Curtin Township is a rural community in Centre County attracting those looking to live in a heavily secluded area. Located in the Appalachian Mountains, the town is made up of farmland, dense forest and Beech Creek running through its center. While most homes are scattered around the township, Orviston is a small community with a cluster of older homes. The now-defunct Beech Creek Railroad had a stop in Orviston until the early 1960s. Over the past 30 years, there’s been an increase in the number of vacation homes being built by those looking for a getaway in the mountains. “The recreational housing market is strong here,” says Boyd Phillips, a Realtor with Fish Real Estate, who’s been selling homes in the area for over five years. “There are newer recreational homes and homes that have been here for 30 years.”
Curtin’s landscape includes mountains, valleys, and farmland stretching across acres.
Curtin’s American foursquare homes offer spacious layouts ideal for growing families.
Curtin Village preserves its iron works history through landmarks and local storytelling.
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Ranch-style homes starting in the $200,000s in Curtin Township
Homebuyers can find two- to four-bedroom ranch-style and colonial homes from the mid-to-late 20th century, as well as national-style homes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Houses are set along winding country roads tucked deep in forested areas, and most include large lots from about 3 to 26 acres. The homes in Orviston, though, are usually on lots that are less than an acre. Mid-to-late-1900s homes typically sell for $200,000 to $500,000, while late-1800s-to-early-1900s houses usually go for $50,000 to $100,000. The one- to three-bedroom log cabin vacation homes in town tend to sell for $125,000 to $400,000. The CAP Index gives Curtin a crime score of 1 out of 10, which is lower than the national average of 4.
Ranch homes in Curtin feature long driveways and open land for peaceful country living.
Curtin’s ranch homes with hillside decks offer warmth and scenic views for local residents.
Ranch homes in Curtin feature long driveways and open land for peaceful country living.
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Central Mountain High dual enrollment program
Students may start at Liberty-Curtin Elementary, which gets a C from Niche, for kindergarten through fourth grade, before going to Central Mountain Middle, which also has a C, for fifth through eighth grade. Central Mountain High, which also receives a C, offers a dual enrollment program with Pennsylvania State University. Penn State is just 20 miles south of Curtin. The public university has nearly 90,000 students and a sports program with 82 national collegiate team championships.
Fishing and camping at Bald Eagle State Park
Eight miles south of the township, Bald Eagle State Park is a 5,900-acre recreation hotspot along the Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir. There’s a marina and boat launches, fishing directly from the dam and a campground for overnight stays. The park also includes a playground and a sandy beach for lounging and swimming. “The town also has connectors to over 200 miles of get-on-and-go ATV trails,” says Phillips.
Curtin campers bring dogs to Bald Eagle State Park for outdoor fun and fresh air.
Curtin locals set sail from Bald Eagle State Park’s marina, home to hundreds of docked boats.
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Shopping and dining in Mill Hall
Locals must travel outside of town for shopping and dining. “If you want quick food or shopping, you can go to Mill Hall,” says Phillips. The town is 14 miles east and has a Walmart Supercenter and a Lowe’s Home Improvement store. Calico Creek Feed and Pet is a locally owned animal supply store that doubles as a veterinary clinic. There are also popular local restaurants like Curt's Smokin' Ribs and Original Italian Pizza.
Curtin visitors enjoy Hard Birch Beer and pretzels at Floating Feathers Brewery’s taproom.
Curtin residents shop at Walmart in Mill Hall for groceries, supplies, and everyday needs.
The Ice Shack in Mill Hall is a social spot for friends from Curtin and nearby Liberty.
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Car-dependent community
Because of its rural nature, Curtin is car-dependent and Monument Orviston Road is the only street in and out of town. The closest hospital is the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, located 15 miles east in Lock Haven. State College Regional is the closest airport, 18 miles south.
Curtin locals use all-terrain vehicles to navigate mountain roads and rugged terrain.
Curtin families visit The Ice Shack in Mill Hall for ice cream, pretzels, and fun.
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Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
Photography Contributed By
TJ Engler
Video By
Jacob Cooperman
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Nik Stover,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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