WESTMORELAND COUNTY
County Offices
Two North Main Street
Greensburg 724-836-2020
www.co.westmoreland.pa.us
Chambers of Commerce
Central Westmoreland Chamber
Route 30 West, Toll Gate Hill
Greensburg 724-834-2900
www.westmorelandchamber.com
Laurel Highlands Chamber
537 West Main Street
Mount Pleasant 888-547-7521
www.laurelhighlandschamber.com
Major Highways
Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76), Interstate 70; U.S. Highways 30, 199, 22
The vast expanse of Westmoreland County ranks eighth among Pennsylvania counties in size, although more than 70 percent of the land remains either fields or forests. Allegheny County lies to the west with the Laurel Mountains towering to the east. Against a backdrop of lush woodland, rich farmland, and lakes or streams, many high-tech industries have planted roots to diversify and strengthen the traditional agricultural economic base. An impressive number of businesses that stand at the forefront of their industries flourish in modern Westmoreland County.
Newcomers to this region will find the relaxed pace of country living intermingled with suburban pleasures and conveniences. Other ingredients for a high quality of life such as a low tax rate, excellent services, good schools, quiet streets, and affordable housing enhance the area’s appeal. Recreational amenities are first-rate and plentiful. More golf courses and boat owners as well as registered hunters and anglers live in Central Westmoreland than in any other region in the U.S.
Services
Westmoreland County’s public school system is rated among the best in the state, although a selection of independent and parochial schools are also available for parents who prefer a private education. Area schools offer extensive vocational training, special education and remedial studies, and special resources for the gifted and talented. The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, St. Vincent College, and Westmoreland Community College combine to offer a wide variety of degree programs and continuing education opportunities. The community college maintains centers in several countywide locations, including New Kensington, Export, Latrobe, and Belle Vernon.
Cutting-edge healthcare services area available in several hospitals throughout the county, anchored by the Westmoreland Regional Hospital in Greensburg. Citizens General Hospital in New Kensington, the Latrobe Area Hospital in Latrobe, and Frick Hospital in Mount Pleasant all provide quality services to residents within and nearby their communities. Transportation efficiencies include a network of major highways and the constantly expanding Arnold Palmer Airport in Latrobe that now accommodates jet aircraft and commuter flights.
Lifestyle
More than a prime location for a business, Westmoreland County is home to a number of attractive communities that provide a family friendly environment. Newcomers will discover natural beauty in the region’s gently rolling hills, deep forests, and distinct four-season climate. Recreational amenities are unrivaled, combining the scenic Laurel Highlands with nine county parks and four state parks. Cross-country and downhill skiing, fishing, boating, rock climbing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, white-water rafting, and canoeing are just a few of the possibilities. Private country clubs and more than 25 public golf courses combine with tennis courts, swimming pools, skating rinks, and sports facilities of every type.
Aficionados of culture will be able to keep their calendars filled with upcoming events. Over 50 cultural organizations combine with a kaleidoscope of performing and visual arts including a symphonic orchestra, the ballet, theater, fine galleries, museums, and choral groups. Residential communities throughout the county provide a small-town flavor with metropolitan amenities and convenience. Affordable new homes and master planned developments have distinctive appeal to the growing population, although many of the small towns are justifiably proud of their historic districts and vintage neighborhoods such as downtown Greensburg.
Export, Delmont
Municipal Offices
Export Borough
724-327-3611
http://exportpennsylvania.com
Delmont Borough
724-468-4422
Chamber of Commerce
724-325-2500
www.westmorelandchamber.com
Almost strictly residential and predominantly rural, the peaceful community of Export Borough offers many well-kept older homes in the downtown district. Beyond the borough is rich farmland and hilly, lush terrain. Delmont Borough also showcases historic homes near the town center, and both communities are complete in less than one square mile. Acres of parkland and recreational facilities provide opportunities for sports and relaxation close to home. The community of Murrysville completely surrounds the Borough of Export, adding to the options for housing. Only about half of the land in neighboring Murrysville is developed.
Irwin Borough, North Huntingdon
Municipal Offices
Irwin Borough
724-864-3100
http://irwinborough.org
North Huntingdon Township
724-863-3806
www.township.north-huntingdon.pa.us
Chamber of Commerce
724-863-0888
www.norwin.com
North Huntingdon Township completely surrounds the Borough of Irwin, creating a virtual community sometimes called “Norwin.” Names like Norwin School District and the Norwin Chamber of Commerce reflect the strong sense of connection between these two communities, in spite of the governmental separation. Outstanding public schools rank among the region’s finest, boasting low drop-out rates and high percentages of seniors who seek a higher education. Newcomers to the area can choose from tranquil neighborhoods in the heart of the one-square-mile borough, handsome single-family homes in beautiful developments, or country estates on spacious rural lots. Local parks provide tennis courts, a walking track, and summer concerts in the Irwin’s amphitheater.
Mount Pleasant, East Huntingdon
Municipal Offices
Mount Pleasant Borough
724-547-6745
www.mtpleasantboro.com
Mount Pleasant Township
724-356-7974
www.mtpleasanttwp.com
East Huntingdon Township
724-887-6141
http://easthuntingdontownship.org
Chamber of Commerce
724-547-7521
www.laurelhighlandschamber.com
Best known for its Annual Glass & Ethnic Festival and rich history, Mount Pleasant is the oldest existing borough in Westmoreland County. Nestled in the Ohio Valley, the community is convenient to the Pennsylvania Turnpike between Donegal and New Stanton. In spite of growth and new construction in the surrounding townships, the borough has preserved its small-town atmosphere of specialty shops and family-owned businesses. L.E. Smith Glass Company and Lenox Crystal call this area home, joining a diversity of other companies from high-tech to food production. Mt. Pleasant Township has remained primarily agricultural in character, in spite of an influx of new-home construction. East Huntingdon has attracted the lion’s share of growth, mingling lovely residential neighborhoods and handsome new construction in a variety of architectural styles with suburban amenities.
Hempfield, Scottdale, New Stanton, Youngwood
Municipal Offices
Scottdale Borough
724-887-8220
www.scottdale.com
New Stanton Borough
724-925-9700
www.newstanton.org
Youngwood Borough
724-925-3660
www.youngwood.org
Hempfield Township
724-834-7232
www.hempfieldtwp.us
Chamber of Commerce
724-834-2900
www.hempfieldtwp.us
Approximately 50 miles south of Pittsburgh is the Helpfield Township area, where a number of comfortable boroughs provide a small-town spirit and family oriented atmosphere. Scottdale boasts a theatre, golf course, train station with tourist steam train, casual and fine dining establishments, and antique or novelty shopping in a quaint downtown setting. Historic sites abound, and the community takes great pride in showcasing its Historic District. More than 125 years of prosperity and challenged created this substantial monument to the past in residential, industrial, and commercial treasures. New Stanton and Youngwood are other boroughs in the area that were affected by the introduction of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. New Stanton expanded its commercial activity to include a variety of restaurants and hotels. Local celebrations and festivities abound, drawing together friends and neighbors for seasonal events and summer concerts in the park. Residents enjoy a short drive to many Pittsburgh and Laurel Highlands attractions, including Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Kennywood Amusement Park, and Ohiopyle State Park.
Ligonier Borough / Township
Municipal Offices
Borough Hall
724-238-9852
www.ligonier.com
Town Hall
724-238-2725
Chamber of Commerce
724-238-4200
www.ligonier.com
A rural atmosphere prevails in the Ligonier Valley, a region that encompasses a number of sparsely populated communities like Ligonier Borough, Ligonier Township, Fairfield Township, St. Clair Township, Bolivar, New Florence, Seward, and Cook Townships. Spacious, naturally beautiful, and unspoiled, Ligonier’s lush surroundings and picturesque farms attract residents of Pittsburgh and the more urban centers to relax for a day of autumn brilliance before the first snow of winter. Conversely, residents of the Ligonier Valley often drive to the “big city” of Pittsburgh for professional sports events, major cultural attractions, or just a day of shopping and fine dining. Daily conveniences are available close to home, and healthcare needs are served by Westmoreland Regional and Latrobe Area Hospitals. Idlewild Park in Ligonier is the nation’s oldest continuously-operated amusement park—home to Mr. Rodger’s Neighborhood. Local parks combine with regional Laurel Highland resorts to ensure outstanding recreational opportunities.
City of Latrobe, Derry, Unity
Municipal Offices
City of Latrobe
724-539-8548
www.cityoflatrobe.com
Derry Township
724-533-2057
www.derrytownship.org
Unity Township
724-539-2546
www.unitytownship.org
Chamber of Commerce
724-537-2671
www.latrobearea.com
Greater Latrobe is anchored by the city of the same name, encompassing the townships of Unity and Derry as well as the small boroughs of Derry, Youngstown, and New Alexandria. Situated in the eastern section of the county, this region is just 35 miles from Pittsburgh. Affordable housing has been a major draw for newcomers, who discover that the buying dollar stretches to cover a more luxurious home or more square footage. Once settled in Greater Latrobe, residents discover a country haven with suburban services and amenities like the Latrobe Area Hospital, the University of Pittsburgh’s Greensburg campus, Westmoreland County Museum of Art, and St. Vincent’s Summer Theater. The influence of St. Vincent College and the University of Pittsburgh enrich the region educationally, economically, and culturally. Wonderful parks provide a wealth of recreational opportunities including swimming pools, jogging or biking paths, tennis courts, ballfields, playgrounds, and game areas. The industrial sector is expanding to include research centers and high-tech companies, ensuring a robust and diverse economy.
Greensburg City
City Hall
724-838-4323
http://greensburgpa.org
Chamber of Commerce
724-834-2900
www.westmorelandchamber.com
Serving as the hub of commerce, education, and government for Westmoreland County, the City of Greensburg has grown into one of the largest urban centers for the region. As new shopping centers appeared outside the city in the 1970s, Greensburg became a center for service industries, professional offices, and banking. Today, the quaint downtown area is reviving with wonderful restaurants and specialty shops. Light to moderate industry thrives in Greensburg, further diversifying and strengthening the economy. Housing growth continues, particularly in the northern part of the city in attractive developments like Saybrook Village and Evergreen Hill. Greensburg is the home of Seton Hill College, and the Greensburg campus for the University of Pittsburgh is only two miles from downtown in neighboring Hempfield Township.
Lower Burrell, Allegheny, Washington, Vandergrift
Municipal Offices
City of Lower Burrell
724-335-9875
www.cityoflowerburrell.com
Allegheny Township
724-842-4641
http://alleghenytownship.net
Vandergrift Borough
724-567-5377
www.vandergriftborough.com
Washington Township
724-727-3515
http://washtwp.wix.com/washingtontownship
Chamber of Commerce
724-845-5426
www.allekiskistrong.com
Architecture often plays an important role in determining an area’s history, which is especially true in the City of Lower Burrell. A leisurely drive through the community reveals the variety of housing styles and architectural designs that mark the city’s growth and development, each one representing a different era. Ideally situated near a lovely lake, the community provides an array of recreational opportunities including fishing and hiking. Plazas and a collection of small shops enliven the downtown district.. The Burrell School District serves the youth of the city, while the Kiski Area School District serves students in Washington and Allegheny Townships or Vandergrift Borough. Historic Vandergrift has preserved the downtown’s elegant architecture and historic atmosphere, including the Vandergrift Casino Theater designed by Frederick Holmstead. Lined with stately Victorians and elegant estates, Washington Avenue is one of the finest tributes to vintage neighborhoods in the entire Pittsburgh metro area.
Murrysville
Municipal Offices
724-327-2100
www.murrysville.com
Chamber of Commerce
724-325-2500
www.westmorelandchamber.com
The Municipality of Murrysville is located approximately 12 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, sharing borders with a number of other communities and completely surrounding the Borough of Export. Because the community is rich in available land and attractive housing, many professionals and commuters to Pittsburgh are drawn to its new neighborhoods that enjoy a rural atmosphere. The majority of development is clustered around Route 22, although the area is prime for further growth and expansion. Nearby Monroeville adds even more suburban services, although Murrysville is known for providing a high quality of life that includes shopping, excellent schools, and outstanding healthcare services close to home.
New Kensington City
City Hall
724-337-4523
http://newkensingtononline.com/home
Chamber of Commerce
724-339-6616
http://nkchamber.org
Though Westmoreland is often thought of as a semi-rural or rural region, New Kensington is one of the largest cities in the county. Newcomers will find a balanced urban area that combines state-of-the-art infrastructure, thriving industries, active commercial centers, and an old-fashioned work ethic. This unique blend of resources and strengths has allowed the county to maintain its prowess as the second largest center of employment in Western Pennsylvania. Waterways, railways, roads and air traffic routes are easily accessible from New Kensington. Commuters need only travel 15 miles to reach the world-class amenities and employment centers of Pittsburgh. Private schools are numerous in the area, as well as several esteemed institutions of higher learning. Several parks provide green space and recreational facilities that range from tennis courts to picnic pavilions, a walking track, and sports fields.
Penn Township, Jeannette City
Municipal Offices
Penn Township
724-744-4858
www.penntwp.org
Jeannette City
724-527-4000
http://cityofjeannette.com
Chamber of Commerce
724-834-2900
www.westmorelandchamber.com
Claiming a long history of agricultural activity, Penn Township and the small borough of the same name are located in the western Westmoreland County just 25 miles east of Pittsburgh and 7 miles west of Greensburg. The township offices are located in the small community of Harrison City. Today, Penn is a residential community that sprawls over 33 square miles, in contrast to the compact 2.5-square-mile Jeannette City. Jeanette was actually a part of the township before it became a separate municipality, which is also true of Trafford, Penn, and Manor Boroughs. Most of Penn Township uses the newer 724 area code, although a few residents in the western part of the township retained the 412 area code associated with Allegheny County prefixes. Encompassing a number of small communities with its boundaries, Penn Township continually strives for improvement in services that range from the new civic center and expanded library to recreational programs.
