Rural living in a former coal town of Fayette County
As one of the nine original townships in Fayette County, German Township has a long history dating back to the late 18th century. The Monongahela River runs along its western edge, which brought saw and grist mills to the area before the discovery of coal around the turn of the 20th century. Legend has it that at one time, the coal and coke industry in German Township was so lucrative that the town’s land became some of the most valuable in the world. “It’s known for its coal-town 'patches,’ which were duplex homes built by the coal companies for mine workers and their families,” says Joanne Savini, a Realtor with Howard Hanna Myers Real Estate who lives in Fayette County. “Mixed in with these homes you’ll find larger 'mine supervisors' homes as well.” Today, the township is home to just under 5,000 people and embraces a slower pace of life in its verdant landscapes. “It’s a quiet town with a country setting. In most places, you can look east and see the mountains,” Savini says. Acres of undeveloped farmland and vast green spaces surround Pennsylvania Route 21, which passes through the countryside and hosts a small commercial corridor. Also known as McClellandtown Road, PA 21 is a go-to spot for shopping, dining and commuting into bigger cities like Uniontown, less than 10 miles east of German Township.
German Township is a rural area located about 7 miles West of Uniontown.
German Township is a rural area consisting of many different styles of homes.
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Traditional farmhouses, ranch-style homes and custom builds
Most homes in German Township are clustered around unincorporated communities like McClellandtown, Ronco and Edenborn. Homebuyers here will find a mix of farmhouses, Colonial Revivals and foursquares on quarter-acre lots. Winding roads lead deeper into the countryside, where custom-built properties and sprawling ranch-style homes offer up to several acres of land. Home prices typically range from $75,000 to $200,000, although custom builds with larger lots can sell for $325,000 to $550,000. “Properties tend to have a bit more land to them, and some people have animals,” Savini says. “Our taxes are also lower here than in the surrounding counties, and that usually attracts people from West Virginia.” The housing market in German Township tends to be relatively slow, with most properties selling after an average of three months on the market. The town’s overall CAP Index crime score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
A modern farmhouse sits atop a hill in German Township.
There are a handful of homes in German Township built in the 1700s.
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Hiking on Browns Run Trail and hunting at SGL 238
German-Masontown Park covers more than 125 acres between German Township and the borough of Masontown. It features a playground, paved walking paths, various athletic facilities and several picnic pavilions. Browns Run Trail weaves through the southwestern half of town alongside its namesake creek, following the former path of the Monongahela Railway. While trains no longer traverse the route, it’s now a popular spot for walking, running or biking and can be accessed via several trailheads. German Township is also home to State Game Lands 238, which is open for hunting during established seasons and is stocked with ring-necked pheasant in addition to its native population of white-tailed deer, turkey and ruffed grouse. At the German-Masontown Library, there are educational and recreational programs for all ages.
There are more opportunities for outdoor recreation at Dunlap Creek Park, less than 5 miles from town. The 50-acre Dunlap Creek Lake is open for paddle boating and fishing, with a steady supply of trout stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Just east of the park is the Duck Hollow Golf Club, which features a public 18-hole course.
Browns Run Trail follows abandoned Monongahela and B and O Lines.
Residents of German Township go hunting in State Game Lands 238.
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Programs at the Fayette County Career & Technical Institute
The Albert Gallatin Area School District serves the township and earns an overall grade of C-plus from Niche. Students can attend George J. Plava Elementary School before moving on to Albert Gallatin North Middle School, both of which receive a C from Niche. Albert Gallatin Area Senior High School scores a C-plus, and high schoolers can apply to vocational programs at the Fayette County Career & Technical Institute. These programs allow students to earn college credit and industry certifications while gaining hands-on experience in fields such as agriculture, culinary arts and welding.
Albert Gallatin Area Senior High School entrance.
Fayette County Career & Technical Institute is near German Township.
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Local festivities include the German Township Carnival & Community Day
The township hosts various community events that bring residents together throughout the year. Festivities like the German Township Carnival & Community Days are put on in collaboration with the McClellandtown Volunteer Fire Company. Typically held over the Fourth of July, the carnival features rides, live entertainment and a firefighter's parade that travels down McClellandtown Road. In October, Treatin’ on the Trail celebrates Halloween with a hayride to a walkable trick-or-treating path along Browns Run Trail.
The Fayette County Fair winds along pathways filled with games and food.
The Fayette County Fair is a massive annual event in Dunbar.
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McClellandtown Road corridor and proximity to the Uniontown Mall
While shopping and dining are limited in German Township, McClellandtown Road hosts a small commercial corridor where residents can pick up the essentials or grab a bite to eat. For errands, there’s a shopping plaza with Dollar General, Nickman’s Drug and Shoppers Value Foods. The Double T Bar and Grill serves as a local hangout with a wood-paneled interior and classic pub grub. There are more restaurants in the neighboring borough of Masontown, including local favorites like Betty Mae’s Bakery and Dolfi’s, a casual American spot serving pizza, pasta and wings. McClellandtown Road leads less than 10 miles east into Uniontown, where residents have access to big-box stores like Target and Home Depot. The Uniontown Mall has nearly 40 different retailers, with department stores like JCPenney.
Shoppers Value Foods is a local grocery store for residents of German Township.
German Township residents head to Dollar General for staples.
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Access to PA Route 21, Pittsburgh commutes and Uniontown Hospital
With rural landscapes and a lack of public transportation, residents rely on their cars to get around. PA Route 21 winds through the countryside and provides access to major thoroughfares like Interstate 79, which is about 20 miles west of German Township. Pittsburgh is about 50 miles north of town, and Pittsburgh International Airport is around 75 miles away. Uniontown Hospital is less than 10 miles from town and is part of the West Virginia University Health System.
Traffic ebbs and flows through the rolling hills of German Township.
Located in Fayette County, German is under 10 miles from Uniontown Hospital, part of WVU Health.
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Photography Contributed By
Rodrigo Betancor
Video By
Charlie Kennedy
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