Will you tell me more about Zelienople? (Pittsburgh, Butler: sales, homes)

[LiveinPA]

I used to work there...has a nice small town charm on the surface. Nice place to visit, scary place to live.

Lots of senior citizens (like all of PA really) and they consider you an "outsider" if you're not from town. In fact, a big deal was made of the fact that I was a "nonlocal" working there...WTF?

"Zilly" as most call it is country- no doubt about it. If you plan or need to be in Pittsburgh proper often it will be a long and annoying drive. There is really nothing there at all. Cranberry Twp. is to the South and nothing North until you hit Butler. You'll have to travel to even get groceries...liquor and gasoline is covered though. Church too.

I imagine certain people would do just fine there, however I can't think of any compelling reason to actually seek out living there.

[PeterRabbit]

I totally forgot about Conley's and Tou Rest motels. I never figured out why that motel was named Tou Rest and never actually knew what that first word was. It seemed run down. I liked all the Conley's although I never stayed at that one. Their Country Club Inn near Butler was like being away on vacation. They had a nice little chain in prime locations. I wonder why they gave it up. If I run across any photos I'll post them for you.

[Tallysmom]

Originally Posted by PeterRabbit

I totally forgot about Conley's and Tou Rest motels. I never figured out why that motel was named Tou Rest and never actually knew what that first word was. It seemed run down. I liked all the Conley's although I never stayed at that one. Their Country Club Inn near Butler was like being away on vacation. They had a nice little chain in prime locations. I wonder why they gave it up. If I run across any photos I'll post them for you.

You never figured out TouRest?

Tourist. Rest. Tour-rest -- TouRest. Quintessential 50's. The dear people that owned it were very sweet, and friends of the my friend's parents. Got to swim for free.

It had at one point a diner/cocktail lounge attached to it -- that was gone when we were there. (Mid seventies)

And then there was the FAMOUS Cranberry Hall. People came from all over to eat there. It was a grand home -- maybe built in the 30's -- more modern than colonial -- and we never ate there -- except once. I begged my dad, and he caved -- but was VERY uncomfortable there.

Found out why much later. Apparently when it was a home, the owner hired 2 guys to kill his wife -- and they did. They were all caught, and I guess the place sat empty for a long time, until someone got the bright idea to open a restaurant.

I've never been able to confirm that story.

[Copanut]

At the risk of getting another warning from Herr Moderator, I think those of you posting negatively about Zelie have not been there in the last 5-10 years. Trust me, that is one up and coming area. As gas prices rise higher and higher, small town living will be back in vogue, and Zelie, along with Evans City will benefit.

[mommy420]

I grew up in cranberry til my teen years then my parents bought a house in Zelie (Zelienople)... I now live in the next town over from Zelie, Evans City. Here are few links to Evans City, if that'll help any. If your husband is working in Pittsburgh than Zelie and Evans City (as well as Cranberry Twp.) have very easy access to the highways to take you right into the city. As someone did state, the traffic is rough at times, but they are currently working on 79 right now, to make it a smoother ride.

I LOVE THIS AREA... I moved away for a little while shortly after I got married (for my husbands job) but he got transferred back after a year. My husband grew up and spent his entire life in Zelienople. He traveled for work and was always glad to come 'home'. He's been to every state in the USA, tons of cities, lots of 'small towns' and he is always glad to live right here.

My children attend Seneca Valley School District, same school both my husband and I graduated from (almost 15yrs ago). It's becoming a HUGE school now as Cranberry Twp., Jackson Twp., and Seven Fields (all surrounding areas) are developing at an alarming rate. The District has a lot to offer students. From all types of sports to arts and wonderful AP classes.

It definitely may not be right for everyone, but if your looking for a small town w/ a lot of history and proud of it's history, then Zelie area is perfect. Cranberry Twp. is perfect for people who want things a little 'busier'... It's becoming so large and hectic as time goes by.

I just wanted to give the area a fair deal, as I lived here my entire life and still do, and am raising my children here.


LINKS FOR EVANS CITY, PA 16033:
http://www.city-data.com/city/Evans-...nsylvania.html
http://www.evans-city.com/

AND HERE IS FOR ZELIENOPLE PA, 16063:
http://zelieboro.org/

AND YET ANOTHER FOR THIS AREA:
http://www.butlerwebs.com/zelienople...ny/default.htm

[carebear76]

I absolutely have to disagree with Tallysmom, with her comments regarding Zelienople. My husbnd and I moved from there (we lived there 2 years), to Tennessee. We LOVED IT! It is very country,and an old town, but it is a small town, and things are convienent there. I would give anything to be able to find a town like Zelienople here in Tennessee. In fact, my husband and I are thinking about moving back, and we will move back to Zelienople if we can.

[Ohioian]

I also am seeking info for the area around Cranberry...what about steering west toward New Brighton or Beaver Falls? Are those areas affordable and nice? How are the nieghborhoods and schools there?

[dwb12190]

I grew up in Cranberry when Fernway and Sun valley was being built. I remember when Haines school road was dirt and we use to sled ride down the hill. We went to Glen Eden farms to get our milk, there was also an egg farm on Rochester road. But now that Cranberry has exploded I go back once in a while to visit my Mother. I would definitely move to Zelie before Cranberry. I still like the small town atmosphere and the slower pace. I never knew people to treat someone like an outsider. If it was my choice Zelienople all the way!

[Tallysmom]

Originally Posted by dwb12190

I grew up in Cranberry when Fernway and Sun valley was being built. I remember when Haines school road was dirt and we use to sled ride down the hill. We went to Glen Eden farms to get our milk, there was also an egg farm on Rochester road. But now that Cranberry has exploded I go back once in a while to visit my Mother. I would definitely move to Zelie before Cranberry. I still like the small town atmosphere and the slower pace. I never knew people to treat someone like an outsider. If it was my choice Zelienople all the way!

We drove to Glen Eden on Graham School Road (you know they saved that old original one room school house and moved it somewhere else...) and on our way home we'd stop at the egg lady's.

My mom drove her nuts. My mom couldn't work the vending machine to save her life and she'd end up honking and the woman would have to come out and fetch her the eggs anyway. She started noticing when my mom drove up the driveway and just walked out with them!

Do you remember Mrs Breckenridge, the Fudge Lady? She had a little fudge stand on Freedom Rd at the bottom of her driveway. And down Freedom Rd at Darlington Rd, there was a little antque store run by a man who looked like Colonel Sanders....

It was a cool time to grow up there....

[dwb12190]

I remember the fudge lady on Freedom road. Do you remember Millies store before Calderons was built? Actually I went to Cranberry today to check on my mother. It is two totally different places from what it was when I was growing up out there. I would not want to live there now, but that is just my personal feeling. I don't like all the hustle and bustle that is there now. I also remember going to the general store near the intersection of RT 19 and Freedom road. Use to get my bubble gum cigars there.