West Carroll Township is a rural community in Cambria County with farmland and clusters of pine barrens on rolling country hills. Unlike nearby communities that supported their towns with bituminous coal mining, this area has primarily relied on lumbering and farming as the major local industries to this day. Homebuyers are attracted to the township for its lower-priced properties compared to surrounding townships. While some houses sit far away from others, the villages of Saint Benedict and Elmora create secluded clusters of homes. “It’s a small community,” says Tressa Lefferts, who serves as the borough clerk for the Carrolltown Municipal Office. “Everyone here knows each other.”
West Carroll offers lower-priced homes compared to nearby communities.
Many village homes in West Carroll feature barns and horse stables on the property.
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Craftsman homes starting in the $50,000s
“There’s a good mix of older homes in the area,” Lefferts says. The township features Craftsman and traditional farmhouse-style homes built between the mid-to-late 20th century. Houses in the township’s two villages sit closer together, while properties outside of these residential pockets sit on country-sized lots ranging from a half-acre to 10 acres. Most homes here have driveways and attached or detached garages. Houses typically sell for $50,000 to $150,000.
Craftsman style homes built mid-to-late 20th century are found throughout West Carroll.
Shaded lots provide a peaceful setting for homes in the rural community of West Carroll.
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Hiking and fishing at Prince Gallitzin State Park
Located in neighboring Carrolltown, American Legion Park has a playground, sports facilities and a monument dedicated to veterans. Prince Gallitzin State Park, one of the largest in Pennsylvania, is a 6,200-acre recreation spot just north of town with 10 miles of hiking trails. At the park’s center is Glendale Lake, a 1,600-acre manmade lake with a marina and boat launches. There’s also a small sandy coast with swimming access at Muskrat Beach. In the winter, there's skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing. South in Ebensburg, there’s a trailhead for the Ghost Town Trail, a 50-mile path that follows former railroad tracks.
Prince Gallitzin State Park near West Carroll is ideal for boating and outdoor fun.
American Legion Park near West Carroll is a favorite for relaxation and family fun.
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Summertime events in Carrolltown
Music in the Park, a summer concert series featuring local musicians, is held at American Legion Park from July to August. Also in August, the Carrolltown Firemen’s Mini-Jubilee is held at the Fire Engine Company Social Hall, with auctions and turkey dinners that support local organizations.
Commuting via U.S. Route 219
Not surprisingly, given its rural character, West Carroll is car-dependent. U.S. Route 219 runs through the area and connects Carrolltown to Ebensburg, which is 10 miles south. The Conemaugh St. Benedict Rural Health Clinic is easily accessible in the north end of the community. Pittsburgh International Airport is the closest airport, located 77 miles west of town.
Cambria Heights High’s decorated sports program
The area is served by the Cambria Heights District, with each of its schools earning a B-minus from Niche. Students may start at Cambria Heights Elementary before going to Cambria Heights Middle. Cambria Heights High has accomplished sports programs, with recent playoff runs for their football, baseball and softball teams.
West Carroll students start their studies at Cambria Heights Elementary School.
Cambria Heights Middle School helps West Carroll students prepare for the future.
Cambria Heights Senior High School serves West Carroll teens and earns a B rating on Niche.
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Shopping and Dining in Carrolltown
The Carrolltown Hi-Way Drive-In has been a local staple in town since it opened in the 1950s, showing the latest movies every weekend from April through October. While West Carroll doesn’t offer much shopping or dining, nearby Carrolltown has a Dollar General and local restaurants like Ole Gray Mare, a bar and grill with weekly live music. For larger grocery trips and big-box items, there's a Walmart Supercenter 12 miles south in Ebensburg. Residents can also drive to Northern Cambria for more retail and restaurants.
Carrolltown Hi-Way Drive-In has entertained West Carroll locals since the 1950s.
Ole Gray Mare offers casual dining and live music, making it a West Carroll favorite.
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Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
Photography Contributed By
Ali Rehan
Video By
Emily McNamara
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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