ARMSTRONG COUNTY
County Offices
125 Market Steet
Kittanning 724-548-3215
www.armstrongcounty.com
Chamber of Commerce
124 Market Street
Kittanning 724-543-1305
www.armstrongchamber.org
Major Highways
U.S. Route 422; State Routes 66, 28; Interstates 76, 80, and 79
Claiming the title of the “Best Thing Next to Pittsburgh,” Armstrong County claims the natural beauty of sparkling lakes, miles of the Allegheny River, countless small streams, scenic rolling hills, and rich woodland. Spectacular scenery is a point of pride for Armstrong residents, who welcome visitors to sweeping views of western Pennsylvania, the Allegheny River Valley, and quaint small towns and villages.
Agriculture still plays a vital role in the local economy, which once revolved around other grassroots industries like steel, glass, oil, and mining. The rich natural resources throughout Armstrong County that once encouraged these industries still attract new business to the area. A number of progressive industrial parks add vitality and diversity to the economic mix, sprinkled throughout the region’s friendly small towns and patchwork farmland.
Services
Area youth receive a quality education in public schools, where innovative programs enhance the traditional curriculum. Higher education opportunities are available at the Armstrong County campus for the Indiana University of Pennsylvania in West Kittanning, and at the extension of the Butler County Community College. The IUP extension provides fully accredited first-year programs for a wide range of degrees, enabling students to launch their degree program affordably and conveniently close to home.
Leading-edge healthcare is anchored by the Armstrong County Memorial Hospital, although the internationally recognized institutions of Pittsburgh are readily available should the need arise. A strong network of highways form links to major interstates like I-76, I-80, and I-79. Pittsburgh International Airport is accessible for passenger and commercial air travel, although the recently expanded 12,000-acre airport southwest of Kittanning now ranks as the third largest facility of its kind in the nation.
Lifestyle
Attractive, affordable housing set against a backdrop of picturesque scenery is one of the magnets to Armstrong County. The comparably low cost of living, easy commuting distance to a major metropolis, miles of pristine countryside, and expanding economy all make the region appealing to newcomers. The housing choices range from new construction with generous lots suitable for raising horses to cozy cottages graced by large old shade trees and meticulous landscaping.
The possibility for outdoor activity and recreation in Armstrong County is virtually unlimited. Sylvan trails wind through the countryside and small towns, inviting cyclists, hikers, and equestrians to savor the panoramic views. The rolling Allegheny River is considered among the best walleye environs in the entire East. A colorful kaleidoscope of activities and family entertainment includes attending community festivals on warm summer evenings, boating on the Allegheny, or visiting one of the county’s pristine lakes. The northern part of the county including Dayton features the charm and earthy delights of Amish country, with its handcrafted quilts, fine furniture, and aroma of freshly baked bread.
Kittanning, West Kittanning, Rayburn
Municipal Offices
Kittanning Borough
724-543-2091
www.kittanning.com
W. Kittanning Borough
724-548-8577
Rayburn Township
724-548-1810
Chamber of Commerce
724-543-1305
www.allekiskistrong.com
Kittanning Borough serves as the center of government, healthcare, and commerce for Armstrong County, home to such shining Greek Revival architectural jewels as the Armstrong County Courthouse. Just across the Allegheny River, the Borough of West Kittanning draws regional attention with the Armstrong County campus for the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Restaurants, services, wonderful shops with friendly clerks, and a small-town spirit that creates a feeling of “home” are all part of the flavor of Kittanning. Recreational facilities include a 1000-seat amphitheater in Kittanning Riverfront Park and the Belmont Complex with its outdoor swimming pool and ice-skating rink. Horseback riding, competitive racing, hockey, and golfing on challenging greens are just a few of the popular pastimes. This riverfront area also includes the small Borough of Applewold and the rural townships of East Franklin and Rayburn, offering pristine countryside for residential development.
Ford City, Manor, Kittanning Township
Municipal Offices
Ford City Borough
724-763-3081
http://fordcityborough.com
Manor Township
724-763-8763
http://manortownship.net
Kittanning Township
724-548-2898
Chamber of Commerce
724-543-1305
www.allekiskistrong.com
Distinguished as a center for our nation’s plate-glass industry, Ford City is home to a variety of manufacturers that strengthen the local economy. The borough also serves as the commercial center for the small township of Manor and the sprawling 31-square mile township of Kittanning as well as the boroughs of Ford Cliff and Manorville. Ford City is home to Lanape Tech, offering career programs for high school students as well as adult education in a variety of areas from technical training to nursing. Since the area literally “grew up” around the Allegheny River, recreational amenities are outstanding. Boating, swimming, water sports, fishing, hunting, camping, horseback riding, golfing, tennis, hiking, and biking are all popular activities. On Independence Day each year, area residents welcome over 100,000 enthusiastic visitors as they celebrate Ford City Heritage Days.
Apollo, Leechburg, Freeport, Kiskiminetas
Municipal Offices
Apollo Borough
724-478-4201
www.apollopa.org
Leechburg Borough
724-842-8511
http://leechburgpa.org
Freeport Borough
724-295-2251
Kiskiminetas Township
724-478-2737
Chamber of Commerce
724-543-1305
www.allekiskistrong.com
All of the communities clustered in southern Armstrong County are just minutes from the border of Westmoreland County. Covering over 41 square miles, Kiskiminetas Township leads in population, with the boroughs totaling less than 3 square miles. These communities offer residential choices in quiet neighborhoods along tree-lined streets or on spacious lots that are suitable for raising horses. Apollo’s community center serves the area with a wide variety of activities and programs including seasonal festivities. Freeport claims international attention each year as it sponsors the International Baseball Invitational Tournament. The community also claims the largest and most ambitious industrial-park project in western Pennsylvania, combining commercial, business, and residential development. Recreational facilities are abundant in nearby waterways and parks, including cold and warm-water fisheries, boat launches and marinas, miles of spectacular trails, and wooded campgrounds.
