Overview & Orientation
Harmony is a small borough in southwestern Butler County, on Connoquenessing Creek next to Zelienople. It covers about 0.4 square miles. Harmony is known for its National Historic Landmark district, the Harmony Museum, its German Christmas Market and Silvester New Year’s Eve celebration, and its location near Interstate 79.
Where Harmony Is
- County: Butler County
- Municipality type: Borough, settled in 1804 and incorporated in 1838. See Harmony on Wikipedia.
- Size: About 0.4 square miles
- ZIP code: 16037
- Bordering communities: Zelienople (southwest), with Jackson Township around the rest of the borough
- Water: Connoquenessing Creek runs along the borough.
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Cranberry Township | 15–20 minutes |
| Butler | 25–35 minutes |
| Beaver | 25–35 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 35–45 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 40–50 minutes |
| Oakland | 45–55 minutes |
A Brief History
Harmony was founded in 1804 by George Rapp and the Harmony Society, a religious community that came from Germany. The society built brick and log buildings, mills, and shops here. In 1814 and 1815, the society sold the town to Abraham Ziegler and moved to Indiana, and later to Ambridge, where it built Old Economy Village.
Harmony became a borough in 1838. A railroad reached the town around 1870 and a trolley line in 1906. The Swampoodle addition was laid out in 1874. The Harmony Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and named a National Historic Landmark in 1974. It covers about 17 acres and more than 50 buildings.
Notable Landmarks
- Harmony Museum: In an 1809 Harmonist warehouse at 218 Mercer Street
- The Great House: George Rapp’s home, built around 1811
- Harmonist Church: Built in 1808
- Museum properties: Including the Ziegler Log House, the 1825 Mennonite Meetinghouse, the Harmonist Cemetery, and Rapp’s Seat
- Diamond: The central square at the heart of the historic district
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
- Historic district: Much of the borough is in the National Historic Landmark district, with brick and log buildings from the early 1800s.
- Review board: Exterior changes in the district need approval from the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB).
- Swampoodle: A section added in 1874, with homes from the late 1800s and later
- Small borough: With about 0.4 square miles, the number of homes for sale at any time is small.
Types of Homes
Harmony’s housing includes historic homes from the 1800s in and around the historic district, plus later homes on the borough’s outer streets.
Prices and availability change daily. That means the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Harmony.
Schools
Public Schools
Harmony is served by the Seneca Valley School District, whose offices are at 124 Seneca School Road, Harmony, (724) 452-6040. See the district on Wikipedia.
- Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School (K–4), 300 South Pittsburgh Street, Zelienople
- Seneca Valley Ryan Gloyer Middle School (7–8)
- Seneca Valley Intermediate High School (9–10) and Senior High School (11–12), 126 and 128 Seneca School Road
School assignment depends on address. Confirm with the district.
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- Butler County Community College (Butler and Cranberry locations)
- Slippery Rock University (Slippery Rock)
- Geneva College (Beaver Falls)
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 68 (Evans City Road): East toward Evans City and Butler
- Interstate 79: Exits 87 and 88 are close by
- U.S. Route 19: Through neighboring Zelienople, south toward Cranberry
Public Transit
Most trips in Harmony are by car. Contact Butler County transit providers for current service in the area.
Walkability & Bikeability
The historic district is compact, and its streets are easy to explore on foot. For ratings at a specific address, visit Walk Score.
Things to Do
Parks
Harmony’s Parks Board looks after the borough’s parks:
- Wood Street Park
- Swampoodle Park
- Old Schoolhouse Playground
Recreation
- Harmony Museum: Open Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m., with tours at 1:00 and 2:30, (724) 452-7341
- Connoquenessing Creek: Fishing and paddling
- Zelienople Community Park: Trails, fields, and a pool a few minutes away
Annual Events
- Weihnachtsmarkt (November): A German Christmas market in the historic district
- Silvester (December 31): A New Year’s Eve celebration with a ball drop at 6 p.m. and fireworks
- Flea markets: Held at the museum grounds
See Visit Butler County and the Harmony Museum for current dates.
Dining & Shopping
The historic district has restaurants, a coffee shop, and a bakery, including the Harmony Inn, Wunderbar Coffee & Crepes, and Lagerhaus Bakery. Pittsburgh Magazine has featured the town. Zelienople’s Main Street and Cranberry’s shopping are nearby.
Library
Harmony is served by the Zelienople Area Public Library, 227 South High Street, Zelienople, (724) 452-9330.
Local Services & Resources
Harmony Borough Office
217 Mercer Street, Harmony, PA 16037
Phone: (724) 452-6780
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Website: harmony-pa.us
Council meetings: The first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. See council.
Utilities
- Water: Harmony Borough Water Authority, (724) 822-2378
- Sewer and trash: Contact the borough office for current providers.
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Police: Provided by the Zelienople Police Department, (724) 452-3003
- Fire: Harmony Fire District, (724) 452-4046
- EMS: Harmony EMS, (724) 452-4317
Hospitals Nearby
- UPMC Passavant–Cranberry
- Butler Memorial Hospital (Butler)
Permits & Zoning
Zoning and permits go through the borough’s zoning office, (724) 841-5207. In the historic district, exterior work also needs HARB approval. Call before starting a renovation, fence, deck, or addition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Harmony, PA in?
Harmony is in Butler County, next to Zelienople and about 30 miles north of Pittsburgh.
Who founded Harmony?
George Rapp and the Harmony Society founded the town in 1804. They sold it in 1814 and 1815 and moved to Indiana.
Is Harmony a historic district?
Yes. The Harmony Historic District is a National Historic Landmark, named in 1974.
Do I need approval to change the outside of a home in Harmony?
In the historic district, exterior changes need approval from the Historic Architectural Review Board. Contact the borough office first.
What school district serves Harmony?
The Seneca Valley School District, whose offices and high schools are on Seneca School Road.
How long is the drive from Harmony to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 35 to 45 minutes, usually by Interstate 79. Traffic varies by time of day.
When is the Harmony Christmas market?
The Weihnachtsmarkt is held in November. Check the Harmony Museum for this year’s dates.
Who provides police service in Harmony?
The Zelienople Police Department, (724) 452-3003.
Where is the Harmony borough office?
The borough office is at 217 Mercer Street, Harmony, PA 16037. The phone number is (724) 452-6780.
Thinking About a Move to Harmony?
Whether you are buying in Harmony or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Harmony listings, or reach out to our team.
Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark
412-214-9494 | pittsburghhometeam.com
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Written by Mike Pastor, Team Leader, Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark | PA License RS328638
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