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 a 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.”
Nanty-Glo is a tranquil town rooted in coal country heritage and community pride.
Explore the vibrant community of Nanty-Glo, with a blend of modern amenities and classic homes.
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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.
Nanty-Glo's real estate offers something for everyone.
Nanty-Glo, features historic stone houses that add character to the neighborhood.
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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.
The Ghost Town Trail winds through the heart of Nanty-Glo, following a historic railroad route.
Golden leaves, quiet paths, and peaceful ponds invite you to slow down and savor the season in Nanty-Glow.
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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. Just south of town, Adams Country Market sells fresh seasonal produce, plants and locally harvested honey. Nanty Glo has Dollar General and Shop ‘n Save, with more supermarkets and big-box stores a short drive away in Johnstown.
Shop 'n Save in Nanty-Glo is a hometown stop for fresh groceries and everyday essentials.
Nanty-Glo residents can stop by downtown Johnstown for a quick bite with friends.
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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.
Nanty-Glo enters Blacklick Valley Junior/Senior High School and changes forever.
Blacklick Valley Elementary Center is a great place for Nanty-Glo students to start.
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CamTran bus routes and access to routes 22 and 271
Drivers can take Pennsylvania Route 271 around 10 miles south to Johnstown, while Pittsburgh is roughly 65 miles away via U.S. Route 22. CamTran operates bus routes throughout Cambria County, with Route 30 providing service from Nanty Glo to Ebensburg and Johnstown.
Written By
Jillian Pillow
Photography Contributed By
Daniel Quattro
Video By
Jeffrey Knight
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Cindy Folckemer,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Looking for a quiet place on a dead-end street? Look no further! This ONE has a newer roof installed in 2022, updated windows and siding, public utilities, and off-street parking right next to the main porch. The cozy eat-in kitchen has a large pantry/storage room adjacent to it and there are main-floor laundry connections and a full bath for convenience. Both bedrooms are generously sized
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The back door allows access to the second floor that has 2 bedrooms, full bathroom with a garden tub, large eat in kitchen, and laundry hook ups in the bathroom. Recent updates include new drywall and painting, and new pipelines. No pets
Ashley McLaughlinREALTY ONE GROUP LANDMARK JOHNSTOWN
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