Exurb of the Week: North Strabane Township (Pittsburgh, Washington: houses, neighborhoods)

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North Strabane is an mid-size (27 sq. mil.) exurban to rural township located in Washington County roughly 20 miles southwest of downtown Pittsburgh. It is just south of Peters Township and east of the town of Canonsburg and in the Canon-McMillan School District.

North Strabane began as par of the larger Strabane Township that was one of the original in Washington County in 1781. The name was initially derived from a town of the same name in Ireland and was chosen to honor those of Irish descent who originally settled here. Later, in 1831, Strabane Township was divided into two townships - North and South. Not a whole lot is found on the township's early history and economy. Presumably, like much of the region, the coal mining and local industries played a significant role. One early settler who played a prominent role was Dr. John Morgan, who received a land grant for approximately 600 acres of land in the present-day township area, along Morganza Road. Following his death, his lands were inherited by his brother, Colonel George Morgan, probably our most famous citizen historically. He was an Indian agent for the government from 1775 to 1779. The township gradually began to grow as time went on and began seeing some suburban developments with opening of I-79 and the Meadowlands developments right along the Route 19 corridor within it.

Today, North Strabane Township has seen significant exurban growth with its highway access, proximity to Pittsburgh, and local attractions/economy. It had its biggest boom in growth in the 2000's with dozens of new upper middle class housing developments. it is still seeing gradual population growth today with about near 16,000 residents today as of the latest U.S. Census counts. The Meadowlands complex continues to serve as its main tourism attraction and has been a booster to the local economy. There is somewhat of a commercial corridor along route 19, though to a lesser extent, due it being located in between the busier Peters Township and Upper Saint Clair area of Allegheny County to the north and the South Strabane area on the outskirts of Washington to the south. Much of the township east of the route 19 corridor still is largely undeveloped rural land with many working farms. With that, it is safe to assume that with a strong local economy, highway access, and reputable school district, that North Strabane Township will continue to see steady growth for years to come. The township seems to be doing a fine job balancing economic/housing growth with rural preservation. Many of its roads and neighborhoods are named after the township's original settlers and there are a few of their houses that serve as historical landmarks.