Located in the heart of Somerset County – and Pennsylvania’s historic coal mining operations – Paint Township offers residents a blend of historical richness and rural charm. Established in the late 19th century, the area’s history was shaped by coal mining and railroads – an origin story that remains tangible to this day, thanks to the remnants of old mines and railways throughout the landscape. “Paint Township is known for being very rural and very peaceful,” says Wendy Kelly, Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Preferred and longtime resident of the area. “It isn’t an overly developed area, so it maintains its original feel in a lot of ways.” Today, Paint Township is characterized by its scenic views, rolling hills and lush greenery, creating a serene environment that offers a quiet retreat from urban life.
Farmhouses with generous acreage underscore Paint Township’s enduring rural lifestyle.
Known for its peaceful pace, Paint Township offers a quiet, restorative rural escape.
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Old-school style amongst the rural atmosphere
Paint Township features traditional-style homes reflective of the vintage atmosphere. Prospective homebuyers will find ranch-style, Cape Cod and Colonial Revival homes along residential streets, with most offering yards large enough for gardening and outdoor entertaining. True to its rural nature, the area also includes farmhouses with significant acreage. “There isn’t a lot of new construction or development around there,” says Kelly. “But what modern homes are available usually reflect the same aesthetic as the older homes, so it’s very consistent.” Prices for single-family homes typically range from $105,000 to $240,000, though larger, more modern estates can range from $320,000 to $575,000, depending on how much land is included.
Prices for single-family homes typically range from $105K to $240K in Paint Township.
Many Paint Township homes feature spacious yards ideal for gardening and outdoor gatherings.
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Windber Area High's top-of-the-line football stadium
Students can begin at Windber Elementary School, which serves kindergarten through fifth grade and earns a B from Niche. Windber Area Middle School earns a B-plus. Windber Area High School also earns a B-plus and is known for its competitive marching band, which has received numerous accolades and performs at regional and state events. The school's football field was replaced in 2016 through a $200,000 grant from the NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, which provides financing and other resources for high school playing fields. The stadium is known for its multi-purpose use and its track is often open to the public for walking when the school isn't using it.
Windber Elementary School has a student-teacher ratio of 16:1.
Windber Area Middle School core values are safety, student development, and communication.
Students learn and grow at Windber Area High School.
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Traveling on state Routes 56, 160
Paint Township is near state Routes 56 and 160, making it easy to travel to Johnstown and Somerset. Public transportation options include shared-ride shuttle services provided by CamTran. The Johnstown Amtrak station – located less than 15 miles from Paint Township – provides rail connections to larger cities such as Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport is 11 miles away offers flights to major hubs.
CamTran’s shared-ride shuttles offer convenient public transportation in Paint Township.
John Murtha Johnstown–Cambria County Airport, 11 miles away, offers flights to major hubs.
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Shopping and dining near Paint Township
While Paint itself is primarily residential, nearby townships and neighborhoods offer shopping and dining. “Even with how private it feels, you’re still only a short drive from Richland or Johnstown,” says Kelly. “And Windber is even closer.” Popular local eateries include Rizzo’s of Windber, known for its Italian cuisine, and The Windber Hotel, which offers a mix of American dishes and local favorites in a historic setting. The Windber Market sells groceries and everyday essentials. More shopping can be found at Richland Town Center in Johnstown, including Walmart, Lowe’s and Best Buy. “It’s a nice mixture, because you definitely find more of the well-known chains in Johnstown,” says Kelly. “But you have local shops and mom-and-pops in Windber.”
Rizzo’s of Windber is a local favorite for classic Italian dishes near Paint Township.
Bella’s in Windber offers another well-liked dining option close to Paint Township.
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Sports field and picnic areas at Paint Township Park
Paint Township offers ample opportunity to get out and enjoy the outdoors, whether in a park or exploring nearby nature. Paint Township Park features sports fields, playgrounds and picnic areas. The surrounding natural beauty allows for hiking, fishing and wildlife observation. Additionally, Windber Recreation Park offers amenities such as a swimming pool, tennis courts, and picnic pavilions. Nearby, the Quecreek Mine Rescue Site offers a historical perspective of the area and a chance to learn about the local mining heritage.
Paint Township presents abundant ways to enjoy the outdoors across parks and open space.
Public lands around Paint Township offer open natural areas with native vegetation.
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Visiting 1930s and '40s trolleys
Nearby Windber is home to some unique attractions. The Windber Trolley Graveyard features over 45 vintage trolleys from the 1930s and 1940s, creating an eerie landscape for visitors. The Grand Midway Hotel, known for its haunted reputation and the world’s largest Ouija board on its roof, is another popular destination for those interested in the paranormal. The Johnstown Flood Museum chronicles the devastating 1889 flood, while the Johnstown Inclined Plane – the world's steepest vehicular incline – was built as a means of evacuating residents during floods. The Inclined Plane now offers panoramic views of the valley, hiking trails and bike paths. Currently under renovations to ensure its continued place within the community, the project was 92% complete as of July 2024.
Photography Contributed By
Glen Mordeci
Video By
Emily McNamara
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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an experienced agent in this area.
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LET'S GET MOVING...this rare find in Paint Boro/Windber Schools has much to offer its new owner. This 4 bedroom, 2 bath home showcases its beautifully crafted oak woodwork, built-ins, columns, pocket doors, and leaded glass windows and entry door. The spacious foyer with stunning open staircase welcomes you and its adjoining living room is perfect for entertaining guests. The home chef will love
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