Rayburn Township, where the Allegheny River meanders along its western side, lies tucked away in the middle of Armstrong County's Kittanning. The area is surrounded by the sounds of the gentle murmur of Cowanshannock Creek winding through the Pittsburgh suburb before it drains into the mighty Allegheny River. Although Kittanning was surrounded by factories, mines and mills in the early 20th century, like many areas in the Western Pennsylvania region, many of the big companies the town was established around had closed by the 1950s. Rather than industrial giants, local eateries and businesses, like a 911 call center, glass factory and Penn State Extension Office, now dot the community's streets. A disadvantage to living in the township is the tax prices — the area is one of the highest-taxed communities in Western Pennsylvania. “Taxes are high,” says Sandy Bracken, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway. For some homebuyers, though, the high taxes are not an issue. “People who want to live here, live here.” According to Kody Flanders of Hometown Properties Inc., most neighbors know each other and the residents love to take advantage of all of the outdoor activities the river has to offer, including boating, fishing and hunting. “It has the best of both worlds,” Flanders says. “The big appeal is that it is very rural, has a country laid-back feel, but is only 45 minutes from Pittsburgh. It’s not stranded from civilization. People can take advantage of what the city has to offer.”
Anglers and boaters will love the easy access to the Allegheny River in Rayburn Township.
Rayburn Township sits along the Allegheny River.
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Some homes date back to the 1850s
The area's rustic nature has a big influence on Rayburn and Kittanning's appearance, but so does historic architecture — the majority of properties, many either brick and/or two-story, were constructed in the early 1900s, with some even going back to the 1850s. There are many different types of homes in this township, such as craftsman bungalows, foursquare colonials, shotgun houses and farmhouses. In Kittanning, the riverfront is lined with grid streets — closer to Rayburn Township, the landscape changes to meandering country lanes. In Rayburn, prices can range from $24,000 to $378,000, but there are outliers. About $420,000 can get a four-bedroom, three-bath home on a two-acre lot, while $300,000 can land a three-bedroom, two-bath home with a deck. The CAP Index crime score for the area is 3 out of 10, below the national average of 4. This low crime score might have a bit of symbolism — ironically enough, the FX drama "Justified," a show about the exploits of a United States Marshal Service deputy, was filmed in Kittanning.
Homes in Rayburn are often older construction and were built in the middle of last century.
Bungalows are another popular choice for homebuyers in Rayburn.
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Twenty sports offered at high school
Local students can attend school on a newly renovated campus shared by West Hills Primary and West Hills Intermediate — both rated by Niche with a B-minus. They can then advance to Armstrong Junior/Senior High, which is rated by Niche with a C overall and a B for its teachers, clubs and activities. There are nearly 20 boys' and girls' team sports offered yearly for students. There are eight local colleges and universities near the community, including Indiana University of Pennsylvania at Northpointe.
West Hills Primary School is a great place for young minds to learn and grow.
Armstrong Junior/Senior High School has great sports programs and a stunning campus.
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Buttermilk Falls is a hub for water activities
Rayburn is home to Buttermilk Falls, one of the most popular spots to hike to in Armstrong County. “I used to go to Buttermilk Falls in high school,” says Larry Richardson, a zoning officer in the neighboring township of East Franklin. “It’s so much fun. Definitely a country setting. There are rocks where people lay out in the sun, then there’s the waterfall and a swimming hole. When I bought my daughter a quad, we rode over there. People ride those a lot through the woods.” Located less than two miles down the Cowanshannock Trail in the lush woods of Rayburn, Buttermilk Falls is a peaceful outdoor space. Bracken says on any given day, Buttermilk Falls is buzzing with activity. The Cowanshannock River forests are home to both recognized and unidentified paths. Moreover, a public green space known as Riverfront Park is situated on the banks of the river and next to the pedestrian-friendly bridge. This little property is popular for fishing, neighborhood get-togethers and relaxing while admiring the amazing river views. Travelers often get to the river either before or after completing the 36 miles of the paved Armstrong Trail, which traces the river through beautiful deep riverbank forests and south Kittanning, Manorville and Ford City. And, the township is anchored by the Allegheny River, which, Bracken says, is always brimming with various water-related activities like boating and fishing.
Head to Buttermilk Falls to explore the beauty it has to offer.
The Armstrong Trail in Boggs runs along the Allegheny River and is a popular spot for hikers.
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Lots of shopping and dining options
Taking in a meal out on the town could mean riverfront dining in nearby Kittanning and Wick City, with options including Vocelli Pizza, A Mano Eatery and Old House of Hunan. Another riverfront stop, Allegheny Mariner, offers fine dining and live music and patrons can boat up to the restaurant. Set near the Kittanning Citizen Bridge near the river, Old Wood Tavern offers cold beers while a DJ spins some tunes or locals try to channel their inner Taylor Swift during karaoke. Folks can find all kinds of shopping options in Hilltop Plaza and Franklin Village Mall, both located off Westgate Drive.
A Mano Eatery has delicious pastries and also serves dinner in Rayburn Township.
The Allegheny Mariner is a very popular spot in Rayburn Township for a delicious dinner.
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Bus service offered
Town & Country Transit is the public transportation provider for the greater Kittanning area. Thanks to Route 28, which is located five miles down Route 422, drivers can reach Pittsburgh, a 41-mile trip, in around one hour. A journey west on Route 422 takes many locals to Butler County, where some travel to work. There are three airports within 60 miles of the community: Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, DuBois Regional Airport and Pittsburgh International Airport.
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