Rural Pennsylvania township with farms and hunting grounds
Just 10 miles from the West Virginia border and 40 miles southwest of Pittsburgh, East Finley Township is a rural Pennsylvania community with only about 1,000 residents within its 35 square miles. While farmlands have slowly transitioned into hunting and game lands, a strong agricultural vibe remains. “East Finley is for anyone who likes farm life and the countryside,” says Adam Bedillion, a local who works at the Pennsylvania Game Commission and volunteers at East Finley Park. “There are plenty of back roads and farms that are still maintained, but we have had more coal-mining activity in the last 15 years or so.” East Finley Drive, or State Route 231, is a two-lane highway that runs north-south as the main artery through this quiet, secluded community. In addition to its pastoral atmosphere, East Finley Township has a 1 out of 10 CAP Index crime score, compared with the national average of 4.
East Finley Township is set among the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, located not far from the West Virginia border.
East Finley Township is home to residents who keep livestock, horses, and a variety of other animals.
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History and seasonal festivals at East Finley Park
In the center of the township, the 36-acre East Finley Park has play structures, a basketball court, walking trails and open green space. The park also features some historic pieces of the town’s Colonial heritage. The narrow, red-painted Plants Covered Bridge is a stop on the Washington County Covered Bridge Tour, which highlights the 23 wooden bridges. Also onsite is a one-room Jordan schoolhouse. “We actually have people who attended that one-room schoolhouse come back and visit it,” Bedillion adds. “Because of the scenic setting, the park gets a lot of graduation parties, weddings and family reunions.”
East Finley Park hosts several events throughout the year to keep the small community connected. In the winter, the Icicle Archery Shoot attracts anyone with a bow. “We have 3D targets for locals and other people to come in with their compound bows, long bows or crossbows,” Bedillion says. “It raises money for fireworks and other events happening in the township.” Volunteers set up an Easter egg hunt and a Halloween trick-or-treating route, complete with small prizes and games. “Last year, my wife set up pumpkin bowling with water bottles,” Bedillion says. “The games and prizes vary year to year, depending on what the volunteers want to put into it.” The Fourth of July event has food vendors and fireworks, typically donated by a local gas or coal company. “Last year we had a chicken flying contest,” Bedillion adds. “People bring their own farm chickens, give them a slight nudge, and whoever flies the farthest wins.” The Harvest Festival is held each September, showcasing local farmers and craftsmen. Bedillion uses his antique thrasher to make pressed apple cider.
Less than a mile from East Finley Park, Saffron Valley is a quiet, tucked-away campground. At the northern end of town, Dogwood Hills Golf Course features an 18-hole course open to the public. Residents can hunt, fish and trap at the nearby State Game Lands 245 and 232, both of which have a shooting range.
Residents enjoy long walks throughout State Game Lands Number 245 near East Finley Township.
East Finley Township features several covered bridges located across the surrounding countryside.
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Raised ranch-style and Colonial-inspired homes with acreage
Raised ranch-style homes and Colonial-inspired houses built in the latter half of the 20th century are common throughout East Finley Township. Properties are typically situated at the ends of quiet, winding back roads, some with long gravel or dirt driveways and detached garages. Most homes sit on multiple acres, some with private ponds or walking trails. A 1,500- to 2,000-square-foot house with three bedrooms and two-to-three bathrooms might cost between $230,000 and $375,000. Buyers can also find historic Colonial farmhouses on nearly 100 acres for around $450,000. On average, properties stay on the market for three months, and the median price for a home in East Finley Township is $235,000, lower than Pennsylvania’s median price of $315,000.
Small single-family homes sit atop hills with views of East Finley Township.
Ranches and other single family housing sit on large plots of land in East Finley Township.
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Local Main Street diners in Claysville
While East Finley Township lacks restaurants or grocers, the northern end of town blends into Claysville north of Interstate 70. Banks, pharmacies, churches, storefronts and a few local eateries line a section of Claysville's Main Street. Farmhouse Kitchen & Bakery, which serves breakfast and lunch, is known for its custom cakes and savory breakfast burritos. The restaurant also serves dinner on Mondays and Tuesdays. Main St. Cafe also serves breakfast, lunch and sometimes dinner in cozy Americana digs. A few pizza spots and small neighborhood markets round out this quaint downtown area. For more retail options and larger grocery hauls, residents can drive 10 miles northeast to Foodland, Shop N Save and Giant Eagle in Washington.
Main St. Cafe in Claysville is a popular lunchtime destination for East Finley Township residents.
Friends often gather for lunch at Farmhouse Kitchen and Bakery, located near East Finley Township.
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The McGuffey School District serves nine towns
The McGuffey School District serves students in East Finley Township, as well as students from the boroughs of Claysville and Green Hills and the townships of West Finley, Morris, Donegal, Buffalo, Blaine and South Franklin. Students can begin at Claysville Elementary, which receives a B-minus from Niche, before advancing to McGuffey Middle, which has a C-plus, and McGuffey High, rated B-minus. The high school is well-known for its athletic program, with championship teams in girls basketball, boys basketball and golf. In 2021, the football stadium received a new LED lighting system, a new scoreboard and custom, gray field turf.
East Finley Township students attend Claysville Elementary School, which has earned an overall C‑plus rating from Niche.
Students from East Finley Township attend McGuffey Middle School as they continue their educational journey.
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Commutes to Pittsburgh on interstates 70 and 79
East Finley Township is a car-dependent town, as no passenger bus or train serves the area. Just north of town, Interstate 70 connects residents to Interstate 79. Commuters can head 10 miles to Washington or 40 miles to Pittsburgh. The nearest airport, Pittsburgh International Airport, is 45 miles northeast.
East Finley Township commuters can travel about 40 miles to Pittsburgh to access the city’s attractions and amenities.
Pittsburgh International Airport is the nearest major airport serving residents of East Finley Township.
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Photography Contributed By
Nick Conti
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