In the late 1800s, Portage Township formed as an industrial mill and mining village off the Allegheny Portage Railroad. Now, it’s home to century-old churches, suburban streets and a community centered around history and local sports. “It’s pretty close-knit,” says Realtor Anna Daugherty with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, who has lived in the county for over 30 years. “If you drive through during school football season, you’ll see businesses posting the names and numbers of players; people here come together for school spirit.” The Portage Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and First Lutheran Church off Caldwell Avenue has held services for over 150 years. In Portage Township, residents can enjoy the camaraderie and slow pace of a small town, while Cambria County’s largest city, Johnstown, is also within 20 miles.
Homes in Portage Township sit on large lots with plenty of backyard space.
Many homes in Portage Township feature a splash of color.
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A housing market with aged single-family properties
Some homes sit off suburban and rural streets with little traffic. Others line busy state highways or occupy the urban areas branching off Main Street. Buyers will primarily find single-family homes with prices between $75,000 and $255,000. Houses needing complete renovation may cost $15,000 to $30,000. Architecture typically consists of Cape Cods, ranch-style homes and 20th-century workers' cottages. The CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, significantly lower than the national average of 4.
National homes in Portage Township often sit close together, closer to main street.
Split level homes are common in Portage Township, and some have back porches.
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Independently run businesses are downtown, with big-box stores close by
Though Portage Township is relatively small, it offers a few shops, restaurants and bars. “They’ve got all your basics covered like gas, groceries and convenience stores in commercial areas, like the intersection on Route 53,” Daugherty says. “Main Street has a lot of older buildings and businesses that are mostly all family-owned.” Shoppers head to Stager’s Store off Delancey Drive, and other grocers are available within 15 miles in Ebensburg or Johnstown. These areas also have the nearest Walmart Supercenters and department stores. Independently owned restaurants include Portage Parkway, a mainstay for over 50 years known for its multigenerational family pizza recipe. Chatter Box is one of the most popular spots on Main Street for its retro diner atmosphere, colorful antique decorations, and a counter for coffee and baked goods.
Olde Keg Bar and Grill is known for its meatlovers pizza and nachos.
Stager's store in Portage Township is a go-to grocery stop for locals.
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A local park, nearby mountains and football games keep people active
The main outdoor recreation space in Portage Township is Crichton McCormick Park. Visitors hike the trails, play on the athletic fields and courts, swim in the pool and socialize at the picnic tables. The community often gathers at the Portage Area Stadium for high school football games. Though the nearly 100-year-old arena is now home to the Portage Area Junior/Senior High Mustangs, it was formerly the stadium for a semi-pro football team. The neighborhood is also under 15 miles from Blue Knob State Park, known for its trails through the mountains and campgrounds. Blue Knob All Seasons Resort has alpine ski slopes and a wooden links golf course.
Crichton McCormick Park in Portage Township has a wooden playground for kids to explore.
Blue Knob State Park in Portage Township is full of beautiful landscapes.
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Portage Area School District earns a B-minus on Niche
Children begin their education at Portage Area Elementary, which scores a B-plus on Niche. C-rated Portage Area Junior/Senior High School is known for its athletics and school spirit. Fans who cannot make in-person events can stream them online, and businesses often play local football games for customers.
Portage Area Elementary School in Portage Township has an 11:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
Portage Area Junior/Senior High School in Portage Township has a 90% graduation rate.
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Seasonal celebrations promote community pride
The neighborhood comes together for a few events throughout the year. The annual Portage Winterfest features a parade, live music and a light tour to ring in the holiday season. The Portage Area Summerfest hosts dozens of regional vendors, performers and an antique car show.
Transportation by car, CamTran and planes out of Johnstown
Pennsylvania Route 53 connects with U.S. Route 22, leading to Pittsburgh, 80 miles west. Commuters also hop on PA-53 to head toward Johnstown, 20 miles away. CamTran buses stop throughout the neighborhood off main thoroughfares, and United flights to Washington, D.C. and Chicago take off from the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport, 14 miles away.
Written By
Grace Pitney
Photography Contributed By
Chris Freeman
Video By
Kyo Nguyen
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