Donegal Township

Donegal Township buyers can expect small-town living. This outer Pittsburgh borough's early 20th-century homes and timeworn businesses might feel off the beaten path, but these residential streets peel right off the highway, routing you wherever you need to go. If a strong sense of community is important to you, Donegal has that, too. "There are a lot of original families here. The kids grow up and move away, but they always want to come back," says Debbie Macurak, Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway, born and raised in Chicora. Donegal Township could be the perfect fit if you're looking to invest in a little more land and a lot of historic character.

Homes here range from $50,000 to $350,000. At the lower end, buyers will find compact manufactured homes and older residences in their original condition. At the top of the budget are striking historic places that date to the 1800s and 1900s, with charming covered porches, dormer windows and elaborate entablatures. Many Donegal Properties will need a little TLC and could be a good fit for a buyer interested in adding personal flair and gaining sweat equity. Market statistics fluctuate here due to a relatively limited inventory and low population, but listings tend to find new owners within six weeks. "Well-maintained properties go immediately. The ones that stick around are overpriced," Macurak says.

Kids growing up in Donegal attend school within the Karns City Area District. "I have a lot of buyers looking specifically for this school district," Macurak says. Many students begin learning at Chicora Elementary and continue to Karns City Area Junior and Senior High. All three schools carry a C score on Niche with top marks in extracurriculars. Athletic participation is high across the board, and student life overflows with clubs and field trips. The elementary school is in town and walkable for many, and you'll ride 3 miles north to shuttle your middle and high schoolers to and from. Kids can also hop on a bus to simplify the weekly schedule.

When school lets out, the kids can walk to Chicora Borough Park to play on the playground or shoot hoops on the basketball court. It's a simple setup beside the local gas station that overlooks farming plains. The park is also right on the main drag, an easy stop-off for fresh air. There are two State Game Lands in town, which fill up with hunters during the last few months of the year. Anyone can spend a day on the fairways at Hiland Golf Course, but stop at the ATM first, as this is a cash-only vendor. In addition to its reputation for challenging play, the public course is in good standing for its bar bites after a long 18-hole day.

You'll get to know your neighbors in Donegal Township. "It's a really good place to raise a family. We have Christmas in Chicora – a huge craft show all over the town, and there's a light-up night around Thanksgiving as a kick-start to the holidays. The Memorial Day parade is popular, too. Everybody is very supportive of local businesses and community events," Macurak says.

DG Market is your neighborhood grocer, and there's a Family Dollar in town for other errands. You'll travel to Butler, the county seat, for anything else retail-related. You'll also find public transit options here, which can help you navigate around the region. Alternatively, you can go to Kittanning, about 20 miles in the opposite direction, where you'll find the ACMH Hospital, a Walmart and fast-food restaurants. Kittanning also has access to the Allegheny River, a hub for water activities. Donegal Township residents visit Millerstown Inn for a meal out, a hometown spot serving wings, burgers and beers.

Work commuters travel to regional medical centers, Armstrong, an internet service provider, or Marmon/Keystone, a metal distribution company, among many major Butler County employers. Highway 68 is your main route in and out of town, connecting to central Butler and into Pittsburgh. The city is 50 miles south, drivable for a day trip. Old-school charm and peaceful pastoral landscapes await in Donegal Township.

Written By

Caeleigh Griffin

Photography Contributed By

TJ Engler

Video By

Brandon Flash Craigie