'Breathing room' in Jackson Township
Jackson Township is a rural community just north of Johnstown with rolling hills and country charm. The town was organized in 1828 and was named after Andrew Jackson, who was elected president that same year. The township’s villages are named after some of the area’s first settlers. Jackson has remained a small community since its creation, with an original population of 854 people and a modern-day population of 4,392. Homebuyers are particularly attracted to the area for its older homes and large lots. “It’s a more rural setting away from Johnstown. People looking here want to have more breathing room,” says Sheri Kunkle, Associate Broker/Realtor with eXp Realty, who’s been selling homes in the area for over 15 years.
Shopping and dining along William Penn Avenue
Along William Penn Avenue, there’s an Ideal Market for groceries. China House is a family-owned restaurant with authentic Chinese dishes, and Vinco Pizzaria has been a local staple for over 20 years. Further north, Adams Country Market has fresh produce and flowers, and Kimmie's Kitchen serves all-day breakfast and American classics. Residents in the north end of town can also drive to Nanty Glo for Shop N Save and Rite Aid. “There’s more shopping available in Johnstown and Ebensburg,” Kunkle says.
Ranch-style homes in Jackson start in the $100,000s
Homebuyers can find two- to four-bedroom ranch-style homes and Cape Cods on lots ranging from a half-acre to 15 acres. Vinco and Mundys Corner houses sit closer together along suburban-style streetscapes, while homes and farms along the town’s back roads have open or forested lots. Most houses here have driveways for vehicle parking, and some have garages. Homes tend to stay on the market for two months and typically sell for $100,000 to $300,000.
Fishing at Loraine Park
In the north end of town, locals can go fishing for trout and bluegills at Loraine Park. Mitchell Park has two baseball fields, tennis and basketball courts. Leidy Park offers a playground and softball fields. Just north in Nantly-Glo, hikers can access the trailhead for Ghost Town Trail, a 50-mile path through Cambria County that follows former railroad tracks. “People also like to go hunting and camping around here,” says Kunkle. For indoor activities, the North Central Recreation Center in Ebensburg has year-round ice skating.
Vo-tech program through Central Cambria High
Students may start at Jackson Elementary, which earns a B from Niche, for kindergarten through second grade, before going to Cambria Elementary, which has a B-minus, for third through fifth grade. Central Cambria Middle earns a C-plus. Central Cambria High also receives a C-plus and partners with the Admiral Peary Vo-Tech School to provide experience in careers like carpentry, culinary arts and cyber security.
Commuting on U.S. Route 22
Because of Jackson’s rural streetscape, the town is car-dependent. Commuters can drive north to access U.S. Route 22, which runs from Cincinnati to Newark. Pittsburgh is about 60 miles east, and Pittsburgh International is the closest airport, which is 72 miles away.
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
Photography Contributed By
Ali Rehan
