La Vale is a retail-lined suburb west of Cumberland
La Vale is a quaint suburban community close to scenic state parks and hiking areas in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Residents live close to restaurants on National Highway and shopping centers, such as Country Club Mall and the Cumberland Pedestrian Mall. "The retail development is heavier for the whole area," says Stephen MacGray, a Cumberland local and Realtor with Charis Realty Group. "It's more business-heavy than other nearby communities like Cresaptown." La Vale is part of the Western Maryland tri-state area, so locals can drive to Pennsylvania cities like Pittsburgh in two hours or to West Virginia cities like Martinsburg in one hour.
A large residential area in La Vale stretches across the valley floor, framed by expansive mountain ridges.
Cumberland sits just four miles east of La Vale and offers a wide range of shopping and dining options, especially around the popular Cumberland Pedestrian Mall.
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Trails and state parks in the Appalachian Mountains
Cyclists and hikers can access the Great Allegheny Passage Trail from La Vale at the landmark known as Helmstetter's Curve. The trail is a regionally popular attraction, running over 150 miles from Cumberland to Pittsburgh along an old rail bed. Will's Mountain State Park is located north of the community and features scenic hiking trails that lead to the summit of Will's Mountain. La Vale Park has basketball and tennis courts along Georges Creek Boulevard. "There are several state parks people enjoy," says MacGray. "Rocky Gap State Park is combined with a casino and lodge, which has been there for over 10 years." Rocky Gap State Park is a 3,000-acre green space located nearby, featuring miles of multi-use trails and Lake Habeeb, where guests can enjoy activities such as kayaking and fishing for catfish and trout. There's also the Rocky Gap Casino, Resort & Golf, with an eighteen-hole course and a 24-hour casino with four restaurants.
Bikers enjoy taking a day ride along the Great Allegheny Passage Trail in La Vale.
Residents of La Vale enjoy many outdoor activities at Rocky Gap State Park, from hiking to boating and more.
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Various single-family home styles on hillside streets
Buyers can find American Foursquares, open-porch bungalows, Cape Cods and ramblers along La Vale's hilly suburban streets. There are also a handful of new-construction Craftsman-style homes available on the market. The median single-family home price is $250,000, with prices varying by age, square footage and lot size.
A quiet La Vale neighborhood sits at the base of scenic mountain terrain, with homes arranged along a narrow local street.
A charming home in La Vale presents a balanced facade with a front porch and a gravel driveway extending beside the house.
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Outdoor School program for Allegany County's fifth grade-students
Allegany County Public Schools serves La Vale. Students can attend Parkside Elementary School, which is rated a B-plus by Niche, while Braddock Middle receives a B-minus and Allegany High earns a B-rating. All fifth-grade students in the Allegany County Public Schools district are eligible to participate in the week-long Fifth-Grade Outdoor School program at a 4-H Center in Garrett County, which includes hands-on Earth science lessons.
Students in La Vale can begin their education at Parkside Elementary School, which holds a B‑plus rating on Niche.
Older students in La Vale continue their education at Allegany High School, where they prepare for college and future career paths.
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Local restaurants and Country Club Mall to browse
Most of La Vale's commercial businesses line National Highway, including Fratelli's Restaurant & Bar, known for chicken parmesan and pasta dishes. Farther south is a Martin's for groceries, and the Country Club Mall, which hosts retailers such as Walmart, TJ Maxx, and American Eagle. Locals can also browse shopping centers, such as the Cumberland Pedestrian Mall, located just a few miles east.
The Country Club Mall in La Vale features a prominent exterior that highlights its role as a key retail hub in the community.
Café Mark offers a standout breakfast experience for visitors exploring the Cumberland Pedestrian Mall.
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Cumberland commutes take minutes
Due to the limited public transit options in La Vale, residents are mainly dependent on cars for travel. Commutes to Cumberland take minutes, since the town is less than 4 miles east of La Vale, while the Greater Cumberland Regional Airport is 8 miles away. The community is also within 15 miles of West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Martinsburg is 72 miles west, and Pittsburgh is 100 miles north. The nearest hospital is UPMC Johnson Heights Medical Building, five miles away in Cumberland.
Roughly 100 miles north of La Vale, Pittsburgh offers a nearby urban destination for shopping, entertainment, and travel.
The city of Cumberland is filled with thriving shops, restaurants, and other small businesses.
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Written By
Maxwell Olarinde
Photography Contributed By
Ruo Zheng
Video By
Chris Freeman
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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