The vast greenery of rural Rush Township, 20 miles from State College Borough, can be attributed to its state park and game lands. The area is hilly and veined with creeks, rivers and winding roadways. No streetlights or urban disturbances bother the residents of this rural oasis that serves as a nature-lovers getaway. A relatively flat area along State Street makes up Sandy Ridge, the most prominent hamlet in the township. For shopping, dining and other amenities, residents head into Philipsburg, which borders the area, or State College Borough. The CAP Index crime score is 2 out of 10, which is below the national average of 4.
Rush Township’s woodlands offer scenic views and outdoor recreation.
Downtown Philipsburg’s aerial view shows its proximity to Rush Township.
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Summer and winter activities in Black Moshannon State Park
Black Moshannon State Park is in an elevated region of Rush, containing over 3,000 acres of rich flora and fauna. The park surrounds its namesake, the dark waters of Black Moshannon Lake. “We have 20 miles of trails; our lake is very shallow but also a unique resource,” says Mathias Weinzen, the manager of Black Moshannon State Park. “It is part of a bog. Pennsylvania doesn’t have a lot of bogs.” While flooding may occur in the township and near the state park, the bog's rugged terrain and spongey nature mitigate the issue. Black Moshannon offers camping at tent and RV sites as well as cabins. Some log cabins, with the signature brown and white stripes, are relics from New Deal programs. “The Civilian Conservation Corps was created during the Great Depression,” says Weinzen. “Young men went to rural areas and built their own places to stay and helped to build back the great outdoors. It was also a way for the country to provide more work, food and housing. You see a building that has brown and white strips -- that’s what we consider parkitecture, a good signifier of the CCC era.” Campers may kayak or paddleboard on the lake during their stay, visit the beach, or hike during the summer. In winter, the park allows ice skating, ice fishing and has a snowmobile trail. For more of a focus on hunting and fishing, residents may visit State Game Lands 33, bordering the park.
Cabins at Black Moshannon State Park offer rustic lodging in Rush’s elevated terrain.
State Game Lands 33 and 30 offer hunting and fishing near Rush’s wooded areas.
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Subdivisions near Philipsburg and Osceola Mills
Subdivisions are spread along winding roadways and clustered near Philipsburg and Osceola Mills, just outside the township. Other homes are clustered around central roadways with squares of green lawn. minimal traditional, Colonial Revival and ranch-style are common in the area and range from $125,000 to $575,000.
Contemporary homes in wooded Rush subdivisions range from $300K to $575K.
Ranch-style homes are common in Rush, especially near Philipsburg’s suburban edge.
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Celebrated drama club at Philipsburg Osceola Area High
The Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District receives a C from Niche and serves Rush Township. Depending on their proximity to local institutions, children may attend Philipsburg Elementary School or Osceola Mills Elementary School. Both schools receive a B-minus rating. Students advance to Philipsburg-Osceola Area Middle School, which receives a C-plus, and Philipsburg Osceola Area High School, which also receives a C-plus. The high school has a drama club, and eight participating students were nominated for the Isaac Awards, a ceremony to recognize talented high school performers.
Philipsburg Elementary serves Rush families and has a B-minus rating.
Osceola Mills Elementary, near Rush, offers B-minus rated education.
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Commuters use state Routes 350 and 504
The region has a few roadways, state Routes 350 and 504 lead into Philipsburg, the nearest borough. U.S. Route 322, a major highway in the area, also goes through Philipsburg and State College. Residents can also connect to Interstate 80 to explore outside the area or visit New York. There is no public transportation, but Philipsburg has a Greyhound bus station 5 miles away. State College Regional Airport is 22 miles away. Those with private pilot licenses within the township may fly out of the Mid-State Regional Airport. The Mount Nittany Medical Center is 22 miles away.
Route 322 provides Rush residents access to State College and Interstate 80.
Route 350 connects Rush Township to Philipsburg and other nearby communities.
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Haunted hike at Black Moshannon State Park
Black Moshannon State Park hosts many events throughout the year, including a Winterfest in January and Lumber Legacy Days in July. Its Haunted Lake Loop Trail in October is one of the park's most popular events, drawing 1,000 visitors for a milelong hike decorated for the ghoulish holiday. Religious services are held at Philipsburg Alliance Church, First Church of Christ and St Peter & Paul Catholic Church.
Shopping and dining in Philipsburg
Most shopping and dining are available in Philipsburg or State College. A popular eatery in the township is Hogs Galore, a barbecue restaurant known for supplying its own pork products. Across from the restaurant is Belding & Mull, which sells hunting gear. Groceries are available in Philipsburg at Weis Market.
Hogs Galore in Rush is a popular spot for barbecue and locally sourced pork.
Belding and Mull in Rush sells hunting gear and outdoor equipment.
Weis Market in Philipsburg is a go-to grocery store for Rush Township residents.
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Important to know
Radon is common in Pennsylvania due to the breakdown of uranium in the soil. Many homes have radon mitigation systems, but it’s vital to ensure that residences are equipped with one, especially if well water is used.
Written By
Isabella Pontecorvo
Photography Contributed By
TJ Engler
Video By
Benjamin Rose
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Bekah Graham,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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Welcome to 1415 E Presqueisle St, a 3 bedroom, 1 bath home nestled in the heart of Philipsburg. This home offers a fantastic location with easy access to Route 322, making the commute to State College a breeze for work, school, or a night out. Step inside to an open, inviting feel with a natural flow between the kitchen and living room, ideal for entertaining or simply enjoying everyday life. The
A rare opportunity awaits with this 1.3-acre vacant lot in the desirable Linwood Development, one of Philipsburg's premier subdivisions. The property is prepped for your dream home with preliminary driveway designs and cleared space. Public water and electricity are available, and a 2021 perc test has been approved, ensuring ease of building.Don't miss out on one of the few remaining lots in this
Nestled on 3.8 private acres, this inviting log home offers a rare combination of privacy, comfort, and exceptional access to the outdoors. The property is surrounded by State Game Lands #33 and #60 and Rails to Trails, providing outstanding opportunities for hunting, hiking, biking, and year-round recreation. Step inside to an open-concept floor plan designed for comfortable everyday living and
Build the home you've always envisioned on this beautiful 1.05-acre wooded lot located in a desirable neighborhood. Featuring a flat, easy-to-build setting surrounded by mature trees, this property offers the perfect blend of privacy, natural beauty, and convenience. Enjoy a peaceful atmosphere while still being close to local amenities, schools, and major travel routes. Looking for even more
Rockwood Dr is located in the heart of Linnwood and is ready for the next family to enjoy for years to come. The house offers 4 bedrooms with a master suite on the first floor. On 1.5 acres you have space for small garden the safety for kids to play without being by the road and large trees to provide you shade through the hot summers. The large oversized three bay garage is attached to the house!
A two-story home offering downtown living. Step inside to discover a remodeled interior flooded with natural light. The first floor features an open floor plan and 1st floor laundry with a half bath. Step out from the dining room onto the deck, where you can enjoy summer barbecues in the semi-private, partially fenced in, back yard. Upstairs, three generously sized bedrooms provide ample space.
This nice little place could be the perfect home for you! The open concept kitchen & living room makes it easy to entertain. Both guest bedrooms are decently sized & feature ample closet space. The owner's bedroom is also good sized with a double closet & private bath. Outside, enjoy the front covered porch on rainy days & the rear deck on nice ones! Lot rent is $400/month & includes water & sewer
Adorable 3 Bedroom 1Bath Ranch Home that needs a little TLC is conveniently located just 25 minutes to State College & Penn State University and is on a dead end street/no through traffic!! Here are just a few things you will love about this home: Enjoy watching your loved ones in the back yard from the kitchen where you will see right out to the spacious privacy fenced in back yard w/playhouse &
Penny JonesBetter Homes & Gardens Real Estate - GSA Realty
Welcome to this stately brick Colonial in the heart of Linnwood, offering 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and timeless curb appeal on a private 1.23‑acre lot. Step inside the impressive two‑story foyer, where a soaring window and elegant chandelier fill the entry with natural light. The updated kitchen features granite countertops, black stainless appliances, and plenty of workspace for cooking and
Welcome to 334 Hemlock Street, located in the charming south side of Philipsburg. This property features a cozy 0.11-acre fenced lot, ideal for children and pets to play safely. Inside, you will find three bedrooms and one bathroom. The home is equipped with a mini-split system, providing efficient heating and cooling year-round. Additionally, a pellet stove serves as a warm and rustic backup
Welcome to 3546 Black Moshannon Rd, Philipsburg! This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath residence sits on approximately 0.46 acres and offers the perfect blend of comfort, outdoor enjoyment, and convenience. Located just 4.6 miles -approximately 6 minutes - from the highly desired Black Moshannon State Park, and roughly 4 minutes from an SSRT trailhead. This property is an ideal retreat for those who
Beautiful updated home just waiting for the new buyer! From top to bottom, you'll appreciate the thoughtful improvements, including a new bathroom, updated flooring, modern electrical service, a new furnace, stylish countertops, updated appliances, and a stunning farmhouse sink that serves as the centerpiece of the kitchen. Soaring 9-foot ceilings and updated light fixtures enhance the home's
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