Life in Lower Tyrone Township revolves around nature. About 40 miles southeast of downtown Pittsburgh, this rural township is known for its privacy and seclusion, and that’s what residents love about it. “We really enjoy the freedom we have here,” says Wayne Peffer, a longtime resident and employee of the township municipal office. “It’s mostly a farming community, and we can do whatever we’d like on the land,” he adds.
With 15 square miles of remote, woodsy properties bordering the Youghiogheny River, Lower Tyrone Township doesn’t have a huge housing market but has opportunities for development. Parcels of undeveloped land can sell for pretty cheap — you might find a 40-acre property listed for under $300,000, an incredible price considering Pennsylvania’s average of $30,000 per acre. If you’d prefer a more established home, your options consist primarily of country ranch-style houses tucked behind mature pines, and prices can vary depending on condition and lot size. Some three-bedroom, 1,500-square-foot properties sit on compact lots just under half an acre, usually ranging from about $150,000 to $200,000. Occasionally, a spacious farmhouse estate on a larger plot will hit the market for closer to $500,000, but these are few and far between.
When it comes to recreation, what Lower Tyrone Township lacks in public parks, it makes up for in idyllic country scenery. There’s no shortage of outdoor exploration opportunities here, especially if you venture south toward the Youghiogheny River, which Peffer says is a popular fishing spot. Bordering the southern side of the river is the Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile regional trail that extends from Maryland to Pittsburgh, passing by historic bridges, campgrounds and museums as it snakes through the Laurel Highlands. You’ll have to drive down to the tiny borough of Dawson to cross the river, but there’s a convenient parking lot beside the trailhead. You’ll also find plenty of opportunities for hiking and hunting in the nearby State Game Lands No. 296, which covers about 2,400 acres and has a healthy population of white-tailed deer, cottontail rabbits and wild turkey.
For students, however, options are more limited. During the week, students are bused to the neighboring borough of Perryopolis to attend schools in the Frazier School District, which all maintain grades of C on Niche. After attending Frazier Elementary and Frazier Middle, which sit side-by-side, students will transition to Frazier High School, a few blocks down the street. Here, interested students can join a dedicated career pathway program and prepare for a future engineering or science career.
Once the school year ends, residents of all ages can look forward to summer events at the Lower Tyrone Township Fairgrounds, which include an annual community fair. “It’s an old grange fair, and it’s one of the only ones in the state that’s still free,” Peffer says. Usually held at the beginning of August, the fair includes tractor pulls, quad races and local livestock and produce competitions, and Peffer notes that, despite the remote location, the fair is well-attended by residents all over the township. The local Brownfield Community Center also hosts flea and farmers markets here throughout the year and children’s story time at the nearby library. Summers are also well-spent visiting local historical sites such as Linden Hall, a former coal barren’s Dutch mansion now serving as a picturesque event center with an 18-hole golf course. After spending the morning on the green, you can enjoy a refreshing glass of locally grown wine from Chapel Hill Wines, where live music frequently livens up the relaxing deck.
For additional wineries, dining and shopping options, you’ll have to make the 20-mile drive to Uniontown Mall or the 10-mile drive to Connellsville, where you’ll also find Martin’s grocery store and Highlands Hospital. Connellsville is also home to the closest Amtrak train station, which can get you to downtown Pittsburgh in about two hours. From there, the Pittsburgh International Airport is about 20 miles west. Whether you’re looking for a private homestead in the woods or a parcel of land fit for farming, you’ll find options in Lower Tyrone Township.
Jeffrey Dennis
RE/MAX SELECT REALTY
(878) 206-1142
206 Total Sales
2 in Lower Tyrone Township
$178K - $220K Price Range
John Lechner
ERA LECHNER & ASSOC
(878) 309-9853
101 Total Sales
1 in Lower Tyrone Township
$115,000 Price
Paula Harnish
KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY
(412) 467-0615
221 Total Sales
4 in Lower Tyrone Township
$150K - $240K Price Range
Mary Joe Popp
HOWARD HANNA MID MON VALLEY OFFICE
(878) 881-1396
127 Total Sales
1 in Lower Tyrone Township
$170,000 Price
MM
Monica Mikolay
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY
(724) 618-3689
35 Total Sales
2 in Lower Tyrone Township
$142K - $170K Price Range
Roxanne King
RE/MAX NEXT
(878) 309-6662
138 Total Sales
2 in Lower Tyrone Township
$355K - $437K Price Range
On average, homes in Lower Tyrone Township, Ruffs Dale sell after 89 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Lower Tyrone Township, Ruffs Dale over the last 12 months is $267,500, up 41% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
$549,000
Peaceful Country Living on 6.75 Acres! Nestled in a picturesque setting, this 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath home combines privacy with modern conveniences. Inside, you'll find a bright, wood-beamed living room, a spacious kitchen and dining area perfect for entertaining, and a primary suite with an ensuite bathroom featuring heated floors. Outside, a beautiful stone patio invites morning coffee or evening
Melissa Compliment BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY THE PREFERRED REALTY
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