Zelienople

Marion Township is a rural community that offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities and homes surrounded by rural scenery like farmlands and barns. Located on Connoquenessing Creek, Marion Township comprises pastoral land with campsites on the northern edge by the creek. The farms, horse stables and single-family homes rest on winding country roads. Georgie Smigel, the principal and founder of The Georgie Smigel Group, which is part of Coldwell Banker Realty, says there are several reasons why people are drawn to the community. “The attraction to living in this community is having at least 1 acre and being within the Riverside school district,” she says. “But, you are still close to Zelienople.” This community is located in Beaver County but just over the Butler County line. Smigel describes the community as “a very friendly area.” Lot sizes of an acre or more are common for residential properties, with the median size hovering around 67,082 square feet or 1.5 acres. Housing in the area is mixed with vinyl ranch-style homes, split entries, farmhouses, colonial revivals with front porches, Cape Cods with wraparound porches and split-level homes with slanted roofs. Home sizes range around 1,650 square feet. Sales prices can range between $402,000 and $425,000. A 4-bedroom, 2-bath ranch can go for around $550,000, while a 4-bedroom, 3-bath home can sell for $700,000. Smaller homes, like a 2-bed, 1-bath waterfront property, can cost $150,000. Lots can sell for $54,000 per acre. The CAP Index crime score for the area is 1 out of 10, below the national average of 4 and the lowest possible score. Students in Marion Township can attend schools in the Riverside Beaver County School District. According to Niche, the school system earns a B grade for academics and teachers. For students to have access to better technological learning opportunities, the school system launched a one-to-one learning device program. Schools include Riverside Elementary School, Riverside Middle School and Riverside High School. All three schools earn a B from Niche. Natural scenery is offered at Brush Creek Park, which features walking and horse trails, a trout-stocked pond, a covered bridge, and the namesake, Brush Creek, where visitors can take a dip to cool off on a hot day. “The park is beautiful, especially in the autumn,” says Marianne Hall, Realtor at Howard Hanna. Connoquenessing Creek offers a wide variety of outdoor leisure opportunities. YMCA Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer is a place where kids may go canoeing and ziplining. Families and friends can camp in the woods at Fombell Landing Campground on Connoquenessing Creek, where they can kayak, fish, hike and bike. There are several options to grab a meal out. For a simple sub or hoagie, as it is known in these parts, residents head to Pflugh's Country Market LLC. The shop is also stocked with snacks and candies to bring home. At Young’s Frozen Custard Stand, a family-owned business, enjoy cold treats while sitting at the picnic tables. The stand also offers gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options. For a special night out, folks can visit Shakespeare’s Restaurant & Pub at Olde Stonewall Golf Club. For some local shopping, visit a couple of the township’s specialty stores. In addition to providing tackle and bait, Will's Sport Shop offers memberships to the Zelienople-Harmony Sportsman's Club, the ideal location for trying to catch catfish or battle bass. Purchase freshly grown vegetables and pick from a large assortment of flowers at Mazur's Greenhouse & Farm. About 35 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, residents of Marion Township can commute to the Steel City via Interstate 79, but there is no local public transportation available. For outings in Pittsburgh, head to the Heinz Stadium for a Steelers game. The closest airport is Pittsburgh International, but there is also Zelienople Municipal Airport, a public airport that borders the community.