New Brighton

Described as a "Miniature Americana" by the Beaver County Times, Daugherty Township's slow country living is recognized nationwide. The Daugherty Township resident demographics are proportionate to the country as a whole, which qualified the borough for a 12-year, multimillion-dollar Census Bureau study, "Growing Older in America," one of the largest health and retirement surveys ever conducted. These homeowners enjoy laid-back lifestyles with rural homesteads and convenient accessibility to nearby destinations. Daugherty Township's residential roads are a few minutes east of Beaver River and busier landscapes. You'll find dominantly midcentury subdivisions built of simple ranch designs and split levels. Properties in Daugherty Township start around $150,000 for a simple 1950s ranch needing a few cosmetic updates. Another $100,000 or so buys a newer build with more recent renovations. Listings rarely exceed $350,000 here, but when they do, you're likely getting a lot of land - somewhere in the 15-acre ballpark. With miles of rolling fields and undeveloped landscapes, there's an opportunity to build here. Invest in an acre or two for $50,000 to create a custom design. Most Daugherty Township listings find new owners within a month. "The market has slowed some, but it's ever-changing," says Michael Pohlot, Realtor at Janus Realty Advisors. Daugherty Township kids can attend school within the New Brighton Area District. Many start learning at New Brighton Elementary and Continue to New Brighton Area Middle, which both have overall C-plus scores on Niche. The last stop on the public school track is New Brighton Area High, rated B-minus on Niche. The school campuses are clustered on the west side, simplifying pick-ups and drop-offs for families with busy schedules. The kids can stretch their legs on the school's baseball fields or take a dip in the on-campus swimming pool when class lets out. Fox Run Golf Course fills up when the weather is nice. You can enjoy quiet walks with river scenery at Big Rock Park, which is steps away from the school campuses in New Brighton. Townsend Park is also nearby, where the town gathers for holiday celebrations and local events. You'll also travel into New Brighton to run errands. Daugherty Township residents stop at Foodland to pick up their weekly groceries and visit the surrounding shops and pharmacies to check off the rest of their lists. There are one or two local restaurants off the main highway when you want a bite to eat but aren't up for the drive into New Brighton's downtown area. Local favorite 68s Feed Mill is an old town standby with a brand-new location. Residents stop in for diner-style breakfasts, and with its heaping portions, no one leaves hungry. Medical centers, civic offices and the regional school system comprise the majority of Daugherty Township employers. There are also several local businesses (promoted on the town's website), including an auto shop and carpentry services, that employ a lot of locals. "There's also a new ethylene cracker plant nearby. A lot of the region's money is coming from that now – it's brought jobs to the area," Pohlot says. Interstate 79 is your way in and out of town, with an access point 10 miles away. Pittsburgh's city center is a 30-mile drive from Daugherty, equating to roughly 45 minutes in the car without major traffic delays. "With all the nearby highways, it's a really accessible area," Pohlot says. For peaceful rural living with nearby amenities and connectivity, explore Daugherty Township.

Affectionately referred to as 'The Flats' by locals, Pulaski Township is a small, quiet and laidback residential community in the heart of Beaver County, 33 miles northwest of Downtown Pittsburgh. First, a bit of history. This township gets its name from "The Father of American Cavalry," Casimir Pulaski, a Polish General who commanded American troops during the Revolutionary War. It was predominantly an agricultural community for many years. Today, Pulaski isn't just a place for farmers but for those who enjoy small-town living. "You know the phrase 'it takes a village?' That's how the Flats are," says Timothy Bable, a local Realtor with EXP Realty who grew up next door to Pulaski Township in New Brighton. "All the neighbors look after each other. Folks know whose kids are where just from the bikes in the front yard." You can find homes in this township that date back as far as 1900, and many more built throughout the '40s, '50s and '60s, but the general buildout of properties didn't stop until the late 1990s. While no two homes here are the same, there are a couple dominant architectural styles. The iconic, boxy builds of American Foursquare homes are popular, as are cozy bungalows and ranch-style houses, typically raised due to the area's hilly landscape. Listing prices range from $19,000 to $120,000, which is incredibly affordable compared to townships and boroughs closer to Pittsburgh — especially those by the river. A little more than $68,000, the average listing price, could land you a two-bedroom, two-bathroom property. Pulaski Township is a predominantly residential community, but there are a couple local watering holes and eateries you'll always find residents spending time around, and one of the most popular is Top of the Ninth, a mouthwatering pizza shop. Even more community favorites are less than 2 miles outside of the township in downtown New Brighton, including Slurp-N-Burst Boba Tea and The Promise Blend. As for stocking the pantry, Foodland is where most locals grab their groceries. New Brighton is also where you'll find nearby parks, such as Big Rock Park, a popular green space framed by First Avenue and the Beaver River. Its 7 acres of shoreline feature a half-mile walking trail and quiet fishing spots. It's also one of the only stretches of public property in the commonwealth where you can observe an active bald eagle nest. Across the river, nearby recreational mecca Brady's Run Park spans 2,000 acres with a plethora of outdoor amenities and even an indoor ice-skating rink. From horseback riding and mountain biking to fishing and boating, this park is a hub where folks can do it all. "Western Pennsylvania's known for awesome hunting," Bable says. "I do a lot of bow hunting myself. Hunting, hiking, fishing, mountain biking and horseback riding — all that's within a half hour from Pulaski. It seems like there isn't much to do around here, but really, there's a lot." Pulaski Township is served by the New Brighton Area School District, so local students will start their studies at New Brighton Elementary, rated with a C-plus on Niche, before going to New Brighton Middle, rated with a C on Niche, and graduating from New Brighton High, which boasts a B on Niche and has a number of varsity sports for students to dive into, including baseball, soccer, track and field, golf, football, volleyball and field hockey. "I always walked to high school with my friends," Bable says. "The high school's in the Flats, so it was a 10- or 15-minute walk for us. It was nice to grow up like that." With all the perks of small-town living and all the advantages of a rich, verdant landscape, the township of Pulaski is a beautiful and quiet place to call home.