Countryside living and an old-town atmosphere in Union Township
On the edge of Pittsburgh’s southern suburbs, Union Township has quiet residential streets that lie between acres of farmland and peaceful forests along the Monongahela River. Home to the borough of Finleyville and the small towns of Gastonville and Elrama, the Washington County township has a small-town feel with locally owned businesses, riverside parks and regular community events, just 15 miles south of downtown. “It’s a unique, developing town and is the first community south of Allegheny County,” says Jodi Lesniakowski, an associate broker with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services who lives just outside of the township. “You get the lower taxes of Washington County. It’s a great area for first-time home buyers and investors, with affordable price tags in an up-and-coming community.”
Tucked away in Washington County, Union Township showcases Pennsylvania's quieter side.
Friends hang out at Coconut Joe's Tiki Bar with food, drink, and great conversations.
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Opportunities for investors and new developments
Homes in Union Township sit on spacious lots compared to nearby communities closer to the city, with most lots ranging from a quarter of an acre to 2-acres. Most of the area’s houses were built between the 1940s and early 2000s, from Colonial Revivals and cozy ranch-style homes to split-levels and farmhouses. “It’s a very quiet, sleepy community with an old-time feel,” says Lesniakowski. “There are a lot of opportunities to buy and renovate.” Newer modern traditional builds can be found in the Tuscany Estates subdivision. Manufactured homes and houses in need of major renovations range from $20,000 to $80,000, while move-in-ready builds can go for $80,000 to $600,000, with houses on the high end of the market sitting on large lots with ample square footage. 21st-century townhomes and condos range from $250,000 to $490,000.
Modern townhomes and condos available in Union Township’s growing communities.
Union Township homes, where old-world charm meets modern living.
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Career-based learning at Ringgold High School
Ringgold Elementary School North serves kindergarten through fourth-grade students and earns a C grade from Niche. Ringgold Middle School receives an A-minus. The C-plus-rated Ringgold High School has a wide variety of extracurriculars, including mock trial, writer's forum and chess club. The high school also offers an array of career-based courses at the Mon Valley Career and Technology Center, from sports medicine to computer engineering.
Ringgold Elementary School North fosters lifelong learners.
Ringgold Middle School is the place for students to be themselves and make a difference.
Ringgold High School prepairs students for the future.
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Local restaurants and a staple farm market
Locals can grab a meal out in downtown Finleyville or at one of the eateries along Pennsylvania state Route 88. Roy’s by the Tracks serves burgers, pizza and brews that can be enjoyed alongside a game of pool or while watching live music. For a sweet treat, Pink House Chocolates sells homemade chocolate and hand-scooped ice cream. The Beach House restaurant is a local favorite for brunch, with sweet and savory dishes ranging from apple pie French toast to breakfast scramblers. “V & V Scratch Kitchen is another great spot,” says Lesniakowski. “It’s one of those places where if you’re not there for dinner by 5 o’clock, you’re going to be waiting for a table.” Trax Farm Market has been serving the community for over 150 years, with a garden center, a bakery and an indoor market serving locally grown produce. The farm also hosts seasonal festivals, craft workshops and pick-your own blueberries in the summer. For more groceries, Union Township is also home to a Giant Eagle Supermarket.
Pink House Chocolates serves homemade sweets and hand-scooped ice cream in Union Township.
Trax Farms Market features a garden center, bakery, and locally grown fruits and vegetables in Union Township.
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Outdoor recreation, from hiking to horseback riding
The nearby Mingo Creek County Park has picnic shelters, playgrounds, scenic covered bridges and a three-mile paved trail popular among walkers and bikers. Anglers can reel in trout from the edge of the park’s creek, while dog owners can take their pups to its off-leash dog park. Hilltop Crossing Equestrian Center offers horseback riding lessons for all experience levels and hosts multiple kids camps throughout the year. Just north of the community, South Park is one of the largest parks in the Pittsburgh area, with over 2,000 acres of hiking trails, athletic facilities, picnic areas and a game preserve, home to a bison herd and domesticated birds.
Residents enjoy the beauty of Mingo Creek County Park in Union Township.
South Park is one of the best parks in all of Allegheny County and is nearby Union Township.
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Access to the trolley and downtown Pittsburgh
Freedom Transit operates bus stops along Route 88, with service to New Eagle, Washington and Cannonsburg. “The end of the trolley’s Blue Line is nearby in South Hills Village,” Lesniakowski says. The trolley can take riders into the city or to nearby urban centers. Downtown Pittsburgh is around 15 miles north, while Pittsburgh International Airport is roughly 35 miles northwest.
Written By
Jillian Pillow
Photography Contributed By
Amanda Kirkpatrick
Video By
Christian Gortler
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Steven Marone,
an experienced agent in this area.
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