Nearly 50 miles east of Pittsburgh, the South Bend Township rests within the rolling foothills of the Allegheny Mountains. Though the area was once settled by members of the Lenape and Seneca tribes, pioneers began to build their homesteads along the fish-laden Crooked Creek in the 1800s. Today, the community remains rural, and it appeals to people who are “looking for privacy and more acreage,” says local Realtor Kim Marie Angiulli of Coldwell Banker Realty, who has 25 years of real estate experience. “Maybe farming opportunities or someone looking to create an equine estate.” Long gravel driveways spur off of rugged, hilly back roads, and in the valley, expansive farms span the roadways. The CAP Index crime score is 1 out of 10, which is the lowest possible score.
Farmland and its many symbols are prevalent throughout South Bend.
Travelers pass barns along long roads of South Bend Township.
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1800s farmhouses and late 1900s log cabins
With just a few residences in the community, there are not many listings available. A few well-maintained 1800s farmhouses remain, and there are some ranch styles and log cabins from the mid-to-late 20th century as well. The median lot size is just over 10 acres, and while properties near Crooked Creek are relatively flat, others are a mix of flat land and forested hillsides. Homeowners maintain their own wells and septic systems. Recent sales have ranged from around $100,000 to $260,000. Roughly 87% of homes are owner-occupied, and 52% of the neighborhood’s structures are commercial properties, including municipal buildings, a forge and an excavating company. Some areas are at risk of flooding, and lenders may require flood insurance.
Learning computer skills at West Shamokin Jr-Sr High
Kids in South Bend Township are zoned for the Armstrong School District. They may attend Elderton Elementary School from kindergarten to sixth grade. The school receives a B-minus overall rating on Niche. Students can then progress to West Shamokin Jr-Sr High School for grades seven through 12. West Shamokin, which earns a C-plus rating, features a music department and a computer science department. There are also several colleges and universities near South Bend Township, including Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
At Elderton Elementary, students are welcome from kindergarten to sixth grade.
West Shamokin Jr-Sr High School is dedicated to the young people of South Bend Township.
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Crooked Creek Lake recreation
Local Little League teams sometimes practice at the ballfield along Windy Flats Road. The Crooked Creek — a tributary of the Allegheny River — winds through the center of the township. About 8 miles west, the creek flows into the 350-acre Crooked Creek Lake, which is a hotspot for fishing, boating and swimming. Wooded trails rest along the edges of the lake, as does a 45-site campground.
Crooked Creek State Park near South Bend Township is a peaceful place to bird watch.
Take your best friend for a walk in Crooked Creek State Park next to South Bend Township.
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Driving to Ford City or Apollo for shopping
Crooked Creek Lake falls within Ford City, which is where Angiulli says South Bend Township residents often go for dining and shopping. Garda’s is a well-liked restaurant not too far from Crooked Creek Lane, and it’s known for having large portion sizes. Locals can drive a few miles south to grab a slice of pie from Dob-Bros Country Kitchen, and Thee Log Cabin Restaurant is a short distance north of the community. There are some grocery chains near the borough of Apollo — about 11 miles west — including Helds SHOP n' SAVE and Aldi. Residents can also head toward the center of Ford City for grocery shopping at Hankey's Riverside.
You can find Fox's Pizza Den all around South Bend Township and the surrounding area.
South Bend Township comes down the hill to Apollo for retail and dining spots.
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Car travel along Pennsylvania byways
The community is completely car-dependent. Winter weather and irregular road surfaces can make travel challenging, so many residents opt for vehicles with four-wheel drive. South Bend Township’s location isn’t far from U.S. Route 422 and Pennsylvania Routes 56, 156 and 210 also cut through the neighborhood. The nearest emergency rooms are about 20 miles away — there’s one in ACMH Hospital to the west, and another to the east in Indiana Regional Medical Center. Arnold Palmer Regional Airport is around 35 miles south, and it offers commercial flights to Florida.
Photography Contributed By
Patrick Graham
Video By
Charlie Kennedy
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Nathaniel Brida,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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11.94 acres of scenic Pennsylvania countryside located along Stoney Point Rd in Shelocta. This property sits in a small, peaceful valley offering beautiful views, open field and a meandering creek that adds both character and a natural water source for wildlife. The land shows abundant signs of deer and other wildlife, making it an excellent hunting or recreational property. Electric is available
Shane BuggeyWHITETAIL PROPERTIES REAL ESTATE LLC (PA)
Nestled on over an acre in Apollo Boro, this inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath manufactured home offers comfort, privacy, and room to breathe. The spacious living area is anchored by a stunning floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, creating a warm and welcoming focal point for gatherings.The home’s single-level layout provides easy living, with a bright kitchen, generous bedrooms, and two full baths for
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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