South Union Township's lower tax rates and suburban amenities
South Union Township blends a semi-rural atmosphere with expansive suburban amenities, ranging from robust shopping to recreational parks. "The main reason people are drawn here is that homes retain their value," says associate broker Jeffrey Dennis, who lives here and runs his own team through Re/Max Select Realty. "It's an affluent part of the county and has lower property tax rates than Uniontown." Once part of Uniontown to the north, the township was established in 1851 due to legislative action in Pennsylvania. Uniontown, founded in 1776, shares deep historical roots with the nation's founding. The greater area's original industries were coal mining and hemp farming. Today, retail is a key driver. Pittsburgh is roughly 60 miles away, just over an hour's drive from town.
Diverse home styles that span over a century
Neighborhood streets, shaded by trees, wind along hillsides, where maples, oaks, and hemlocks create a changing canopy through the seasons. Certain blocks are densely built, while others feature more spacious lots. Minimal traditional cottages, American Foursquares, Craftsman bungalows, midcentury ranch styles and contemporary New Traditional styles all have a foothold here. "There is everything from new construction to over one hundred-year-old houses. A mix of older and newer homes," Dennis says. Most homes range from $100,000 to $370,000. But pricing varies significantly depending on size and condition, with the lower range spanning $10,000 to $100,000 and the highest from $400,000 to $850,000.
Online education is an option through Laurel Highlands School District
Students attend the Laurel Highlands School District, which earns a C-plus rating on Niche. With more than 2,700 students, the district encompasses four elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. Middle and high school students seeking greater flexibility may enroll in the district's online learning academy. Grades 10 through 12 can also attend the Fayette County Career & Technical Institute to earn college credits and develop hands-on skills in various fields, including culinary arts and information technology.
Parks designed with athletes in mind
Athletes have plenty of practice spots in South Union Township. Hutchinson Recreation Area features baseball, soccer, and basketball fields along with picnic pavilions and a scenic walking path. The Sheepskin Trail, which connects to the park, is still under development but will eventually stretch 34 miles along a historic rail line once used to transport coal and coke from county mines. Areford Community Park has more sports amenities but stands out for its tennis courts. The local rec center hosts youth leagues and has weight rooms and a steam room. Dog owners head to Tails on the Trail, an off-leash park. The township also has smaller neighborhood parks. Uniontown Country Club has a championship golf course and a restaurant and bar that are both open to the general public.
Box chains, like Target, and hometown restaurants mix here
Instead of a distinctive downtown core, South Union Township has shopping plazas and a mall dispersed along its main roads. Shop 'n Save and Walmart Supercenter are grocery options. Locally owned restaurants like Blue Moon Cafe and Vinny's Italian Pizzeria mix with chains like Chick-fil-A and Sweet Frog. Uniontown Mall, located on the township's northern edge, is in decline but still features some national retailers, including JCPenney and Spencer's. Additional conveniences, like Target, Lowe's Home Improvement and Dollar General, are found throughout the area. Uniontown, just north, offers more shopping and dining options.
Commuting options for local and regional travel
U.S. Route 40 and U.S. Route 119 are the main routes through the township. Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation provides bus services in town, connecting commuters to Uniontown and other county areas.
Celebrating spooky season in South Union Township
Fall brings changing leaves and ways to celebrate the season. The township hosts an annual trick-or-treat event along the Sheepskin Trail at Hutchinson Park called the Haunted Trail of Treats in October. Downtown also hosts a Halloween parade.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Photography Contributed By
Stacey Callaway
