A sought-after township north of Pittsburgh
Located about 14 miles north of Downtown Pittsburgh, Hampton Township is among the many sought-after communities in the Northern Hills. Gently sloping roads give way to various home styles, restaurants, shops and some of the county's largest parks. However, the township's highly rated school district tops the list of what attracts home buyers. "Hampton's school district is a large draw for young families," says Linda Honeywill, associate broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Realty, who has been in the industry since 1984. "My sister moved to Hampton specifically for the schools," says Nicole Edwards, Realtor with Century 21 American Heritage Realty, who has over 10 years of experience in the industry. "But it's also a great middle ground. You're in the suburbs but can be anywhere in 15 to 20 minutes. You're close to the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and you're surrounded by beautiful parks."
A-rated schools in Hampton
Students are served by the Hampton Township School District, which scores an A-plus rating on Niche. "Hampton is a municipality, so its township borders are also the school district borders," Honeywill says. "Both McCandless and Hampton are known for their great schools, but students who would thrive in smaller classes would be better off in Hampton." Kindergarteners through fifth graders are divided between three A-rated schools: Poff Elementary, Central Elementary and Wyland Elementary. Hampton Middle School earns an A-plus rating, while Hampton High School earns an A. High schoolers can apply to the A.W. Beattie Career Center, where they can earn college credits for career-focused courses ranging from arts and entertainment to finance and business.
Winding hiking trails and sports facilities
Hampton Township is home to two large parks. Hampton Community Park spans 195 acres. Soccer fields cater to youth sports leagues, while an outdoor community pool features slides, a diving board and spray features. Additional amenities include a community center, a playground, basketball courts, tennis courts and a street hockey rink. "My sister had her baby shower at the community center," Edwards says. "It's a beautiful center. It has a gym and all kinds of things." Nature trails include the Rachel Carson Trail, a 45-mile hiking trail popular with runners.
About 5 miles away, more trails await at North Park. North Park spans over 3,000 acres, making it the largest park in Allegheny County. Wooded hiking trails, event venues, waterways and historic institutions such as St. Paul's Lutheran Church are scattered amongst its rolling green hills. A 75-acre lake anchors the park, attracting kayakers, canoeists and anglers, while a 5-mile path loops around its perimeter. Amenities range from skating rinks, sports courts and dog parks to a community pool, restaurant and public 18-hole golf course. The adjacent Wildwood Golf Club is another popular members-only course with a pool and clubhouse.
Hartwood Acres is a former estate-turned-public park on the east side of town. Hartwood features 629 acres that give way to a historic Tudor-style stone mansion, a sculpture garden with minimalistic art pieces, a wedding venue and miles of trails that weave through dense woods. "They host a summer concert series every year that showcases a variety of talent," Honeywill says. "Every Sunday, residents will pack picnic lunches, and some people bring their dogs to enjoy the concert. It's just a really nice environment." A large meadow with mowed paths that weave through hundreds of blooming wildflowers in the spring sits adjacent to the amphitheater.
Events at Hampton Community Park
At Hampton Community Park, events include pumpkin carving contests, seasonal farmers markets on Wednesdays and Christmas celebrations with visits from Santa. "They also host an amazing fireworks display for the Fourth of July," Honeywill says. However, Hampton Community Day is by far the largest event. "Many of the local townships have their own community day," Honeywill says. Hampton Community Day usually occurs at the beginning of July and consists of a day full of pizza, funnel cakes, inflatables, music and fireworks.
A diverse housing stock
"There's a wonderful variety of homes in Hampton," Honeywill says. "Homebuyers can find affordable homes and beautiful estate homes. The area also attracts townhome and condo buyers." Properties include small bungalows, bi-level, split-level and ranch-style homes priced from the $200,000s to the $400,000s. Midcentury modern designs, Colonial Revivals and New Traditionals can range from the $400,000s to the $600,000s, depending on interior updates and square footage. Spacious properties on multiple acres are often found east of Pennsylvania State Route 8. Large colonial- and Tudor-style homes range from the $600,000s to over $1 million, along with 21st-century contemporary Craftsman-style homes. Townhouses can sell between the mid $200,000s to the mid $600,000s. Traditional condominiums start in the mid-$200,000s, and attached patio homes can sell in the mid-$500,000s. Hampton earns a CAP Index crime score of 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Shops and eateries on Route 8
Dozens of restaurants and shops are scattered along Pennsylvania State Route 8, Hampton's main commercial thoroughfare. Aldi is the main grocery store in town, while larger chains like Shop ‘n Save and Walmart are less than 3 miles north. Big box stores like Target and Lowe's Home Improvement are 2 miles farther.
Along State Route 8, Kanlaya Thai Kitchen is known for its classic Thai favorites, like pad Thai topped with scallions and bean sprouts, and panang curry mixed with coconut, bell peppers and string beans. While they do not serve alcohol, patrons can bring their own drinks. "Le Thai Café is another great Asian bistro," Honeywill says. An outdoor patio dotted with plants offers a quaint atmosphere to share a plate of spring rolls and pad see ew. "Cala Lily Restaurant and Bar is another wonderful place," Honeywill says, known for its specialty martinis, upscale fare and intimate atmosphere.
14 miles to Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus routes run along Hemlock Drive and Ferguson Road. However, Hampton is primarily a car-dependent community. Pennsylvania State Route 8 connects commuters to Pittsburgh, approximately 14 miles south, and merges with Interstate 76, or the Pennsylvania Turnpike, on the north side of Hampton. Pittsburgh International Airport is about 30 miles away via State Highway 8 or 40 miles away via Interstate 79. UPMC Passavant is the nearest hospital, about 5 miles west.
