Raccoon Township

Sloping hillsides, hidden creeks, meandering trails and plenty of places to pitch a tent – all of this describes Raccoon Township, yet it's still close to a major outlet mall and Pittsburgh International Airport. Living in Raccoon offers tons of privacy and a down to earth community. “People here are into cars. Some like sports. They all like to fish and hunt,” says Susan Daniel, a certified negotiation expert living in nearby Hanover Township. "They're also always there when you need them."

Founded in 1883, Raccoon was once known for its farms and villages. Over time, it’s grown into a bedroom community connected by subdivisions with streets still carrying the names of its earliest post offices. Despite its development, there is plenty of land in all directions. Homes sit on large lots, giving neighbors the space they desire, and some are surrounded by miles of forest. Architectural styles also abound in Raccoon, from ranch-style homes to folk-style residences with gabled roofs, to new traditionals with Tudor influences, to modern farmhouses and Colonial Revivals. You can find a three-bedroom home in the woods near shopping centers for around $200,000, a modern five-bedroom farmhouse in a quiet cul-de-sac street for around $300,000, and a three-bedroom property bordering the Ambridge Reservoir for $400,000. The average listing price is around $500,000, and you can still buy land in Raccoon for under $100,000.

In this area, houses sell slower than the national average, but more people are coming here due to a recent development. “Shell just put in a $10 billion plastics plant on the Ohio River minutes from Raccoon. A lot of workers are coming in from other states because of the plant,” says Anthony Leone, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty who specializes in the greater Pittsburgh region.

Parents of Raccoon Township used to send their kids to one-room schoolhouses. Today, students attend the more robust Hopewell Area School District. Hopewell’s pipeline includes Independence Elementary, Hopewell Memorial Junior High and Hopewell Senior High School. All these schools maintain a B rating from Niche. The junior high school student chorus participates in the annual Holly Jolly Christmas Concert, and the school district has a swimming pool that offers swimming lessons and lifeguard certification.

The Ambridge Reservoir, which stretches out as far as you can see and is surrounded by hills with trees, is in the southern half of Raccoon Township. This waterway is a popular spot for fishing, and a common catch is largemouth bass. Another green space people love is nearby Raccoon Creek State Park – one of the largest parks in Pennsylvania. This park encompasses over 7,000 acres and contains within it a hiking trail, lake, cabin lodging and a spring locals say has healing properties. You’ll also find a campground there.

Choo-Choo Charlies, a small restaurant sitting on its own on Frankfort Road, is a solid option when you’re craving pizza. Some locals love it so much, they visit daily. You’ll also see your neighbors at Lu~Lou's, the restaurant at Janoski's Farm and Greenhouse 14 miles away in Clinton, which offers outdoor dining and menu items that change daily. Janoski's sells farm fresh vegetables all year round, too, and offers hayrides each October for locals. You’ll have to drive to get there, and to most places, as the area is very spread out. There is no public transportation in Raccoon, but Interstate 18 runs through the region and takes you to Beaver Valley Mall, 9 miles away, when you want a shopping center full of national chains like JCPenney, Journeys, Chick-fil-A and more. Pittsburgh International Airport is also 14 miles away via Green Garden Road, which passes through I-376, when you want a faraway adventure. Beaver Supermarket, 11 miles away via I-18, is a popular place for big grocery hauls. They’re also known for their custom meats.

If you’re an outdoorsy type who loves community but also privacy, Raccoon might be home.

Written By

Kathryn Ashworth

Photography Contributed By

Jeffrey Muschar

Video By

Chris Norton