Georges Township

Georges Township is a rural south Pittsburgh hamlet on top of the West Virginia state line. Locals live in modest homes on spacious lots in this secluded spot. The U.S. Census Bureau puts this small town's population count around 6,000, divided among nine villages. "There's a lot of pride here," says Brandon Jordan, Associate Broker at BHHS, The Preferred Realty and frequent local seller. Georges Township locals like their peace and quiet, and the surrounding mountain scenery provides a picturesque retreat from busier surrounding areas.

Property prices hover around $100,000 here, where simple cottages mix with turnkey ranch homes on steep grassy hillsides. The Shoaf Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places, but you can find early 20th-century homes scattered across town. These older homes start around $60,000 for a fixer-upper and top off at $150,000 for something spacious, with more than 2,000 square feet. There's also an allure to the low-maintenance 2000s-era builds, which typically go for $250,000. "You'll encounter lifelong residents who love where they live here," Jordan says. Listings usually stick around for two or three months before finding a new owner.

Georges Township kids attend school within the Albert Gallatin Area District. Many begin at A. L. Wilson Elementary and continue to South Middle School before finishing up at Albert Gallatin Area Senior High. Each has an overall score of C-minus or higher on Niche. Student life is full of extracurriculars, spanning subjects from performing arts to skiing. You can find out more about the district via its daily announcements, posted regularly to the YouTube channel.

If you're a Pittsburgh local and haven't heard of Georges Township, you're probably familiar with its famed environmental landmark. Laurel Caverns is the state's largest natural cave, hosting visitors for guided tours of the sandstone cave. Many visit during Pittsburgh's summer months to escape the heat. The State Game Lands fill up during hunting season. "Locals also head to the nearby rivers, flanking each side of town and within a few miles away for scenic sites and water activities. Take a hike at Forbes State Forest or visit Swaney's Roller Rink when the weather could be better.

Georges Township is well-known for its friendly nature, where you're likely to run into your neighbors on the street and at community gatherings. "The annual Fayette County Fair is one of the biggest annual events," Jordan says. Goerges Township locals funnel into the fairgrounds during the last week of July. The grounds are open year-round for casual monthly get-togethers.

Fairchance and Smithfield are the township's most populous villages, housing a handful of retail shops and restaurants. You can pick up groceries at Shop 'n Save and pull over at the hardware store or Family Dollar for other errands. You'll find a pizza place and a bar or two on the main roads when you want to get out of the house. The Goal Post is the township's busiest restaurant, where you'll find regulars unwinding at the bar and playing pool. There's also live music on weekends. Uniontown is immediately north, the county seat and the regional commercial hub. You'll ride a few minutes north for a wider selection of local shops and eateries.

Pennsylvania Route 53, U.S. Route 119 and Pennsylvania Route 857 run straight through town, connecting locals to amenity-rich regions. The Uniontown Hospital and state government offices comprise much of Fayette County's labor force. Nemacolin Woodlands is a luxury resort and vacation destination in town, another prominent economic engine for this rural area. Central Pittsburgh is 60 miles away, typically about an hour and a half by car. This is a driving town, and residents enjoy quiet commutes around the region. Welcome home to peaceful living in Georges Township.

Written By

Caeleigh Griffin

Photography Contributed By

Rodrigo Betancor

Video By

Michael Voyack