The small-town atmosphere of East Franklin Township fosters community, while the countryside is great to explore. With a population of 4,000 and 1,600 households, outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and swimming are popular with residents. “I love the quiet life,” says Larry Richardson, a zoning officer who has lived in East Franklin for over 40 years. “It’s much busier than it was 20 years ago, but that’s just how things go. It’s still slow living. I like to sit on my patio, not hearing any traffic go by. We’re a great township, very well-run and financially sound. I didn’t realize how much work went into that before I started working for the township.” The East Franklin Township maintains the roads, the local playgrounds and the frisbee course. The 32-square-mile community is also home to the Allegheny River Lock and Dam No. 7, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
East Franklin Township offers a wide mix of home styles on spacious lots and winding roads.
East Franklin Township is known for its friendly community and peaceful natural setting.
1/2
A mix of old and new homes
In east Armstrong County, East Franklin Township follows the Allegheny River's western bends. This township lies off Route 422, 21 miles east of Butler County and 45 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. The area’s mix of old and new homes includes split levels, ranch-style houses and bungalows set on winding rural roads. Without HOAs, architectural styles are mostly minimal traditional, new construction and national folk with vinyl siding, brick siding, and front porches. “We have a lot of country land, so there’s plenty of space for people who like their privacy to build a home,” says Richardson. “Like where I live, the homes aren’t close together, so I only know a couple of my neighbors, but I like it that way.” The list price range is $63,000 to $691,000. The average house size is 1,550 square feet, with the median lots measuring 23,522 square feet. Nearly 80% of the residents are homeowners. But, Sandy Bracken, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway, East Franklin is the highest-taxed part of Armstrong County. Tax issues aside, she says that it is a “friendly, welcoming community with plenty of shopping and plenty to do.” The CAP Index crime score for the area is 2 out of 10. Strangely enough, Kittanning served as the filming location for the FX drama "Justified," which tells the story of a US Marshals Service deputy's adventures. For commuters in the community, Route 422 provides residents access to Butler, Pa., while Route 28 gets people to Pittsburgh.
Well-kept landscaping adds pride and curb appeal across East Franklin Township neighborhoods.
Raised ranch homes suit East Franklin Township’s hills and offer spacious layouts.
New construction homes are mixed throughout East Franklin Township with no HOA restrictions.
1/3
Schools includes three local colleges
Township kids can attend kindergarten through 6th grade at West Hills Primary and West Hills Intermediate, both rated with B-minuses on Niche. “My wife and I built our home in East Franklin based on where we worked at the time and where our children would go to school,” Richardson says. “They just renovated West Hills, and it’s like a little campus now.” Teens then head to Armstrong Junior/Senior High, rated with a C on Niche. The average GPA at the school is 3.67. There are also three colleges in the area, including Indiana University of Pennsylvania at Northpointe.
West Hills Primary School serves young families living in East Franklin Township.
West Hills Intermediate School supports students in a welcoming East Franklin Township setting.
Armstrong Junior Senior High School serves East Franklin Township with strong academics and sports.
1/3
ATV riding is a popular activity
Butler Township Park on South Duffy Road has 96.43 acres. A dek hockey rink, pickle ball courts, playground, basketball court, and volleyball/badminton net are some of the park's amenities. Like many Western Pennsylvania communities, fishing and hunting are common hobbies in the East Franklin Township and many hunt on their own property. Riding around on ATVs, side-by-sides and snowmobiles is another common activity seen in the area. “People usually ride around the woods,” Richardson says. “There are poker runs out in the country, usually organized by a nonprofit like the fire department. You pay to participate and ride around to different checkpoints. I believe there are prizes, but it really just makes for a nice day of riding.”
West Hills Community Park offers play areas and green space for East Franklin Township residents.
Neighbors often gather at the pavilion in West Hills Community Park for events and parties.
1/2
Shopping is close by
The township’s two shopping centers are Franklin Village Mall and Hilltop Plaza. These are where residents run most of their errands and shop daily due to Aldi, Walmart Supercenter, Shop ‘n Save and Tractor Supply Co. Several fast-food restaurants, including Rachel's Roadhouse, are in these plazas. A community favorite, this casual restaurant serves classic American food for lunch and dinner in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The Oak Wood Tavern features burgers, wings and daily specials as well as daily happy hours. After a hearty meal, folks can head to Polly's Ice Cream for red, white and blue sundaes or ice cream sodas.
Franklin Village Mall offers convenient shopping near East Franklin Township.
Walmart provides everyday essentials close to East Franklin Township.
Shop n Save in West Kittanning serves East Franklin Township grocery needs.
Tractor Supply supports rural living needs in East Franklin Township.
Big Lots offers convenient retail shopping near East Franklin Township homes.
Rachel’s Roadhouse is a local favorite for comfort food near homes in East Franklin Township.
1/6
Apple and peanut butter festivals
Events near the community include the Fort Armstrong Folk Festival, Hickory Apple Fest and the Peanut Butter Festival.
Photography Contributed By
Conner Baker
Video By
Adam Barkley
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Shane Eagal,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Welcome to 206 Oak Drive in Sedwick Heights, Kittanning — a gorgeous 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offering comfortable living spaces and thoughtful features throughout. This inviting home includes a convenient main-floor bedroom and full bathroom, perfect for guests or one-level living. The spacious living room flows nicely into the kitchen and dining space, creating a functional layout for everyday
Located in the village of Cowansville, this well-maintained three-bedroom, one-bath brick two-story home sits on a generous half-acre lot offering a blend of open views and neighborhood setting. To the west, open fields provide beautiful sunset views, while neighboring homes to the south east create a pleasant residential atmosphere. The home has been tastefully updated in recent years and is
Sandy BrackenBERKSHIRE HATHAWAY THE PREFERRED REALTY
Welcome to 206 Oak Drive in Sedwick Heights, Kittanning — a gorgeous 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offering comfortable living spaces and thoughtful features throughout. This inviting home includes a convenient main-floor bedroom and full bathroom, perfect for guests or one-level living. The spacious living room flows nicely into the kitchen and dining space, creating a functional layout for everyday
Looking for ACREAGE? After being loved by one family for three generations, this charming country home—with a spacious three-car garage and nearly 6 ACRES of stunning, usable land—is ready for its next chapter. Add on to the existing home for more square footage, or start fresh and build your dream home on this incredible property. Surrounded by wide-open space, scenic views, abundant wildlife,
If you’ve been dreaming of space, privacy, and a place to truly unwind, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home has it all. Set on 9.87+/- acres, this property offers plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the outdoors, while still being close to amenities. Inside, you’ll find a comfortable layout with spacious living areas and a finished basement that includes a bar and game room—perfect for movie nights
Currently set up as a triplex but would make an exceptional single-family dwelling. Needs some TLC but has an exceptional flat private lot. Extras include a shed, porch, and a carport.
306 Pleasant View Drive is waiting for you to move in and make it your own! This inviting 4-bedroom home sits on a nice sized lot and offers both comfort and convenience. The open-concept living, dining and kitchen area is perfect for gathering with family and friends. The 2-car garage is ideal for those snowy or rainy grocery hauls. Located just minutes from schools, shopping, and the hospital,
Located in the village of Cowansville, this well-maintained three-bedroom, one-bath brick two-story home sits on a generous half-acre lot offering a blend of open views and neighborhood setting. To the west, open fields provide beautiful sunset views, while neighboring homes to the south east create a pleasant residential atmosphere. The home has been tastefully updated in recent years and is
Sandy BrackenBERKSHIRE HATHAWAY THE PREFERRED REALTY
Welcome to this newer home built in 2016 along the Templeton bike and walking trail, overlooking the Allegheny River with boat ramp access just steps away. The modern floor plan features soaring ceilings, a first-floor office with French doors, and a cozy family room. The spacious eat-in kitchen with center island opens to a deck with sweeping views of the mountains and river. The large primary
With the potential of 5 bedrooms, this home exudes charm and character! Located in the lovely, walkable neighborhood of Applewold, this beauty sits one block back from the Allegheny River! The spacious main level consists of a well-appointed kitchen with stainless appliances. The open living room and dining room features sliding glass doors leading out to the rear deck. An office, that could also
A golden opportunity for a high visibility commercial location! Four units as well as commercial garage bays, nearing close to 7392 Sqft! The property consists of two super nice residential units above, two commercial spaces that are roughly 1250 Sqft Each and a large commercial garage area. The perfect opportunity to grow your business and the ability to use the rental income to invest in owning
Welcome to this charming 3 bedroom 1.5 bath home located in the heart of West Kittanning! Situated in a great location, this property offers the perfect opportunity for someone looking to add their personal touch. With just a little TLC this home has very high potential to truly shine. You'll love the spacious backyard ideal for entertaining gardening or relaxing along with the nice covered patio
2 bedroom 1 full bathroom. Approximately 2 acres. House was updated in 2022 with new bathroom, new flooring, new carpet, new paint. Refrigerator, stove/oven, dishwasher, washer/dryer, dehumidifier included. Central air. gas (included). Small dogs under 20lbs allowed with separate deposit. Very private. Located beside owner, surrounded by 20 acres.
Senior Active Adults 55+ 2 BR, 1.5 baths Townhouse with deck.1st Floor has: Eat-in, kitchen with dishwasher, stove, refrigerator. Living room with deckMain bathroomMain bedroomWasher and dryer2nd Floor has: Private bedroom and powder room.Rent is plus utilities of est.$250/month. You pay water, sewage, gas, electric, WiFi/cable/phone. Garbage fee
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.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.