Changes may be coming for Saltlick Township in Fayette County
Like much of Fayette County, Saltlick Township was once rich in coal and agriculture. Today, these industries have all but disappeared, leaving behind what Martie Cain, Secretary Treasurer of Saltlick Township and lifelong resident, describes as "…a collection of seven communities centered around themselves with unique identities, but complementing one another in a way that creates a tight-knit community."
While many families have been in Saltlick for generations, Cain feels that change is afoot. "Fayette County is a more depressed area in terms of overall wealth," admits Cain. "More young people are moving into cities like Pittsburg but on the other hand, we're getting people from Pittsburgh who want to leave the city for a quaint and quiet life. We're also seeing vacation rental investors."
Porch swings are a common sight across Saltlick Township.
A memorial in Saltlick Township honors its wartime veterans.
1/2
Vintage farmhouses, ranch-style homes and mountain estates
Connected by winding roads heavy with trees and undergrowth, these smaller areas host what Cain calls "patch housing," or small clusters of homes surrounding post offices, churches or small businesses. The average home, which might be a 1970s ranch house with 1,300 square feet and three bedrooms, lists in the mid-$200,00s but can range in style and price from restored mid-19th century farmhouses with three bedrooms and a full basement for $175,000 to modern log cabins with three bedrooms for $375,000. You'll also find homes on farmsteads and private acreage. A three-bedroom ranch house with 2,000 square feet, custom finishings, outbuildings and a pool on 2 acres could cost you $220,000. Or, along the township's eastern border near the Seven Springs Mountain Resort, you can find luxury mountain estates with eight bedrooms, panoramic mountain views and 15 acres for $1.5 million or more.
Brick homes appear frequently along Saltlick Township’s winding roads.
Homes in Saltlick are often tucked among trees for added privacy.
1/2
Hiking, fishing and snow sports are among the area's top pastimes
Set against stunning mountain backdrops, Saltlick Township draws people from all over, but it's not just tourists who revel in rural beauty here. Cain says, "We're active, and you'll always find locals on the trails or trout fishing in Indian Valley Creek." The Indian Valley Creek Trail is one of the most popular destinations in the area for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with 10 miles of paths slicing through shady forests and rocky outcrops. Just off the trail, C.W. Resh Park provides a tot-friendly playground tucked among tall trees and athletic courts that entertain bigger kids. A gazebo and several pavilions offer the perfect place to settle in with a good book while listening to the babbling creek nearby. You'll also find outdoor groups like the Indian Creek Valley Sportsman Club and the Indian Creek Valley ATV Club and camping at Mountain Pines Campground. Choose from tent sites, RV hook-ups or cabins and enjoy swimming, mini-golf, a snack shack, playgrounds, sports facilities, special events, theme weekends and fishing. Saltlick locals stay environmentally active, too, thanks to the Mountain Watershed Association, which has restored 70% of the Indian Creek Watershed since 1994. The association also hosts events, like trail walks, member parties, litter clean-ups, fly fishing workshops and community education
HR Adams Field in Saltlick offers space for local baseball games.
Valley Trail Head in Saltlick Township provides an easy forested walk.
1/2
A long commute to Pittsburgh, but people also work in Saltlick
Although many locals commute the 50 or so miles to Pittsburgh for work, a feat made easier because Pennsylvania Route 711 bisects the township. One of the largest employers in Saltlick is the Connellsville Area School District, where many local students attend.
Students may enroll with the Connellsville Area School District
The Connellsville Area School District serves Saltlick Township. Young learners can start at Springfield Elementary School, which earns a C grade from Niche. Connellsville Area Middle School receives a C-minus and offers dozens of clubs, from athletics to arts to academics. Also rated C, Connellsville Area Senior High School gives students a head start with College in High School, a program that allows them to take early college courses.
Connellsville Area Senior High School offers early college courses for local teens.
Springfield Elementary School supports early learners in the district.
Connellsville Area Middle School serves Saltlick Township students.
1/3
A few commercial offerings in town, more within 15 miles
Retail and dining are scarce overall, but G&D Market has provided grocery staples since it started as a supply stop for coal miners. Today, it's still going strong and stays packed with friendly neighbors. The same holds true for the Creekside Grill, a homey diner serving down-home fare to locals and visitors alike. For more expansive options, you'll need to head 10 or 15 miles northwest to Mount Pleasant or southwest to Connellsville.
Photography Contributed By
Stacey Callaway
Video By
Jacob Cardwell
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Dan Waterhouse,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath home on 1.5 acres in the heart of the Laurel Highlands! This well-maintained home offers generous living space, a bright three-season room with four brand-new French doors, and multiple outdoor entertaining areas perfect for relaxing or hosting guests. Recent updates include a new roof (2023), new asphalt driveway, and resurfaced patio. Ideally located near Ohiopyle
Discover a beautiful homesite in the exclusive community of Pheasant Run. Tucked within the protected Jones Mills Watershed Basin in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, this neighborhood was created with an extraordinary commitment to preserving its unspoiled natural environment, serene atmosphere, and timeless aesthetic. Idyllic woodlands surround the property, offering exceptional privacy and a
Nestled within the golf course community of Mountain Villas, this beautifully upgraded two-bedroom condo offers exceptional comfort and year-round mountain scenery. Never rented and meticulously maintained, the home showcases numerous enhancements throughout, creating a move in ready retreat. Enjoy spectacular winter views of the Seven Springs ski slopes and a lush panorama of fully bloomed trees
Discover the sought-after Oakmont floorplan in the prestigious ski-in/ski-out gated community of Southwind at Seven Springs. This townhome offers a rare enhancement to the traditional layout — a full bath on the main level rather than the typical half bath, adding convenience and flexibility for owners and guests. Warm and inviting, the main level features hardwood flooring, complemented by
Four-season resort living awaits in this inviting one-bedroom condo at Swiss Mountain Village. A warm & welcoming living room features a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, wood accents, access to deck & an open flow into the kitchen & dining area, perfect for relaxing after a day on the slopes or trails. The updated kitchen offers white cabinetry, stainless appliances & efficient workspace. The
Beautiful wooded 6.4 AC lot in the excllsuive gated development of Pheasant Run at Seven Springs. Mature hardwood trees, adjacent to Forbes State Forest and south facing too! This lot in one of the last available in the develpment and it needs no bridge to get to the building site! Great lot for a residence with lots of glass on the rear/front as it faces south and into the cul-de-sac and you
Escape to your own private mountain retreat! Nestled on 10 breathtaking acres just minutes from Seven Springs Mountain Resort and Ohiopyle State Park, this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 3-bath log home offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. Thoughtfully crafted with stunning wood accents harvested directly from the property itself, this one-of-a-kind home is filled with
Heather HauserBERKSHIRE HATHAWAY THE PREFERRED REALTY
Desirable end unit Oakmont floor plan in the Southwind community, just a very short walk to the ski trail. Relax on one of 2 decks overlooking Chipmunk Lake and take in the beautiful mountain views. The kitchen features cherry cabinetry with under cabinet lighting, Colorado stone granite countertops, and a full granite backsplash. A spacious center island seats six. The living room offers a
Located at the end of the Ptarmigan Way cul de sac, the lot is forested with cherry, beech, oak, maple and evergreens. The Building Envelope is located on a natural bench, with views of Forbes State Forest to the north. The hillside and vegetation to the south of the homesite provide visual separation from neighbors. Your private mountain home awaits you at Pheasant Run in Pennsylvania’s Laurel
Build your dream home or mountain getaway on this beautiful buildable lot in Champion, PA, located in the Patterson Subdivision. Nestled in the heart of the Laurel Highlands, this property offers a peaceful setting with a great mix of usable cleared space and natural wooded privacy. The cleared frontage measures approximately 236' x 140', providing an ideal area for a homesite, driveway, yard, or
Escape to your own peaceful retreat along Indian Creek, a stocked trout stream in the heart of the Laurel Highlands! With approximately 145 feet of creek frontage and the Indian Creek Valley Bike Trail within walking distance, this property is a rare opportunity to own a true four-season getaway. Spend your days casting a line, exploring the trails, gathering around the fire pit, or simply
Have you been looking for a secluded piece of land to build a dream home? The mountain stream of Neal's Run flows through the front portion of these two acres. The land has been perc tested and approved for a pressure-dosed elevated sand mound bed system. Parcels of land like this don't appear on the market very often. Bring your vision and make it your own!
Looking for a project with incredible potential and acreage? This 4-bedroom, 2-bath brick two-story home sits on 46.5 acres, offering a mix of sloping and level terrain perfect for hiking, ATV riding, hunting, or even building your dream home with scenic views. The home itself is a fixer-upper ready for your vision and updates. A 2-car garage adds convenience and storage space. Across the road,
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
