Growth and preserved rural Beaver County calm in Potter Township
Potter Township rolls along the banks of the Ohio River across the water from the Beaver County seat. Long a sleepy section of forested hillsides, creeks, country roads and single-family homes, there’s been more buzz in the area since Shell built a polyethylene cracker plant along the riverfront. Despite the job, housing and population boost, Potter Township has managed to preserve its rural atmosphere, especially compared to its neighbors, Monaca, Beaver and Center Township. Close to small-town life, Potter Township is also just down Interstate 376 from the commuter and cultural heart of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh.
A mix of acreage and newer builds at lower prices than neighbors
Long country roads carve through Potter Township, passing by wild woodlands, fields and the occasional single-family home. Buyers can find homes on at least an acre of land through most of the township, offering plenty of space between neighbors living in classic farmhouses, ranch-style homes and colonials. Even larger, more secluded acreage also comes on the market. There's a newer construction subdivision on the border of Center Township, offering modern townhouses in a suburban setting close to the Beaver Valley Mall and the Ohio River. Prices range from the lower $200,000s to the lower $300,000s.
“Some people choose Potter Township because you can get more land for your money,” says Kathy Pfister an associate broker at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage who’s served northwest Allegheny County and Beaver County for over 21 years. “Usually, dollar-for-dollar, you get more. Your dollar goes a little further.” Potter Township’s average home value is in the upper $200,000s. It’s slightly lower than the average values in similarly rural Raccoon Township and Center Township. It’s also lower than the average in the more urban Beaver borough but higher than in the nearby borough of Monaca.
Close to Raccoon Creek, trails and the Ohio River
People go to Rocky Bend Nature Preserve to go canoeing on Raccoon Creek, whether they’re launching from public access points or using private docks, such as those of St. Joe’s Boat Club. The preserve also offers tranquil walking trails through the woods, popular for dog walking and birdwatching. There’s a basketball court and playground next to the township’s municipal building. Because of how industrial Potter Township’s waterfront is, you’ll need to leave the community to get out on the Ohio River. You can launch a boat, fish or picnic with river views from the Monaca Access, several miles from home.
Rural life with community traditions from Santa visits to volunteering
Potter Township offers a very quiet, rural place to call home. That’s appealing to retirees who want space and tranquility, as well as to younger professionals and families looking for a slower pace far from the city. While privacy is a part of what makes Potter Township attractive, locals also get together for regular events, whether that’s waiting for Santa to visit on one of the Potter Township Volunteer Fire Department’s engines or taking on volunteer conservation projects at Rocky Bend Nature Preserve.
Commutes to local Beaver County employers and PGH
People in Potter Township rely on cars to get around, whether they’re driving to local hubs like Shell Polymers Monaca or places closer to Pittsburgh. Beaver, the county seat and home to the major employer and hospital Heritage Valley Health System Beaver Campus, is just over 5 miles away. Taking Interstate 376, it’s a roughly 15-mile drive to Pittsburgh International Airport and a 35-mile trip to Downtown Pittsburgh.
Residents rely on Center Township for food, shops and entertainment
“Beaver Valley Mall is pretty much dead,” Pfister says. “But all the other stuff is nearby – Walmart, Target, a lot more restaurants and a movie theater.” Whether you’re going to the last few retailers at the indoor mall or heading to more hopping strip malls off Brodhead Road, Center Township is where you’ll go for most shopping, dining and entertainment. Within 15 minutes of home, there are popular spots like:
- Rural King, the mall’s busiest remaining anchor store
- Aldi, the closest grocery store
- Bowser’s, a locally-owned barbecue joint
- Texas Roadhouse, one of the area’s most popular national chains
Highly rated Central Valley schools serve local families
Potter Township is served by the Central Valley School District. Kids can go to highly rated schools like Todd Lane Elementary School and Central Valley High School. While attending CVHS, students can earn dual enrollment credit through the Community College of Beaver County or get vocational training through the Beaver County Career & Technology Center.
Different effects of the Shell Polymers Monaca plant
“Potter Township is where the footprint of the Shell cracker plant was built,” Pfister says. “They were working on that for around 10 years. It brought a lot of Shell executives into the area. I was on a relocation team for a lot of those people.” Shell Polymers Monaca, a plastic manufacturing plant, has brought thousands of temporary construction jobs and hundreds of permanent roles to Potter Township. Some nearby areas are impacted by the facility’s bright lights and truck traffic. The plant has also violated air pollution regulations.
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Written By
Julia Szymanski
