Longtime industries and deep family roots shape Curwensville
Curwensville is an old industrial community where tricks of the trade are passed down from generation to generation. Family ties run deep in the borough of about 2,500 residents, many of whom work close to home at the local leather tanner, sandstone quarry or lumber distributor – leading Curwensville industries that got their starts over 100 years ago. "It's mostly longtime locals who were born and raised in the area living here, but we also have some new people moving in for the country setting," says Kimberly Kovall, a Realtor with Realty One Group Landmark who was born and raised in the borough. "The area is just beautiful. We're along the mountains of Pennsylvania, and the changing of the leaves is breathtaking," she says. "Being close to the outdoors is a big deal to the people here."
The housing mix includes city-style blocks and spacious suburban lots
The hilly area has a mix of city-like residential blocks and more suburban neighborhoods, with homes predominantly from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. Houses in the area rarely sell, and estimated values range between $30,000 and $240,000. Workers' cottages, bungalows, Cape Cods and manufactured homes are the smallest and oldest, and usually valued towards the lower end of the range. Ranch-style homes, Victorians, American Foursquares and small Colonial Revivals with larger lawns and attached garages are outside the downtown area. Kovall explains that residents who commute outside the borough are attracted to the area's lower prices and more countryside surroundings. "People are willing to commit to the further drive for bigger homes, spacious lawns and a quiet atmosphere," she says.
According to First Street, residential properties in Curwensville are at major risk from flooding. Flood insurance may be required.
Scenic river views and wooded areas attract active nature lovers
What was once an abandoned rail corridor is now the David S. Ammerman Trail, a recreational trail that spans 10 miles from Clearfield to Grampian. Passing over 1800s railroad bridges and alongside the West Branch Susquehanna River, the trail connects the area's industrial past with its outdoorsy present. "The river goes right through the area, and we've got the Curwensville Dam and Curwensville Lake, where people go boating, fishing and swimming," Kovall says. The lake, which has boat launches and designated swimming sections, has a campground, a dog park, a disc golf course and hiking trails. "We're also not far from some large state forests and game lands," she says. "We have a large population of residents who love hunting and trapping." Irvin Park is a community gathering space with a bandshell, pavilions, playgrounds and sports courts.
A small district and an event that highlights local career options
Curwensville Elementary School teaches students from kindergarten through sixth grade and is rated B by Niche. Curwensville Area Junior Senior High School, for students from seventh grade through graduation, earns a C-plus. "Curwensville and Clearfield are practically the same," Kovall says. "The two have different school districts that are very similar. Curwensville's is just quite a bit smaller." All grade levels attend one consolidated building. Logs to Lumber is a school event that highlights local occupations one can pursue that rely on lumber and timbering. Students cut logs on a sawmill, learn to chop wood with an axe and build wooden models at the annual event.
Historic buildings are renovated for new businesses
State Street is the community's main strip, with the post office, bank, fire station and shops in older buildings. "Curwensville has a guided walk where a local historian will take people around the borough and tell them the past of local buildings, people and events," Kovall says. Curwensville's most significant historic landmark is the Irvin Manor, a former 1850s mansion turned bed and breakfast. The Strawberry Tree is another old home made new – now a tearoom and café that also sells handmade gifts and seasonal décor. Dollar General and Goodman's Foodliner are in the area. More extensive shopping is available in Clearfield, at big-box stores like Walmart, Ollie's Bargain Outlet and Lowe's.
Curwensville is off the beaten path, but not far from the interstates
Pennsylvania Route 879 passes through the area, heading north to U.S. Route 322, Clearfield and Interstate 80. Area Transportation Authority buses make regular weekday stops in Curwensville and Clearfield. Pittsburgh International Airport is about 125 miles away, and the nearest hospital is Penn Highlands Clearfield.
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Written By
Heather Haggerty
