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
Lorraine Spock,
an experienced agent in this area.
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