From Washington's vision to a Fayette County township
When the land that makes up Perry Township first became available, George Washington purchased more than 1,000 acres because he thought it was beautiful and had ideas for development. While the first president never saw his renderings come to fruition, it was developed the way he intended after his death. Today, the township is a part of Fayette County along Pennsylvania Route 51, about 30 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. “It is just a small quaint area,” says Jeff Dawson, a Realtor with Century 21 Frontier Realty who has been selling the area for 40 years. “About 10 years ago, Perry became extremely popular, and it has stayed that way. It is right along 51, which can take you to the city.
Single-family housing in the Pennsylvania hills
Perry Township offers multiple options for single-family houses in the winding hilly roads of western Pennsylvania. Secluded off PA-51, you can find acres of land with contemporary custom-built homes. Closer to Perryopolis, streets are tight and lined with Pittsburgh staple architectural styles of American Foursquare, cottages and ranch-style houses. While you can find older properties under $100,000, buyers can expect a three-bedroom, two-bathroom brick cottage to sell for a little more than $225,000 and rise to about $750,000 for a large secluded contemporary property on over an acre of land. “Overall, the market in and around Pittsburgh is returning to normal from the pandemic. There are not as many homes in Perry Township as in other places, but when things go on the market, they sell quickly,” Dawson says.
Learning in the Frazier School District
Children attend the Frazier School District, which scores a C on Niche and serves slightly over 1,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The school path is Frazier Elementary, Frazier Middle and Frazier High School. The elementary and middle schools are C on Niche, while the high school garners a C+. Frazier High offers a selection of academic, vocational, practical work experience and extracurricular programs to help students meet the state graduation requirements while pursuing their careers.
A playground at Perryopolis Park
Connected to the elementary and middle schools, Perryopolis Park is an open green space with a playground. Perry Township also features some unique green spaces, including Washington Run Park, which borders the tributary with the same name and is a 7-acre facility with multiple recreated historical structures, including a grist mill that Washington once owned. Hikers and bikers can take advantage of the Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile rail trail from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Md., which runs through the area, and the trail access point also has a playground for children.
Shopping in nearby Perryopolis
Located along Pennsylvania Route 51, which heads directly into downtown Pittsburgh, you will find most of the limited retail scene in the township. Locals can head to the Save A Lot to pick up weekly needs. As you head into Perryopolis, you can find some mom-and-pop stores like the Perry Drug Store, which has been open for 80 years. If you need more retail, you can make the about 10-mile trip to Bell Vernon, where you can find a Walmart, Aldi and other bigger chain stores. “It’s no more than a 15-minute ride up the road,” Dawson says. For a bite to eat, swing by Randal’s, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and brings folks from surrounding communities to its restaurant.
