Bullskin Township

People have lived in this rural southeastern Pittsburgh borough since the mid-1700s. Bullskin Township’s long history centers around farming - its peaceful, bucolic landscapes are a remnant of its agrarian past. The area’s lack of development is an appealing allure for buyers interested in a home with privacy, peace and quiet. “It’s not bustling like other nearby towns,” says Michael Pohlot, Realtor at Janus Realty Advisors.

You’re going to find a lot of simple midcentury builds here. Modest ranch designs scatter irregularly across fields of farmland and within woodsy surroundings. These '60s and '70s-era styles typically go for around $200,000. Buyers will also find a historical home or two here, which often have lower price tags but may need a little TLC. If you’re not finding what you’re looking for, buyers can purchase a lot starting at $5,000 to build a bespoke abode. Most locals consider Bullskin Township a seller’s market, where prices are increasing, and listings find new owners within a few weeks.

Many Bullskin kids attend school within the Connellsville Area District. “They’re decent here,” Pohlot says. Many begin learning at the nearby Dunbar Township Elementary, rated C-plus on Niche, and continue to Connellsville Area Middle, rated C-minus and Connellsville Area Senior High, rated C-plus. School commutes start around 15 minutes, increasing for those living farther south. The district has an average graduation rate of 86%, and many rising seniors apply to the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State Fayette nearby.

Locals can get fresh air at any of the parks along the 10-mile stretch of Pleasant Valley Road. Bridgeport Dam Park is among the town’s most popular outdoor getaways, where visitors can fish or hop on a small boat for a relaxing day on the water. Bullskin Park’s basketball courts and grassy fields are an easy everyday stop-off for folks with kids who want to stretch their legs. Bullskin locals bring the brood to Shallenberger Sportsplex for soccer games on weekends.

There are one or two local stores that help Bullskin residents get through the week. Woah Nellie Dairy Farm stocks a roadside outpost with milk and other locally sourced pantry items. Bullskin Township residents can also visit Appleseed Farms and Garden Center for homegrown produce to round out their weekly shops. You’ll ride south into Connellsville to visit chain grocers like Martin’s and a wide selection of shops and restaurants. “Beaver Falls and Monaca are close by with restaurants and shopping,” Pohlot says.

Though rural and less population-dense than surrounding areas, Bullskin residents find ways to celebrate their community throughout the year. These long-time locals take pride in their history, hosting gatherings like the annual Heritage Days Festival, when folks dress in period garb and peruse vendors selling traditional wares, lie quilters and candlemakers. Bullskin Township locals can stay connected with the community via the City of Connellsville website, where you'll find a full schedule of events, including Thursday Farmer's Markets and holiday celebrations like the annual Christmas Parade.

Government offices and Uniontown Hospital are the region's top employers, followed closely by the school districts. U.S. Route 119 crosses the western side of the township, leading north to Greensburg and south to Connellsville, connecting residents to busier areas. “You can get into the city fairly quickly,” Pohlot says. Downtown Pittsburgh is a 50-mile ride away. Locals ride into Connellsville to hop on an Amtrak train for long-distance travel. Welcome home to bucolic Bullskin Township.