East Huntingdon

Rural doesn’t always mean disconnected. In East Huntingdon Township, residents enjoy a secluded lifestyle in the country with access to major highways, employment centers and events. Established in the early 1800s, this Westmoreland County township quickly gained popularity as a farming community, serving as an important resource during the development of neighboring boroughs like Mount Pleasant and New Stanton. More than two centuries later, East Huntingdon is still a top producer of crops in the area, contributing to the popularity of local farmers markets. Homebuyers will find plenty of large lots separated by thick patches of forest, adding a sense of privacy to each homestead. Area schools have a decent reputation, and kids can meet their friends at local parks for an after-school playdate. Shopping options aren’t far from home, and proximity to popular thoroughfares like US Route 119 makes them easy to reach. Despite its remote setting, East Huntingdon Township offers the kind of convenience usually reserved for more suburban areas. The range of housing options in East Huntingdon Township is as vast as the landscape, including everything from simple split levels to aged Victorians to modern farmhouses. The one thing most of these homes have in common, though, is land. “It’s a really rural area, so if you want some acreage with your house, you’ll find it here,” says Jami Hudson, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway and longtime resident of Westmoreland County. But despite the area’s abundance of undeveloped farmland, Hudson says this township isn’t known as a big building area. “There’s no sewage and water out there, so you’d have to spend the money to put a well and septic system in. There are only a few places that already have that, and most of those are closer to Scottdale,” she says. Due to the large lot sizes, home prices here can be on the higher side for the area, averaging around $250,000, although buyers will find eclectic options ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. Students in East Huntingdon start their academic careers at Southmoreland Primary Center before moving on to Southmoreland Elementary School, which serves second through fifth grade students and maintains a grade of B-minus on Niche. After spending three years at Southmoreland Middle School, which maintains a grade of C-plus, students can finish their secondary education at Southmoreland Senior High School, which maintains a grade of B-minus. In high school, students can flex their creative muscles by contributing to the student-run publication Calliope Literary Magazine. Located right beside Southmoreland Elementary School, Loucks Park in Scottdale is a popular stop for after-school playdates. Kids enjoy climbing the primary-colored playground, while others get a workout on the tennis court. There’s also a grassy baseball field and a large, covered picnic area that’s usually packed during weekend games. Local leagues also play on the Frick Park baseball field in Mount Pleasant. Down the road, the Regional Family YMCA of Laurel Highlands offers indoor options for staying active. And throughout the year, locals go hiking and hunting in nearby state game lands. Mount Pleasant is the township’s closest shopping hub, with a Walmart, Shop ‘n Save and a host of fast-casual restaurants. Aumer’s Sports Bar & Grill is the local stop for sausage sandwiches and Philly steak hoagies, and the staff can often be seen manning concession stands at nearby fairs. “Mount Pleasant also has a big farmers market all summer long,” Hudson says, giving residents the chance to connect with local farmers and enjoy fresh produce grown right in the township. Residents on the southern side of the township are closer to the restaurants in Scottdale, including popular and longstanding locations like Carson’s Tavern. Bad Rabbit Café and Roastery is an industrial coffee shop where locals can take advantage of comfy chairs and free Wi-Fi. And on the weekend, the brunch buffet at Bella Terra Vineyards often draws a crowd. In summer, residents can make the 10-mile drive over to the Westmoreland Fair, a nearly 70-year tradition with tractor pulls, livestock competitions, carnival rides and local food. Situated just south of New Stanton’s highway hub, East Huntingdon Township has easy access to multiple major interchanges. US Route 119 runs directly through the township, bringing residents close to the Independence Health Frick Hospital in Mount Pleasant. Interstates 70 and 76 are both major routes in western Pennsylvania, making it easy for residents to commute to major employment centers like downtown Pittsburgh, about 40 miles northwest.