Hidden among forested ridges above Natrona Heights, Fawn Township is a resolutely rural collection of winding country roads, long-established local businesses and creek-strewn acreages and farms. “Fawn Township prides itself on agricultural character, which is dwindling through all of America as well as Western Pennsylvania,” says Jen Montgomery, owner of Blackberry Meadow Farms who has lived and worked in Fawn Township since 2007. “Our development mandates don’t really allow for that suburban sprawl feeling.” Separated from neighboring boroughs and the Allegheny River by Route 28, Fawn Township is much closer to the community life found in riverside steel towns than the busy city atmosphere of downtown Pittsburgh.
Single-family homes on generous lots
Short side streets and pockets of cleared lots along wooded roads house Fawn Township’s blend of single-family homes, many of which sit on over an acre of land. Simple vernacular homes built from the early 1900s through 1970s are common, including small bungalows and Cape Cods, ranch-style homes and split levels which sell for $50,000 to $275,000 depending on square footage, lot size and renovation needs. Scattered New Traditional or custom-built homes erected in the 1990s or later are rarer and typically boast higher square footage, selling for $330,000 to $655,000 depending on whether they sit on half an acre or hide away on upward of 20. Fawn Township has a CAP Index crime score of 1 out of 10 compared to the national average of 4.
In Fawn Township, large lots abound.
Fawn Township’s open spaces create a restful contrast to city living.
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Outdoor Life Lodge, Rachel Carson Trail
Membership at the Outdoor Life Lodge opens access to a private fishing pond, shooting range and a clubhouse where other outdoor enthusiasts chat over bar fare and drinks. While public green space is limited to a small playground outside Fawn Township’s municipal building, two destination parks sprawl a few miles to the east and west. Deer Lakes Park is known for its lily pad-covered fishing ponds, adventurous playground equipment and hilltop Wagman Observatory, and Harrison Hills Park-goers can take a walk to tree-framed overlooks of the Allegheny River. The Rachel Carson Trail rambles across 46 miles of Allegheny County from North Park to Harrison Hills Park, cutting through Fawn Township along wooded hills and power line-strung fields between parking lots on Ridge and Saxonburg roads.
Shopping and dining in Harrison
Beyond a few scattered service shops like J&J Power Equipment and specialty stores like J. P. Stark & Son Feed, commercial life within Fawn Township is sparse. “We have a community-based CSA program, so people sign up and come pick up produce, pork and poultry at the farm,” Montgomery says. “They can come check out the animals and see the vegetables growing in the fields while they’re here. We also run the Farmers Grill – we take our meats and produce and make hand foods like sandwiches and side salads to sell during pick-ups.” Regulars shoot pool and meet for Steelers games at Fawn Tavern, but for other locally famous eateries including Freedom Square Tavern and A&B Pizza or shopping at Walmart and Tractor Supply, locals head several miles east into Harrison. Dwindling retailers and thriving big box stores like Sam’s Club and Lowe’s are 7 miles away at the Pittsburgh Mills Mall.
A stop at Harvest Moon Coffee & Chocolates brings lattes and warm scones.
Local stores in Harrison Township provide a convenient shopping hub.
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Highlands High's service program
Kids attend prekindergarten and kindergarten at Highlands Early Childhood Center which earns a C-plus from Niche, first through fourth grade at Highlands Elementary School which earns a C, fifth through eighth grade at Highlands Middle School which earns a C-plus and ninth through 12th grade at Highlands High School which earns a C-plus. High school students can broaden their horizons and build global connections by signing up for the American Field Service Exchange Program.
Highlands Elementary School serves first through fourth grade in Fawn Township.
Highlands Middle School fosters curiosity and active learning.
Highlands Senior High School provides education for Fawn Township teens.
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Blackberry Meadows Farm, Flea-Tique
Blackberry Meadows Farm is a magnet for young farmers, weekly farmers markets and seasonal celebrations. “We do a program called Little Homesteaders, it’s like a summer camp for kids to learn about farming and do some crafts and free play. We’ll have a Mother’s Day dinner and expect maybe 50 people, it’s a more lowkey, intimate environment than festivities at places like Freedom Farms,” Montgomery says. The bright yellow sign heralding Tour Ed Mine is a familiar landmark, and on the third Sunday of each month from May through October, visitors and local history buffs head up the hill to peruse hundreds of vendor booths set up in a tree-shaded field at the Flea-Tique market. Religious services are held at Center United Methodist Church.
See what it was like to be a coal miner at Tour-Ed Mine & Museum in Fawn Township.
Blackberry Meadows Farm is only open on Wednesdays in Fawn Township.
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Commuting on Route 28
Route 28 runs along Fawn Township’s eastern border, providing a 24-mile drive into downtown Pittsburgh. Butler commuters head toward Route 356 or Route 8 on their 20-mile drives. Allegheny Valley Hospital is much closer to home in Natrona Heights.
Flooding along Bull Creek
Homes and roadways along Bull Creek, including Bull Creek Road, are prone to flooding during heavy rain. The township’s hilly topography also lends itself to occasional landslides which lead to roads needing shoulder work and reconstruction.
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Video By
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NICE PARCEL WITH LOTS OF CHARACTER. WOODED AND SOME OPEN AREAS, TRAILS THROUGH-OUT. PUBLIC SEWER WITHIN REACH AT UNDERPASS AT RT 28 APPROX. 1600' AWAY. HOME NEXT DOOR HAS PUBLIC WATER. RURAL RESIDENTIAL ZONING ALLOWS FOR MANY USES SEE ZONING TABLE. SELLER DOES NOT OWN OIL & GAS RIGHTS BUT OWNER OF OIL & GAS RIGHTS HAS NO INGRESS/EGRESS TO SURFACE LAND IN RECORDED DEED. 4 OF FIVE OWNERS ARE
Great investment opportunity featuring three (3) residential homes on one (1) parcel situated on 7.2 acres in desirable Fawn Township! The property includes one 2-bedroom home and two 3-bedroom homes, offering excellent potential for rental income, multi-family living, or redevelopment. One home is currently occupied by a long-term tenant, while the remaining two homes require some TLC, allowing
Seconds from Exit 16, Millerstown Exit, Allegheny Valley Expressway, this 3 bedroom brick home is in immaculate condition. First floor bedroom plus 2 additional bedrooms on upper level. New carpeting. Freshly painted throughout. Kitchen has oak cabinets and dishwasher. New carpeting in living room, dining room and one bedroom. The two other bedrooms have hardwood floors. Washer and dryer in lower
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