Overview & Orientation
Penn Township is a large, mostly residential township in western Westmoreland County, about 25 miles east of Pittsburgh and 7 miles west of Greensburg. It covers about 31 square miles of rolling hills, neighborhoods, and remaining farmland, and it includes the communities of Harrison City and Level Green. The township is known for Bushy Run Battlefield, its large municipal park complex, and the Penn-Trafford School District.
Where Penn Township Is
- County: Westmoreland County
- Type: First Class township, incorporated in 1855, covering about 30.8 square miles. See Wikipedia’s Penn Township entry.
- Communities within: Harrison City, home of the municipal center, and Level Green, on the township’s west side
- Neighbors: Murrysville (north), Salem and Hempfield Townships (northeast and east), Jeannette (southeast), North Huntingdon (southwest), Trafford (west-southwest), and Monroeville (west)
- Not to be confused with: Penn Borough, a separate small borough near Jeannette, which is also in the Penn-Trafford School District
One Township, Many Mailing Addresses
Penn Township homes use several mailing cities, including Harrison City (15636), Trafford (15085), Jeannette (15644), Export (15632), Irwin (15642), Claridge (15623), Penn (15675), and Manor (15665). A home with one of these mailing cities may be in Penn Township or in the neighboring municipality of the same name. To confirm, check the deed, the tax bill, or Westmoreland County’s property records.
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate and vary widely across a township this size. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Monroeville | 10–20 minutes |
| Murrysville (Route 22) | 10–15 minutes |
| Greensburg | 15–25 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 30–45 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 45–60 minutes |
A Brief History
The township’s most famous history happened before it existed. On August 5–6, 1763, during Pontiac’s War, British Colonel Henry Bouquet’s column of about 500 soldiers was ambushed near today’s Harrison City while marching to relieve the besieged Fort Pitt. Bouquet’s troops held out behind a ring of flour sacks and won the next day, opening the way to Fort Pitt. The site is now Bushy Run Battlefield, a National Historic Landmark.
Penn Township was incorporated on February 23, 1855, and named for Pennsylvania founder William Penn. The area was long known for farming, and coal mining later shaped its economy. It became a First Class township in 1958. In 1957, Carnegie Mellon University opened a research lab along Mellon Road. The township lies in the Turtle Creek watershed and maintains about 100 miles of roads.
Notable Landmarks
- Bushy Run Battlefield: A 218-acre National Historic Landmark with a visitor center and trails
- Municipal Park Complex: The township’s main park, in Harrison City
- Penn-Trafford High School: In Harrison City
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
Because Penn Township is so large, housing varies a lot by area. You will find older neighborhoods in Level Green and near Harrison City, suburban subdivisions built over several decades, newer developments, and homes on larger lots in the township’s more rural sections. Some rural properties may use individual wells or on-lot septic systems, so ask about utilities when you look at a home.
Like much of western Pennsylvania, the township has a coal mining history. Buyers may want to look into the state’s Mine Subsidence Insurance program.
Types of Homes
- Single-family homes (the majority)
- Townhomes and condominiums
- Homes on larger rural lots
Prices and availability change daily, so the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Penn Township, or browse Level Green on its own.
Schools
Penn-Trafford School District
Penn Township is served by the Penn-Trafford School District, which also covers Trafford and Penn Borough. The district office is at 1100 Randall Court, Export, (724) 744-4496.
- Elementary (K–5): Harrison Park, Level Green, McCullough, Sunrise Estates, and Trafford Elementary Schools
- Middle (6–8): Penn Middle School and Trafford Middle School
- High (9–12): Penn-Trafford High School, in Harrison City
Elementary and middle school assignment depends on address. Confirm with the district. See the district overview for background.
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg and Seton Hill University (Greensburg)
- Westmoreland County Community College (Youngwood)
- CCAC Boyce Campus (Monroeville)
For school performance data, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Future Ready PA Index and the district’s own website. School assignments can change. Confirm directly with the district.
Getting Around
Major Roads
- PA Route 130: The main east–west road through the township, connecting Trafford, Level Green, and Harrison City toward Greensburg
- PA Route 993: Runs through the eastern part of the township past Bushy Run Battlefield
- Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76): Crosses the township. The nearest interchanges are Monroeville (Exit 57) and Irwin (Exit 67). See the PA Turnpike for tolls and travel alerts.
- U.S. Routes 22 and 30: Reached to the north through Murrysville and to the south through North Huntingdon
Public Transit
Most trips are by car. Check Westmoreland Transit for current regional and commuter bus options, and Pittsburgh Regional Transit for service from nearby Monroeville.
Walkability & Bikeability
Penn Township is car-oriented. See Walk Score for Harrison City as a reference point. For walking and biking, the township park has trails, and the Westmoreland Heritage Trail starts next door in Trafford and runs about 9 miles to Export.
Things to Do
Bushy Run Battlefield
Bushy Run Battlefield, at 1253 Bushy Run Road, covers 218 acres. It is Pennsylvania’s only recognized Native American battlefield and the only museum dedicated to Pontiac’s War. The visitor center has museum exhibits, a theater, and a gift shop, and walking trails have interpretive signs. Battle reenactments are held the first full weekend of August. Check the battlefield’s website for current hours.
Municipal Park Complex
The township’s main park, at 2001 Municipal Court in Harrison City, includes:
- A fishing pond, walking trails, and nature habitats
- Baseball fields (some lighted), batting cages, and soccer and football fields
- Tennis, basketball, sand volleyball, and deck hockey courts
- Large and small dog parks and a skateboard park
- The Warrior Wonderland playground and rentable picnic pavilions
The township also has five community playgrounds. See the parks page, and register for programs through the township’s recreation catalog.
Community Events
The Penn-Trafford Area Recreation Commission has hosted a summer food truck series at Municipal Park on Friday evenings, with live music and games. The township also holds seasonal events such as a fall community yard sale and a Halloween event. Check the township website for current dates.
Shopping & Dining
Local shops and restaurants are along Route 130 and in the township’s commercial areas. Larger retail is a short drive away along Route 22 in Murrysville and Monroeville and along Route 30 in North Huntingdon.
Library
The Penn Area Library is at 2001 Municipal Court, Harrison City, (724) 744-4414. It is part of Westmoreland County Libraries.
Local Services & Resources
Penn Township Municipal Building
2001 Municipal Court, Harrison City, PA 15636
Phone: (724) 744-2171
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: penntwp.org
Government: A five-member Board of Commissioners, one elected from each ward to four-year terms. Agendas are posted on the township website.
Trash, Water & Public Works
- Trash and recycling: Republic Services, (724) 907-5476. Trash and recycling are picked up on the same weekday, with recycling every other week. Leaves are collected in bags for two weeks in spring and five weeks in fall. See the township’s garbage and recycling page.
- Public Works and water/sewer: 3000 Commercial Court, (724) 863-5710
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Police (non-emergency): Penn Township Police, 2000 Commercial Court, (724) 863-1119
- Fire: Volunteer fire companies serve different parts of the township, including the Level Green Volunteer Fire Company
Hospitals Nearby
- AHN Forbes Hospital and UPMC East (Monroeville)
- Excela Westmoreland Hospital (Greensburg)
Permits & Zoning
Planning a renovation, addition, deck, fence, or pool? Start with the township’s permits page or call the municipal building at (724) 744-2171.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Penn Township, PA?
In western Westmoreland County, about 25 miles east of Pittsburgh and 7 miles west of Greensburg, between Murrysville, Monroeville, and North Huntingdon.
Is Penn Township the same as Penn Borough?
No. Penn Borough is a separate small borough with its own government. Both are in the Penn-Trafford School District.
What communities are in Penn Township?
The township includes Harrison City and Level Green, along with neighborhoods that use other mailing cities, such as Jeannette, Export, Irwin, Claridge, and Manor.
What school district serves Penn Township?
The Penn-Trafford School District, which has five elementary schools, two middle schools, and Penn-Trafford High School.
How did Penn Township get its name?
It is named for William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania. The township was incorporated in 1855.
What is Bushy Run Battlefield?
The site of a 1763 battle during Pontiac’s War. It is now a 218-acre National Historic Landmark in the township, with a visitor center, trails, and an annual reenactment in August.
Who collects trash in Penn Township?
Republic Services. Trash and recycling are picked up on the same weekday, with recycling every other week.
How long is the drive from Penn Township to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 30 to 45 minutes depending on where you start, usually by Route 22, the Turnpike, or I-376. Traffic varies by time of day.
Thinking About a Move to Penn Township?
Whether you are buying in Penn Township or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions, including whether a specific address is in the township. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Penn Township listings, or reach out to our team.
Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark
412-214-9494 | pittsburghhometeam.com
Explore Nearby Communities
- Level Green (homes for sale)
- Murrysville (homes for sale)
- Trafford (homes for sale)
- North Huntingdon (homes for sale)
- Jeannette (homes for sale)
- Monroeville (homes for sale)
Written by Mike Pastor, Team Leader, Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark | PA License RS328638
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