During the coal heyday of the early 1900s, rural Fayette County’s Connellsville was home to more millionaires per capita than anywhere in the nation. Although its industry eventually became obsolete, remnants of its former glory remain in the spacious homes, ornate churches and historic shops that still line the streets. Connellsville’s rich history comes to life at the still-operating Carnegie Free Library, built in 1901 with funds from steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, and the 1907 Masonic Temple and Post Office. Colorful murals on the side of the Molinaro Family Law Office tell this founding family's century-long story, and at the Connellsville Canteen, set in an 1800s train station, visitors can explore the free WWII museum and renowned model railroad display or stop at the café.
But today, Connellsville has found new ways to shine. "Our No.1 attraction is natural resources. We have the Youghiogheny River and the Great Allegheny Passage running right through our city, and they draw people from all over the world. We're a great tourism hub, and we're looking to the future,” says Vern Ohler, city clerk and resident of Connellsville. “Plus, even with the cost of gas, our lower taxes and cost of living make it a steal to live in Connellsville."
Shop on Crawford Avenue
Although there are a few smaller markets east of the Youghiogheny River, including the Southside grocer Honey Bear and Connellsville Cash Saver, many residents head over to the Martin’s off Vanderbilt Road to satisfy their weekly grocery list. Retail and dining options are concentrated on either side of the river along Crawford Avenue, which serves as the city’s unofficial main street. Shops like T&A House of Treasures draw a crowd during First Friday events, while local staples like O’Donnell’s Pub serve comforting local fare on a spacious patio that overlooks the railroad tracks. To the south, Yough River Brewing Co. offers creative house brews in a bright and welcoming taproom and is a popular stop for hikers passing through the Great Allegheny Passage.
Choose one of many fresh brewed beers at Yough River Brewery in Connellsville.
Walk along the safe sidewalks of downtown Connellsville.
Grab a drink in downtown Connellsville.
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Farmers markets at the fire station
Throughout the year, residents of Connellsville enjoy attending events like farmers markets at the East Side Fire Station, summer concerts in the park and a community yard sale. In winter, First Friday shopping opportunities help bring business to local boutiques as the community prepares for the annual Christmas celebration.
Connellsville’s homes have historic appeal
With a median home price of $125,000, Connellsville offers buyers affordability and historic appeal. Many homes were built at the turn of the 20th century, including large Victorian, Italianate and Gothic Revival properties that include five bedrooms and list on the higher end of the market at nearly $240,000. Simpler colonial builds with about half the space tend to sell closer to the city’s median. Petite Cape Cods and bungalows built in the first half of the 1900s sit close to narrow, winding streets, while terraced lawns and spacious lots are more common on the hilly landscape farther from the city center. Not all streets have sidewalks, but with homes and community resources intermixed, the city remains walkable for many.
Small front yards are the perfect spot for your garden in Connellsville.
Gothic architecture with built in towers have 3 stories of living space in Connellsville.
Italianate style architecture adds character to the streets of Connellsville.
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College prep at Connellsville Area High
Students in Connellsville can attend West Crawford Elementary and Connellsville Area Middle, which both maintain grades of C-minus on Niche. At Connellsville Area High, which maintains a grade of C on Niche, students can earn early college credits with the College in High School program.
Connellsville Area Senior High School provides a safe space for learning.
Hike the Great Allegheny Passage
At tree-filled East Park, visitors can explore an underground tunnel, gather for a picnic during a live performance or hike to a scenic spot overlooking a waterfall. Locals also head to Soissons Park for soccer games, tennis matches, after-school playdates and weekend disc golf championships. And throughout the year, hundreds of visitors go the distance on the Great Allegheny Passage, a regional trail spanning more than 20 miles.
Let the sounds of a flowing waterfall sooth you in East Park in Connellsville.
The kids of Connellsville can tire out on the playground at East Park.
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Commuter convenience in Connellsville
With U.S. Route 119 running through the center of town, an Amtrak station off Water Street and Connellsville Airport less than 6 miles away, Connellsville is convenient for both daily commuters and sporadic travelers. “It usually takes an hour to get to Pittsburgh, but if you leave early enough, you can be there in 45 minutes,” Ohler says of the 50-mile commute.
Hop on an Amtrak train in Connellsville to get around the greater Pittsburgh area.
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