Moon Township

Sitting just west of Pittsburgh, Findlay Township merges the suburban and the rural. “It’s a nice suburb of Pittsburgh with quick access to the airport and Downtown,” says Sara Leitera, Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway. Green fields and swathes of old growth maples cut across the landscape, where farms on vast acreage surround growing subdivisions and rural hamlets like Clinton. Industrial complexes and the airport itself take up plenty of space but provide jobs in return for the increase in noise and traffic. Even for professionals working in the heart of the business district, the commute is relatively short, and often can be done in under 30 minutes, making Findlay Township an increasingly popular neighborhood for those who want a slice of country life with their convenience. From manufactured homes hiding in well-organized parks to new-build modern traditional homes in subdivisions rising out of the countryside, from split levels in the hamlets to rangy rural farms, one of the biggest draws of Findlay Township is the variety of available options, as well as the potential to build to suit. Traditional town houses range from $150,000 to $350,000, with newer builds fetching higher prices as they feature modern layouts and community amenities. Most single-family homes are mid-century ranch-style homes and split-levels featuring colonial and Federal design influences, with prices reaching from $200,000 up to $500,000. Custom-built homes with farmhouse influence continue to sprout out of the fields that used to feature farm crops, and get from $325,000 to $800,000 and up. Students in Findlay Township attend the West Allegheny School District, a highly rated public school system with an A- grade on Niche thanks to great academics and teachers. Most will start their education journey at Wilson Elementary, which receives an A, before moving on to West Allegheny Middle School, graded an A-minus. West Allegheny High School, with a B-plus grade, has a successful softball team that earned three titles in a row from 2017 to 2019. Students can also access a virtual academy to help facilitate convenient learning, a bonus in harsh Western Pennsylvania winters. Residents of Findlay Township rely on their cars to get around – the region is not walkable and there are only two limited bus routes servicing the community. Bicyclists can enjoy some recreational rides, but the winding back roads require caution. Pittsburgh International Airport is right there, with the terminals accessible in mere minutes for some residents, offering flights across the country. Residents will have to be aware of this, as the noise of flyovers will be a factor day and night. 24-hour emergency care is available roughly 10 miles away at Heritage Valley – Sewickly, usually a 20-minute drive or so. UPMC Urgent Care Robinson is closer, roughly 10-15 minutes away, but only has daytime hours. Lu-Lou's Roadhouse offers classic sandwiches like cod, Reubens, chicken parmigiana and more in a bright dining room, or diners can eat al fresco at one of the picnic tables under the terrace roof. For a pick-up or delivery option, Aroma Stone Hearth Pizza serves Neapolitan pizza baked in a stone hearth for a lighter crust, with gluten-free and vegetarian options for all dietary needs. Janoski’s Farm and Greenhouse provides everything from produce raised right there on the farm, to locally raised meats, honey, and more from the farms and producers of the region. For necessities, residents head to Shop ‘n Save in Imperial, or to Moon, where Giant Eagle, Walmart, Buddy’s Ace Hardware and other retail is clustered. Clinton Community Park offers green space surrounded by woods, with the Rainbow’s End Memorial Playground being at the heart of play, along with a well-maintained ball field. Meanwhile, Leopold Lake Park is a popular spot throughout the warm months for all sorts of activities – from deck hockey on the rink, to pickleball, to the dedicated skate park. Even furry friends are accounted for, with separate play areas for smaller dogs and larger dogs. Clinton Community Park is also home to the annual Christmas Light Up Celebration, a drive-through holiday light display that has been running since 1993. The community volunteers to put up lights, while community businesses and individuals sponsor decorated trees. The proceeds from the event go to local charities, scholarships and community organizations.