Stewart Township is a rural retreat in Fayette County
In Stewart Township 70 miles south of Pittsburgh, "falling water" means more than one thing. But whether you're referring to cascading waterfalls breaking a hiker's quiet reverie, careening rapids powering rafts through the Youghiogheny River or Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural opus, aptly named Fallingwater, you won't have to look further than this rural retreat along Fayette County's eastern border to find all three.
Homes perfectly set in rural Stewart Township offer homeowners a quiet pace.
Locals use the Free Little Library on Sherman Street in Stewart Township.
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Small farms and clusters of homes line winding country roads
What you won't find is crowded neighborhoods. Stewart Township contains 614 residents, while the Borough of Ohiopyle, a separate but shared community, houses 12 to 37 full-time residents at any time. A Stewart Township official and resident explains the reason for these small numbers, "Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, state game land and Ohiopyle State Park control 62% of the total land in the township, so the land is preserved." The result is small clusters of homes down winding country roads and small farms marked by bright barns, tall silos and tidy farmhouses. You might find an early 1900s cottage with modern additions, three bedrooms, 2,000 square feet and 2 acres for $250,000, or a contemporary log cabin on 3 acres with three bedrooms across 1,200 square feet for $290,000. Homes in Ohiopyle are often vacation rentals and range from 1900s farmhouses to manufactured ranch homes with two or three bedrooms and up to 1,500 square feet, selling between the mid-$200,000s up to $400,000. Land is also available from $3,000 to $20,000 per acre.
A Colonial style home is surrounded by fall foliage in Stewart.
Foursquare homes with metal roofs and covered porches are found in Stewart.
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Tourists flock to the township for outdoor activities
The township is home to the Ohiopyle State Park, the Great Allegheny Passage bicycle trail, Frank Lloyd Wrights's acclaimed Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob, the Natural Water Slides, large campgrounds and countless hiking trails, waterfalls and scenic overlooks. The Youghiogheny River also flows through the center of Ohiopyle and the state park and offers exceptional whitewater rafting. These splendors don't go unnoticed. According to the township official, "We see between 1.5 million and 2 million tourists annually." But as a resident, these resources are in your backyard, whether biking, hiking, jogging or cross-country skiing the Great Allegheny Passage trails; sledding and snowmobiling at Sugarloaf Snowmobile and Mountain Bike Area; or hunting and trout fishing. With free admission, the state park is also yours to explore.
A steer relaxes in the afternoon pastures of Stewart.
Ohiopyle State Park serves as a nature retreat for Western Pennsylvania residents.
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Residents dine in Ohiopyle Borough
Ohiopyle Borough covers only one-half square mile but accommodates tourists with amenities like the Falls Market General Store and Restaurant, where you can grab lunch or dinner before closing time at 7 p.m. At Ohiopyle Coffee Company, you can relax at picnic tables, and between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you can swing by Ohiopyle Trading Post for ice cream and milkshakes. Although basic staples are available at Falls Market, you'll need to go 15 to 20 miles northwest to Connellsville for a Walmart and Martin's grocery store. Or you can go 15 to 20 miles southwest to Uniontown to find Walmart, Target, Shop n' Save and Home Depot, as well as hospitals.
Stop in at Stewarts' Ohiopyle Coffee Company for a warm beverage on a chilly day.
Local businesses in Stewart prepare for a day of rafting on the Youghiogheny River.
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Students bus to Uniontown public schools
The township's official notes that local employment is limited and many residents head toward Pittsburgh for work. She also says, "Schools can be a challenge, and students ride buses 45 minutes to an hour to Uniontown public schools." However, this district offers Uniontown Area Cyber Academy, which provides live virtual education for K-12. If attending school in person, students can attend elementary schools like Marclay School, which earns a B-minus from Niche and Laurel Highlands Middle School, which earns a C-plus. They'll finish at Uniontown Area Senior High School, where they can join the UHS Talk school newspaper or the UHS Broadcast News team. The high school earns a B from Niche and ranks No. 1 in Fayette County based on academic building-level scores.
Marclay School welcomes all new students that start their education here.
Students in Stewart Township prepare for high school at Laurel Highlands Middle School.
Uniontown Area High School is home to the Red Raiders.
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Neighbors gather at the annual Buckwheat Festival and other events
Of course, that's not to say there's no community here. You can find friends at yoga, bingo and special events at the Ohiopyle-Stewart Community Center, plan playdates at the woodland-themed playground at Stewart on the Green Playground and Park or join your neighbors each October at the annual Buckwheat Festival benefitting the Ohiopyle-Stewart Volunteer Fire Department. This 75-year-old tradition features buckwheat pancake meals, apple cider, local foods and crafts and music. So, if you're looking for an active outdoor lifestyle, a small-town hub and the peaceful privacy of rural living, Stewart Township might be just what you're looking for.
The crowds roll in as the night goes on at the Yough Defense Party.
Live music is performed each year at the Yough Defense Party.
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Photography Contributed By
Stacey Callaway
Video By
Charlie Kennedy
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Susan Jones,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Nestled along the edge of Ohiopyle State Park is this stunning home offering sweeping mountain views right from your porch. Inside a grand stone fireplace warms the open floor plan with vaulted ceilings that pull your eye straight up. The wraparound porch encourages relaxing mornings while the full basement and two car garage which is attached and accessible from the house keep everything handy.
Rare find bordering Ohiopyle State Park in a walkable town. This home is a highly rated vacation rental with repeat guests. Features include a welcoming covered front and side porch which provides cozy spaces for morning coffee immersed in beautiful nature. The interior features a fully equipped eclectic kitchen with hardwood floors. Rich wood tones accent the cozy living room perfect for
Currently used as a successful vacation rental property in the heart of Ohiopyle. Enjoy walking to the trails and shops and just a short drive to Fallingwater. This home has been extensively renovated on both the interior and exterior and features a hot tub, fire pit, patio and above ground pool. This home comes completely furnished and is ready for guests!
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