South Armstrong County

Head home to the tree-covered hillsides in South Armstrong County. The outer Pittsburgh community sits between the Allegheny River and its smaller, intersecting tributary, Kiskiminetas. This lush region abounds with natural resources and is dipping its toes into the booming tech world with an emerging electro-optic field of science and technology, developing products for high-level government offices. The location on the cusp of Pittsburgh proper, reaching into miles of woodsy wetlands, provides residents with the best of both worlds. "It’s a nice quiet little town where everybody knows everybody," says Debbie Macurak, Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway.

Small residential developments branch off the main road, lined with simple ranch-style homes that typically go for around $125,000. If you're looking for more land, you'll find it here. Many homeowners enjoy two or more rolling acres. With county origins dating back to 1800, there's a lot of history here. Early 1900s farmhouses and cottages also typically land under $200,000, fluctuating with the residence's physical condition and location. Some lucky locals have lakeside properties, which aren't listed often but climb to the top of the price range when they change hands. Prices across Armstrong County fall below those in the surrounding Butler and Indiana, providing opportunities for buyers on a tighter budget. "Inventory is low - we need more home on the market," Macuraks says. Listings here tend to stick around for a few months before finding a new owner.

South Armstrong County kids can attend school within the Freeport or Kiski Area Districts, depending on where you land. Many begin at the well-performing South Buffalo Elementary before continuing to Kiski Area Intermediate. Rising students wrap up their studies at Kiski Area High. Each public school has a score of B-minus or higher on Niche. The upper schools are less than 10 miles away from South Armstrong County residents on neighboring campuses, simplifying pickups and drop-offs.

Outdoor activities are a way of life in South Armstrong County. The kids can stretch their legs on the sports fields and playgrounds behind the schools when class lets out. Spend a full day in the fresh air at Crooked Creek Lake, a sprawling park facility at the center of town. Here, you'll find an amenity for almost any interest, from equestrian facilities to a swimming lake and boat launch. Visit for a hike through the wooded walking routes or drop a line in the water to try for a bass. There's also an extensive greenway trail l that runs for miles, tracing the curved contours of the Allegheny River, which is great for long bike rides. Golfers can spend a day on the fairways at the nearby River Forest Country Club, known for its challenging course.

South Armstrong County residents travel to busier town centers to run errands and eat out. Hankey's is your local grocer – a long-standing family-owned spot. From there, you can continue a few miles north the Kittaning, the county seat, to peruse big box stores like Walmart. You'll also find a wider selection of stores and restaurants here. When you want a meal in town, there are a handful of spots to choose from. People drive for an hour to have dinner at 1844. It's a long-time favorite that started in 1974, serving hungry diners sashimi and prime rib from a nostalgia-packed 19th-century farmhouse. Barefoot Bar and Grill is around the corner for a casual night out with pizza, draft beer and live music.

South Armstrong County residents ride roughly 35 miles into Downtown Pittsburgh for a day at the office. State Route 56 feeds into PA-28, which routes you right into the city. Many residents stay in town for work. The Armstrong County Memorial Hospital and the school district are the area's top employers, followed closely by Wal-Mart and Rosebud Mining Company. South Armstrong County is a driving town with peaceful, scenic commutes. For natural scenery, city connectivity and lower prices, explore South Armstrong County.

Written By

Caeleigh Griffin

Photography Contributed By

Alec Oswald

Video By

Anthony Pesa