Close to Somerset employers in Friedens
In the northeastern part of Somerset Township, the rural Friedens neighborhood features the county airport, a 200-year-old church and a collection of older homes on large lots. Some people may move into the area from out of town to live close to work in downtown Somerset, though many have lived here for years with their families. “Somerset is in the Laurel Highlands and has the UPMC Somerset hospital and Somerset State Correctional prison where locals work,” says Trent Walters, a Realtor with Highland Resort Realty who has sold homes in the township. “Some people also move away for work and then come back to retire.”
Exploring the outdoors at Seven Springs Mountain
One benefit of living in a rural area is being close to outdoor destinations. “There’s lots of skiing, hiking and biking in Somerset Township,” Walters says. “Seven Springs Mountain is popular, and people come from all over to visit.” Friedens may not have its own parks, but the area is only 4 miles from Lake Somerset, which was refilled in 2022. There’s a boat launch off Wood Duck Road for setting off onto the water before trying to catch bass or catfish. Jager and Friends Dog Park is a free, off-leash area where pets can feel the wind in their fur as they run around. The Flight 93 National Memorial is 9 miles from the neighborhood, and the museum holds a wreath-laying ceremony every September 11th to honor those who died in the 2001 crash.
Single-family homes from $100,000
Hillcrest Manor in Friedens has manufactured homes that sell between $30,000 and $150,000, while the rest of the neighborhood features duplexes, Colonial Revivals and prairie-style homes. Though many homes here were built between 1880 and 1920, some were built in the 1980s and 1990s. Most have three bedrooms, uncovered parking and expansive yards, and prices range from $100,000 to $250,000. Homes here have taken a few days to almost half a year to sell. Multiple large lots are available as future sites for secluded homes surrounded by trees.
Taking Stoystown Road to downtown
Stoystown Road runs through the neighborhood’s center and leads south to the Flight 93 Memorial Highway. The residential streets have no sidewalks, and buses don’t serve the area, so it’s essential to own a car to get around. Residents may occasionally hear a plane fly overhead as it arrives at the Somerset County Airport. Roughly four or five planes stop at the airport daily to refuel before setting off again. Some locals work at the UPMC Somerset Hospital, 6 miles from home. The Somerset County Airport hosts the annual Fly In Breakfast Demonstration and Car Cruise every Father’s Day. County first responders display their trucks and equipment alongside vintage cars, and pilots fly in for an early breakfast. Friedens Lutheran Church has been an institution on Stoystown Road for over 200 years and organizes summer camps for children. The North Ridge Baptist Church and New Life Assembly of God are closer to the airport.
Attending school in Somerset
Maple Ridge Elementary School earns a B-plus from Niche for its pre-kindergarten through second-grade classes. Kids can continue learning into the summer with the Maple Ridge Summer Library events, where each week is all about reading, crafts and story time. Eagle View Elementary School receives a B and offers third through fifth-grade classes. Finally, the Somerset Area Junior/Senior High School earns a B-minus. Those looking for private education can enroll at Somerset Christian School or the Apostolic Christian Academy.
Shopping and dining in Somerset
The neighborhood has a Dollar General, but the Somerset borough has the most shopping. Walmart Supercenter and Giant Eagle Supermarket are destinations for picking up groceries. Walters says some new businesses are popping up among the locally owned spots downtown. There are boutiques, antique shops and thrift stores, including Worlds Attic and Somerset Discount Store. Also downtown, the Summit Diner opened in 1960, and the interior looks the same today, with the counter seating, vinyl booths and a glass pie case. The restaurant is cash-only and serves breakfast and lunch. Across the street is Pine Grill Restaurant, another Somerset staple since 1941. Those who don’t want to take the 10-minute drive downtown can dine in or order out from Skinny’s BBQ. This Friedens-based restaurant makes enough entrees and sides for lunch or a full-blown party.
Photography Contributed By
Tyson Le
