Industry

Skirting the banks of the Ohio River about 8 miles from the confluence of Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia, the small borough of Industry offers a rural lifestyle steeped in history. At its start, Industry was a bustling crossroads for rail, steamboat and lumber trades. Now, it’s a comfortable community for about 1,800 residents who benefit from well-priced homes, longstanding local restaurants and proximity to major shopping centers.

Homes in Industry range from colorful Dutch colonials to country ranch-style homes with farmhouse flair. Tucked between the trees, these homes often include covered front porches where you can spend the evening sipping a warm beverage while enjoying the sunset. Residents love to adorn their homes with festive flags, and themed wreaths stand out against farm-ready fields. “Living out here isn’t stressful. Your neighbors are sometimes acres away, so you know you won’t be held up talking at the front door when you’re trying to leave,” says Susan Daniel, certified negotiation expert with Howard Hanna and longtime local of the area. “But if you ever need help, those same neighbors will be right there,” she says.

There aren’t many streets with sidewalks or bus stops in Industry, and Daniel says many people travel locally by tractor, motorcycle or horse whenever possible. “If you want to get out of the borough, though, you pretty much need a car,” Daniel says. Fortunately, most homes have a garage and a driveway, whether in the front, back or fully detached. If you want to create a custom setup, you can purchase a large parcel of undeveloped land, but keep in mind that you could be paying up to $20,000 an acre. For the more established homes, buyers can expect prices in the $150,000 to $350,000 range for most three-bedroom properties under 10 acres.

Students in Industry can start at Fairview Elementary School, which maintains a grade of B on Niche. In sixth grade, students can move on to Western Beaver County Junior-Senior High School, which maintains a grade of C-plus on Niche. With less than 400 students, the high school is known for its small class sizes but has a surprisingly robust athletic department. Things can get rowdy during Friday night football games, but a buffer of trees keeps the sound from disturbing residents’ rural tranquility.

When it comes to tranquility, though, you can’t beat the serenity of nearby State Game Lands No. 173. “Hunting and fishing are primary activities for the locals here, and you don’t have to go far,” Daniel says. The game lands are only about 5 miles from the borough, offering more than 1,000 acres where you can hunt white-tailed deer, wild turkey and squirrels. There aren’t any designated hiking or biking trails here, but locals find many more ways to stay active at Industry Community Park, which features a purple and blue playscape and grassy baseball fields. If golf is your game, you’ll also have easy access to the semi-private Deer Trails Country Club.

Despite the borough’s pastoral nature, Industry has a proud sense of community, and that’s more than evident in the mainstay restaurants that line Pennsylvania Route 68, also known as Midland Beaver Road. Luanne’s Route 68 Food & Spirits is a lively weekend destination with karaoke and live music. Mickey’s Place offers a relaxed, woodsy atmosphere where you can banter with the bartender while watching the Steelers play on Sunday. Jeannette’s Kitchen is known for serving the best brisket in town, and The Willows offers an upscale dining experience and a reservable event space.

Groceries are nearby at the Shop ‘n Save a few miles north in Beaver, and the expansive Beaver Valley Mall sits about 8 miles away across the Ohio River. Beaver is also home to the nearest hospital and the Interstate 376 interchange, which can get you to Pittsburgh International Airport or downtown Pittsburgh in about 40 miles. If you’re looking for a community where you can enjoy a country lifestyle while staying close to essential amenities, you might be drawn to Industry.

Photography Contributed By

Jay Ratchford

Video By

Nathan Allen