Venango and Clarion Counties (Pittsburgh, Hermitage: houses, employment, neighborhoods)

[inspiringmind]

Hubby and I are narrowing down where we want to move. And these two counties are doing it for us. We do not need a job. Just inexpensive house to buy and good enough schools. Anyone have any opinions about the area? (Things like how nice the people are? Are people religious?)

[TheCaptain]

I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with Venango areas.

I grew up in Clarion. Hated the small-town atmosphere, and couldn't wait to leave. But here's the crux: It took me only 3 years of city living to realize how absolutely wonderful Clarion was.

If you enjoy small (but not too small) town atmosphere, a place that's SAFE, a comminity feel, and beautiful sights (rolling hills, changing leaves), then you'll enjoy Clarion. Now that I've grown up and "know better" (as people are so fond of saying), I have nothing but the best to say about Clarion.

Clarion also has:

A hospital
It's located directly off a main interstate, I-80
Good school (Clarion Area)
Nice downtown feel (Main Street, wonderful shops!)

Good luck!

[Terrylee5151]

I don't know if you have moved yet .... I live in Venango County...born and raised there... You will be able to find a lot of home for a reasonable price, they will probably be fixer uppers Moderator cut: advertising We are moving to Hermitage and are selling our country home....going to miss it but ...you do what you gotta do. Good luck to you in your search

[Becca's on the lookout]

My husband and I live in Venango County (Oil City) and have lived in one part or another of the county our whole lives.

As far as the housing goes, what Terrylee says is right. The housing market is ridiculous. I'm not sure of your price range (inexpensive can mean WAY different things to different families), but on average, you can find a 3 or 4 bedroom fixer-upper for under $60,000 in a good neighborhood. A nicer, like-new construction, gorgeous home in some of the "it" neighborhoods (Oliver Manor, Colonial Village, nicer parts of Franklin Heights) goes for under $150,000. Country homes can vary depending on the area and the acreage. With very very little effort, you'll be able to find something you're happy with in your price range because there are SO many houses on the market and there's very little competition.

I'm not entirely familiar with Clarion county schools, but as far as Venango goes (my daughter is in the OC school district), I would say from my experience, people are pretty loyal to their school districts - OC, Franklin, Cranberry and Valley Grove. In my personal opinion, I would say that OC is the best and offers the most. Cranberry is making some headway, especially with the area growing as much as it is. Valley Grove is doing some huge changes with their primary grades and their new school. I personally would not send my children to Franklin. I think that score wise, they're all about the same - a little under par, but not terrible. All the school districts are losing enrollment (except maybe cranberry?). Most of the school districts in both counties are very rural.

People are friendly and tend to be close knit, a lot of lifelong residents or people that had lived in the area and moved back. People do tend to be quite religious (I counted over 250 churches in the two counties) but it all depends on the crowd you're looking for. If you want religion, there's an abundant supply. And if you don't, you'll probably find it anyway.

I would say that the counties have a down-home charm and beautiful scenery. Quiet, safe, slow-paced. Franklin especially has a very pretty downtown. Some people love it here, some don't. A lot are pushed out by the lack of employment and opportunities. (My husband and I are packing for Pittsburgh.) Just be glad you're not looking for a job.

Hope it works out for you. Good Luck!

[andyd33]

Oil City in my opinion is turning into a DUMP. At least the downtown part is. I do agree that Valley Grove and Cranberry are good areas/schools. You would probably like Forest County if you want rural. There isn't 1 traffic light in the whole county!

As for Clarion, I do not know much about it except for my Wife went to the Allegheny-Limestone School District. Id stick with venango/forest/mercer/butler/or jefferson counties.