Vanport

Simple homes on spacious properties await in South Beaver Township. This quiet community is tucked in Pittsburgh’s northwesternmost corner, bordering the Ohio state line. It’s a rural suburb of busy Beaver Falls, a few miles east along its namesake river. This is woodsy, mountainous territory and potentially a good fit for those looking for a little peace and quiet. “It’s more rural here than surrounding townships – it's not a bustling area,” says Michael Pohlot, Realtor at Janus Realty Advisors. You can invest in South Beaver Township for as low as $80,000, which buys a midcentury fixer-upper on a half-acre lot. Most properties cost closer to $200,000 to $300,000 because they come with several acres of land. Inventory is relatively low in this rural area, where streamlined ranch-style homes sparsely scatter across miles of farmland and winding tree-lined roadways. Most listings find new owners within a month or two on the market. “It’s slowed some, but it’s ever-changing,” Pohlot says. South Beaver kids can attend school within the well-rated Blackhawk District. Many begin learning at Blackhawk Intermediate and continue to Highland Middle before wrapping up their studies at Blackhawk High. Each public school has an overall score of B or higher on Niche. Most high schoolers opt to enroll in at least one advanced placement course for a chance to earn college credit. Many of these high achievers are also athletes and regularly make appearances in state basketball championships. If you’re a South Beaver Township buyer, proximity to outdoor amenities is probably the primary allure. There are a lot of ways to enjoy this bucolic borough’s natural scenery. Rolling Acres is among the most popular of the area’s many golf courses, known for its lower fees and scenic 27 holes. Seven Oaks is a few minutes down the road, a private course that offers guest passes for people looking for challenging play or who want to check out the stellar pool facilities. The State Game Lands are busy during hunting season, and there are two nearby. Tributaries of the area’s major rivers course through town, providing some scenic hiking spots when you need a little fresh air. Brady’s Run Park is a few minutes away with more traditional park facilities, including playgrounds, a lake and a dog park. While you may not run into your neighbors every day, South Beaver Township community leaders keep everyone informed via their website, full of town history, local resources and a Facebook page packed with event ads and job postings. Locals gather for holiday celebrations like the annual Santa Route, when the big guy rides around the community in a firetruck, waving to excited kids. South Beaver Township is almost exclusively residential, but you’ll come across a few small shops and restaurants as you travel west along Constitution Boulevard, the area’s main connector. Front Door Tavern is the local watering hole, a dive bar full of regulars chasing burgers with draft beer. One Stop Shopper is your closest convenience store, where residents can pick up a bite to eat or a few grocery essentials. You’ll continue for 5 miles to the commercial hub across from the airport to take care of weekly errands at The Home Depot and Giant Eagle Supermarket. Beaver County Airport has a single-runway setup primarily used for flight and air traffic control training. Some locals visit with the kids to watch the planes go by. “Beaver Falls is the main shopping hub, and Monaca is also around the corner,” Pohlot says. Each commercial-rich community is within a few miles of home. Most South Beaver Township residents stay in town on workdays. Valley Health Systems is the top employer in the county, followed closely by government offices and Walmart. Interstate 376 is your way in and out of town, with an access point roughly 10 miles away. Downtown Pittsburgh is a 45-mile ride for South Beaver Township locals, which typically amounts to less than an hour in the car. There’s a Beaver County Transit Authority bus stop at Chippewa Center for those interested in car-free commutes. For small-town living and a big backyard, explore South Beaver Township.