Towering trees create privacy for Upper Yoder’s homes
Located in the foothills of Laurel Mountain near Johnstown, Upper Yoder Township is a rural community with farmland and homes secluded by towering oak and pine trees. The town is highlighted by its proximity to miles of hiking trails through the mountains, as well as the homes’ above-average lot sizes. Residents feel like they’re living in a remote part of the woods but are only a few miles away from shopping centers and attractions. “It’s still outside of city limits yet has the convenience of not being far from town,” says Fran Pletcher, broker/owner of Keller Williams Exclusive, who’s been selling homes in the area for over 20 years.
“Rural areas around Upper Yoder Township offer scenic views and a peaceful lifestyle.
Upper Yoder homes feature large lots with scenic views and wooded surroundings.
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70-mile trail at Laurel Ridge State Park
Along the southwestern edge of the township, Laurel Ridge State Park’s 70-mile hiking trail weaves through more than 13,000 acres of mountaintop forest. In the spring and summer, hikers look out for blooms of wildflowers, mountain laurels and rhododendrons. In the winter, snow transforms the park into a cross-country skiing and snowmobiling hotspot. Locals can buy a season pass for Menoher Swim Club, an outdoor pool located off Ligonier Pike with a shaded picnic area and a snack bar. Just south of the township, the North Fork Country Club offers an 18-hole golf course and tennis courts.
Laurel Ridge State Park near Upper Yoder spans 14,704 acres of natural beauty.
Golf enthusiasts play at North Fork Country Club near Upper Yoder.
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20th-century homes starting in the $100,000s
Built primarily in the mid-to-late 20th century, two- to four-bedroom ranch-style, colonial-revivals and unique dome homes are spread throughout the area. The township’s homes sit far off the main roads, with long driveways leading to lots ranging from 1 acre to 10 acres. The median lot size is 2-1/2 acres. Homes typically sell for $100,000 to $500,000, depending on size, age and condition.
One-story ranch-style homes are common throughout Upper Yoder Township.
Colonial Revival homes in Upper Yoder sit on tree-shaded lots.
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Community events in the summer
The Laurel Highlands Ultra is a nationally known marathon at Laurel Ridge State Park in June. The event’s 50K race has been held for 19 consecutive years, while the 70-mile race celebrated its 45th anniversary in 2024. Upper Yoder’s police and fire departments also hold events in late summer. For National Night Out in August, officers grill free hamburgers and hot dogs, kids can play in the bounce house, and car enthusiasts can explore a collection of classic vehicles.
Cyber academy at Westmont Hilltop Junior-Senior High
Students may start at Westmont Hilltop Elementary, which gets a B grade from Niche and is in Upper Yoder. Westmont Hilltop Junior-Senior High, also graded B, offers a cyber academy that allows students to complete their education online and get in-person support when needed.
Upper Yoder children attend Westmont Hilltop Elementary School.
Westmont Hilltop High School serves Upper Yoder and is highly rated.
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Local staples like Shaffer’s Frosty Freeze
Shaffer's Frosty Freeze, open from April to September, has been serving ice cream in town since 1957. Residents can drive 3 miles east to Giant Eagle Supermarket for groceries. Old Toll Gate Inn, just east along Tire Hill Road, serves pints and pub dishes. There’s also more shopping and dining available 7 miles east in Richland.
Giant Eagle is convenient for Upper Yoder residents to stock up on essentials.
Residents of Upper Yoder enjoy casual meals and friendly service at the Old Toll Gate Inn.
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Trains to Pittsburgh and Philly
Because of Upper Yoder’s rural streetscape, the town is car-dependent. “It has close proximity to the hospital in Johnstown for an easy work commute,” Pletcher says. Commuters can take back roads to access U.S. Route 219, which runs from West Virginia to Buffalo, New York. Five miles east, Johnstown Station has Amtrak trains with daily service to Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
Photography Contributed By
Clayton Hurst
Video By
Drew Webster
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Doug Meagher,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Experience the charm of country living with the convenience of nearby amenities in this inviting 4-bedroom, 3-bath home on nearly an acre. The property includes a spacious 2-car detached garage with overhead storage for all your gear and toys. From there, step into the lower level featuring a recreation room, a cozy den with a fireplace, and an office or potential 4th bedroom. Upstairs offers a
GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO EXPAND YOUR REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO...this 2 bedroom vinyl sided ranch in Upper Yoder Township is ready for its new owner. The property provides living room/dining room combo, kitchen with appliances, den, 2 bedrooms, and full bath. Gas hot water heat, 100 amp electrical, vinyl siding and windows, shed, and fenced yard. Property is currently tenant occupied. Tenant
The perfect, private location to build your dream home!! Located in Westmont Hilltop School District, these two parcels offer a total of 7.9 acres that abuts more than 1500 acres of land owned by the Greater Johnstown Water Authority! Public water and electric available at the street. Call today!
Beautifully maintained home in Westmont School District. 4 Bedrooms include a large master suite, cozy living room w/wood burning fireplace, formal dining room, 2 full baths, & laundry on first floor!
HANDIMEN AND CONTRACTORS...THIS UPPER YODER TOWNSHIP 1 1/2 STORY HOME IS WAITING FOR YOU TO RESTORE IT TO IT'S PREVIOUS CHARM. The home features living room, dining room, kitchen, and bedroom on the main floor. The upper level includes 2 additional bedrooms and full bath. Unfinished basement has laundry hook-ups and storage. Covered front porch and off-street parking. Utilities are off and there
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Justin VardianHOWARD HANNA BARDELL REALTY SOMERSET
Spring is coming and here is your opportunity to build on this beautiful piece of land in the Westmont School District! SUBDIVISION is an option! These 22.4 acres with approximately 88 ft of frontage on Shenkelview offer privacy, public water (on Property & available on Shenkelview) & electric. An old stone quarry is on part of the Property with interesting rock cuts. Property was perked prior to
Nothing to do but move in...this Upper Yoder Township home is ready for you! A beautiful foyer entry with cathedral ceiling welcomes you and leads you to the cozy living room with wood burning fireplace, HW floor, and lots of natural light. The kitchen has been totally renovated with stunning white cabinets, granite counters, ceramic tile, and appliances, The separate dining room has corner
Welcome home to this beautifully updated ranch-style home in Upper Yoder Township, Westmont Hilltop school district. This home has been thoughtfully renovated from top to bottom featuring brand-new windows, vinyl flooring, cabinets, countertops, doors, and modern fixtures throughout. Step inside to an inviting open-concept layout that seamlessly connects the living room, kitchen, and dining area.
RENTERS SPECIAL OFFER! Owner offering HALF OFF 1st month rent with an April 1st MOVE-IN date! CALL NOW TO TOUR AND RENT! HARD TO FIND PET FRIENDLY UNITS-SMALL PET PERMITTED W/OWNER APPROVAL! 2 bedroom 1st floor unit with living room, dining area, kitchen w/appliances, 1 full bath, 1 space in carport. Shared coin-operated laundry. Carpet, tile flooring. Gas forced air heat w/thermostat control,
RENTERS SPECIAL OFFER! Owner offering HALF OFF 1st month rent with an April 1st MOVE-IN date! CALL NOW TO TOUR AND RENT! HARD TO FIND PET FRIENDLY UNITS-SMALL PET PERMITTED W/OWNER APPROVAL! 2 bedroom 1st floor unit with living room, dining area, kitchen w/appliances, 1 full bath, 1 space in carport. Shared coin-operated laundry. Carpet, tile flooring. Gas forced air heat w/thermostat control,
RENTERS SPECIAL OFFER! Owner offering HALF OFF 1st month rent with an April 1st MOVE-IN date! CALL NOW TO TOUR AND RENT! HARD TO FIND PET FRIENDLY UNITS-SMALL PET PERMITTED W/OWNER APPROVAL! 2 bedroom 3rd floor unit with balcony, with living room, dining area, kitchen w/appliances, 1 full bath, 1 space in carport. Shared coin-operated laundry. Carpet, tile flooring. Gas forced air heat
RENTERS SPECIAL OFFER! Owner offering HALF OFF 1st month rent with an April 1st MOVE-IN date! CALL NOW TO TOUR AND RENT! HARD TO FIND PET FRIENDLY UNITS-SMALL PET PERMITTED W/OWNER APPROVAL! 2 bedroom 1st floor unit with living room, dining area, kitchen w/appliances, 1 full bath, 1 space in carport. Shared coin-operated laundry. Carpet, tile flooring. Gas forced air heat w/thermostat control,
Updated flooring and paint in this 2 bedroom townhouse located in Westmont School District. Main floor has updated eat-in-kitchen w/oak cabinets, powder room and living room. Second floor with 2 bedrooms & full bath. Private rear patio, parking by door. Rent is $1095 per month plus utilities, lawn care & snow removal of parking lot included. Tenant responsible for snow removal of sidewalks. No
Remodeled 2 bedroom townhouse in Southmont. Eat-in kitchen. Living room w/sliding door to patio. One-car carport parking. Heat is electric baseboard. Rent is $850 + tenant paid electric, GJWA sewer/water. Tenant is responsible for snow removal of sidewalks. Landlord is responsible for lawn care and snow removal of parking lot. No pets, non-smoking unit. One year lease, security deposit, credit &
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