A history of coal mining and a secluded community in Nanty-Glo
Between the woods and mountains of Cambria County, the borough of Nanty-Glo sits along the historic Ghost Town Trail with a rich history and a quiet, secluded atmosphere just 12 miles north of Johnstown. The borough’s Welch name translates to “streams of coal,” named for its prominence in the coal mining industry in the early 1900s. The last coal mine in town closed in the 1980s, leading to a decline in population in the following years. Today, Nanty-Glo is a small town of around 2,000 residents with peaceful streets and a quiet, mountain-town feel. “The community is tucked away in quiet part of Cambria County,” says Lisa Hess, a local Realtor with Lang Real Estate. “There’s a close-knit atmosphere and a lot of families that have lived in the borough for generations, so most people know one another.”
Attractive home prices and century-old architecture
Most of the area’s homes were built between the early 1900s and the 1970s, from farmhouses and workers cottages to Colonial Revivals and bungalows. Near the center of town, most homes sit on small, 2,000 to 5,000 square-foot lots while the surrounding area features quarter to half-acre properties. Price tags in Nanty-Glo tend to be significantly lower than the Cambria County median of $160,000. Manufactured homes and houses in need of major renovation range from $30,000 to $60,000, while move-in-ready builds can go for $60,000 to $190,000.
An old rail line turned walking trail and nearby sports facilities
The Ghost Town Trail runs through the center of Nanty-Glo along what used to be a railroad line that would transport coal from Pennsylvania’s mining communities. The trail runs for nearly 50 miles in sections and can take bikers and hikers to nearby towns like Black Lick and Ebensburg. The McMullen Memorial Field hosts local baseball and tee-ball league games and practices. Nearby, Loraine Park is home to a picnic shelter and a fishing pond. Every spring, the park hosts the Jackson Township Fishing Derby.
A small business scene in Nanty-Glo
While the community is largely residential, there are a handful of small businesses and amenities, including a post office and a hair salon. “There aren’t many businesses in the area, but for many locals, that’s a positive thing,” Hess says. “People like the secluded feel but, in reality, you’re within a short drive of Johnstown, which has a lot more in terms of shops and restaurants. The most notable business in town is Commons Hardware, which has been around for decades.” Al’s Pizza offers dine in and carry out pizzas, Italian subs and homemade pies. JR’s is open on Thursday and Friday nights serving wings, tacos and cold beer, with a Friday fish fry offering hand-breaded haddock and shrimp. Just south of town, Adams Country Market sells fresh seasonal produce, plants and locally harvested honey. Nanty-Glow has Dollar General and Shop ‘n Save, with more supermarkets and big-box stores a short drive away in Johnstown.
Extracurriculars and dual enrollment at Blacklick Valley High
Kindergarten through sixth-grade students can attend Blacklick Valley Elementary Center, which earns a C-plus grade from Niche. Blacklick Valley Junior/Senior High School receives a C-minus and has over a dozen clubs and extracurricular offerings, from Quiz Bowl and gardening club to forensics and esports. The high school offers a few dual credit courses through Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. The Nanty-Glo Public Library hosts children's story times every Wednesday and a monthly book club.
CamTran bus routes and access to routes 22 and 271
Drivers can take Pennsylvania Route 271 around 10 miles south to Johnstown, while Pittsburg is roughly 65 miles away via U.S. Route 22. CamTran operates bus routes throughout Cambria County, with Route 30 providing service to from Nanty-Glo to Ebensburg and Johnstown.
![Jillian Pillow]()
Written By
Jillian Pillow
