Park, visit another modest park with a playground, a basketball court and a picnic pavilion.
Small-town restaurants serve comfort food and local flavor
To go out for a meal, head to a few of Conway’s casual eateries. Scoot’s Bar and Grill offers bourbon sauce wings and brews in a hangout spot ideal for playing pool and darts or watching a Penguins game with friends. At Conway Pizza, you can support a local family-owned business by ordering Italian American food in a homestyle atmosphere. At Conway Lounge, order drinks and the highly regarded steak salad in a relaxed pub with a large bar. You can feel the Steel City spirit in the black and yellow interior that's complete with a jukebox and pool tables.
Commuters can drive or take the bus to nearby cities
About 25 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, Conway residents can commute to the big city. For downtown adventures, visit Point State Park for scenic riverside strolls or Acrisure Stadium to watch a Steelers game. Take a Beaver County Transit Authority bus for convenient public transportation to nearby cities.
![Jeffrey Muschar]()
Photography Contributed By
Jeffrey Muschar
