Darlington Township

Darlington Township stretches over northwesternmost Pittsburgh along the Pennsylvania-Ohio state line. A cozy town center anchors this rural community - laid out with gridded roadways lined with older homes and a handful of convenient stops. Churches, gas stations and original 20th-century buildings trace quiet, sidewalk-lined streets shaded by old oaks and maples. Beyond the more populous downtown area, homes spread sparsely across spacious, woodsy acres – secluded getaways with lots of fresh air. “More and more city dwellers are moving to the outskirts for peace and quiet,” says Cheri Yeager, Realtor at Howard Hannah Real Estate and long-time local.

Early 20th-century-era homes mix with simple 90s builds in Darlington Township. Most properties sell for $100,000 to $250,000 here, where buyers pay a little more for updated homes with 2,000 or more square feet. Homes priced closer to the lower end likely need a few improvements. Some Darlington Township residences climb into the $400,000 and $500,000s, offering spacious homes on several acres of land. Bidding wars are uncommon in this relatively remote location, where listings typically sit for several months before finding a new owner.

Darlington Township’s younger residents can attend school within the well-rated Blackhawk District. Many start 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. Each campus is located within a 5-mile radius, simplifying daily pickups and drop-offs. 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.

The population count fluctuates around 2,000 people in Darlington Township. New homeowners will find helpful resources on the community website and Facebook page, packed with event calendars and local contacts. The seasonal newsletter keeps residents informed of civic news, office closures and details on local gatherings. Most center around Darlington Township’s banquet space, a community hub surrounded by a walking trail that leads to a playground for the kids. These locals look forward to several annual events, including the Summerfest’s bike parade, the Pumpkin Pie Hike and a meet and greet with the big guy during Right Down Santa Claus Lane. “Darlington Days is the big summertime event. It draws a lot of people,” Yeager says.

When Darlington Township residents aren’t hanging out at the park next to the banquet hall, they can check out the area’s many hiking trails for a day outdoors. Watt’s Mill is the most popular starting point, and part of the North Country Trail, the longest in the National Trails System at 4,800 miles. The township’s sprawling state game lands are right around the corner, a busy spot during hunting season.

Greensburg Tavern is a few steps up the road from the banquet hall, frequently busy with outdoor diners snacking on burgers and fries at the picnic tables dotting the grassy field. The bar is inside, providing Darlington Township residents with a casual place to unwind. Continue along the neighborhood’s namesake road to pick up daily necessities at One Stop Shopper, the only convenience store in town. Big box stores like Walmart Supercenter and The Home Depot are the main attraction at the shopping centers patterning Constitution Boulevard. Residents also head this way for weekly grocery shops at Giant Eagle. “If you’re planning a nice dinner, you’re likely heading into Ohio,” Yeager says. Locals take Route 51 into town.

Pittsburgh proper is a 45-mile ride away from Darlington Township residents. The trip is less than an hour in the car without major traffic delays. Most locals are drivers, with the nearest public transportation options a few miles away in the neighboring Beaver Falls. Most stay in town or hop to the next for a day at the office. Valley Health Systems is the top employer in the county, followed closely by government offices and Walmart. Interstate 376 is the way in and out of town, with an inlet less than 10 miles away. The airport is also a 30-mile drive for long-distance travel. For laid-back living in rural northern Pittsburgh, explore Darlington Township.

Written By

Caeleigh Griffin

Photography Contributed By

Danny Lambert

Video By

Curtis Newkirk