Rayburn

Rayburn Township, where the Allegheny River meanders along its western side, lies tucked away in the middle of Armstrong County. Imagine waking up to 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, 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. “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.” 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 and 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 2 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 here 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. 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. 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, Oak 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. Town & Country Transit is the public transportation provider for the greater Kittanning area with fixed route service, shared ride service to all Armstrong County residents and rural transportation for persons with disabilities. 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 half-hour's journey west on Route 422 takes many locals to Butler County, where they travel to work. There are three airports within 60 miles of the community: Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, DuBois Regional Airport and Pittsburgh International Airport.