Looking to move to rural area with reasonable commute to Cranberry Twp (Zelienople: mattress, homes)

[StargazerRidge]

We are looking to move to a rural area (e.g. older subdivisions and farms, old cute downtown area, no super-Walmart, Starbuck's, etc.) with a reasonable commute (less than 30 minutes) into Cranberry Twp for my husband's job. Any suggestions?

We are interested in someplace safe and friendly, a home with 1-5 acres with 3-4 bedrooms, and a town where outsiders are welcomed into an established community. I am a stay-at-home mom of an infant and toddler. I plan to homeschool so would love to be near a homeschooling community, but I might change my mind come school-age so a good school district is important too. Ideally I would love to be near a big park with bike riding trails and also be able to ride my bike with the kids to the store, so not someplace too remote.

[jimmyev]

Originally Posted by StargazerRidge

We are looking to move to a rural area (e.g. older subdivisions and farms, old cute downtown area, no super-Walmart, Starbuck's, etc.) with a reasonable commute (less than 30 minutes) into Cranberry Twp for my husband's job. Any suggestions?

We are interested in someplace safe and friendly, a home with 1-5 acres with 3-4 bedrooms, and a town where outsiders are welcomed into an established community. I am a stay-at-home mom of an infant and toddler. I plan to homeschool so would love to be near a homeschooling community, but I might change my mind come school-age so a good school district is important too. Ideally I would love to be near a big park with bike riding trails and also be able to ride my bike with the kids to the store, so not someplace too remote.

The area around McConnells Mill and Moraine State Parks is pretty rural. Rural areas, not being suburbs, don't have subdivisions; and since they're not cities they don't have downtowns either. There are some cute villages, like Slippery Rock, Volant and New Wilmington.

[PeterRabbit]

Zelienople, Pennsylvania - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Kippy]

I, too, was thinking Zelienople when I first read your post. I am not sure what the homeschooling regulations are, but I get the impression that unless you are a certified teacher, you'll need to enroll your homeschooled child in some sort of online school. I am sure those more knowledgeable in this area can correct me if I am wrong.

I often see references and ads for PA Cyber School in the newspaper; however, I have no idea if it is any good. I do believe that PA Cyber has a center in Wexford, which isn't too far from Zelienople, where kids can participate in activites with other cyber/homeschooled students and use resources beyond those found in their homes.

Here's a link for the "school:" http://www.pacyber.org/

[gg]

Saxonburg, would be in that range as well. Nice little town.

[Hopes]

I second Zelienople and Saxonburg, and I'll add Harmony.

[SammyKhalifa]

Saxonburg seems like it could be a little far depending on the time of day you're making the drive.

[Tinare]

What about Evans City? Just throwing that out there for those who are more familiar to comment on. I just know that it's up that way and does have a small main street district.

[Copanut]

Originally Posted by Tinare

What about Evans City? Just throwing that out there for those who are more familiar to comment on. I just know that it's up that way and does have a small main street district.

Not a bad little area, not much in the way of newer homes, but then again, all urban types on this forum seem to hate cookie cutter plans.

[Dereksdad]

I own a business in Evans City. It is a nice little area, and is very convenient to Cranberry. the business district is small, but there is a grocery store, pharmacy, doctors offices, and of course a very nice mattress store! I have some customers that home school their children, but I'm also not sure of the regulations. It is a friendly community, though not very diverse. Zelie and harmony are also nice areas.