Overview & Orientation
Ford City is a small borough in Armstrong County on the east bank of the Allegheny River, about 40 miles northeast of Pittsburgh and 4 miles south of Kittanning. Founded in 1887 by Captain John B. Ford, it grew around what became the world’s largest plate-glass factory. Today Ford City has a compact grid of numbered avenues, a downtown along 5th Avenue, Butler County Community College’s Armstrong campus, several borough parks, and nearly two miles of the Armstrong Trail along the river.
Where Ford City Is
- County: Armstrong County
- Type: Borough, chartered in 1898 after being settled in 1887. It covers about 0.77 square miles. See Wikipedia’s Ford City entry.
- ZIP code: 16226
- Neighbors: Manor Township, which surrounds the borough on land, and North Buffalo Township across the Allegheny River
Borough or Mailing Address?
The “Ford City, PA 16226” mailing address also covers parts of neighboring townships, which have their own services and taxes:
| Municipality | School District |
|---|---|
| Ford City Borough | Armstrong |
| Manor Township (part) | Armstrong |
| North Buffalo Township (part) | Armstrong |
To confirm a property’s municipality and school district, check the deed, the tax bill, or the Armstrong County assessment office.
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate and vary by where you start. Traffic varies by time of day, especially on Route 28 closer to Pittsburgh.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Kittanning | 10 minutes |
| Freeport | 20 minutes |
| Natrona Heights / Tarentum | 25–30 minutes |
| Butler | 35–40 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 50–60 minutes |
A Brief History
In 1887, Captain John B. Ford assembled about 460 acres from three farms along the Allegheny to build a plate-glass works. He chose the site because the river’s gravel bottom supplied sand for glassmaking and nearby natural gas could fire the furnaces. Glassworkers came from across Europe, and the town grew quickly. It separated from Manor Township and received its borough charter in 1898.
The Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, now PPG Industries, ran the Ford City Works, which grew into the world’s largest plate-glass factory. PPG scaled back starting in the 1970s and closed the plant in 1992, and the Eljer pottery plant closed in 2008. Parts of the former PPG site are now used by manufacturers, and Butler County Community College opened a campus on the site of the former Ford City High School.
Notable Landmarks
- Ford City Memorial Park: On 4th Avenue, with an 1891 bronze statue of John B. Ford, a gazebo, and a veterans memorial
- Ford City Veterans Bridge: Carries PA 128 across the Allegheny River to North Buffalo Township. See the bridge entry.
- BC3 Armstrong: Butler County Community College’s campus on 4th Avenue
- Armstrong Trail riverfront spur: A trail connection to the Allegheny River
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
Ford City’s homes sit on a tight grid of numbered avenues and cross streets laid out during the glassworks boom. Much of the housing dates from the late 1880s through the mid-1900s, with frame and brick single-family homes on narrow lots, many with rear alleys, along with duplexes and some apartments. Newer homes on larger lots are more common in Manor and North Buffalo Townships.
Homes on lower streets near the Allegheny River should be checked on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center. Older homes may call for a closer look during inspections, and the borough has a sewage inspection form, so ask about requirements before a sale.
Types of Homes
- Single-family homes (the majority)
- Duplexes and two-unit homes
- Apartments, including some above downtown storefronts
Prices and availability change daily, so the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Ford City.
Schools
Armstrong School District
Ford City is part of the Armstrong School District, which covers about 437 square miles across much of Armstrong County. The district office is at 410 Main Street in Kittanning.
- Elementary (K–6): Lenape Elementary School, 2300 Center Avenue, Ford City
- Junior-Senior High (7–12): Armstrong Junior-Senior High School, 300 Buffington Drive, Manor Township
- Career and technical: Lenape Technical School, available starting in 11th grade
Butler County Community College – BC3 Armstrong
BC3 operates its Armstrong campus in Ford City on the site of the former high school, where the State Rep. Jeffery P. Pyle Building opened in 2022 and offers associate degree programs. Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Penn State New Kensington are each about 45 minutes away.
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 128: Crosses the Veterans Bridge and runs through downtown as 5th Avenue, then south on the west bank toward Route 28 and Freeport. See PA 128.
- PA Route 66: Runs just outside the borough, north to Kittanning and south toward Leechburg
- PA Route 28: Reached across the river, with Exit 18 in South Buffalo Township, south to Pittsburgh and north to Kittanning
Public Transit
Town & Country Transit (TACT) provides bus and shared-ride service in Armstrong County. Check its current routes and schedules before you rely on them.
Walkability & Bikeability
Ford City’s flat, compact grid makes it easy to walk to 5th Avenue businesses, the library, the parks, and the river. The Armstrong Trail adds a car-free route along the Allegheny. Most trips outside town are easier by car. See Walk Score for Ford City, PA.
Things to Do
Parks & Recreation
The borough lists these parks on its Parks & Recreation page. Parks can be reserved through the borough secretary.
Ford City Borough Park
4th Avenue
Benches, a gazebo, and walkways, plus the John B. Ford statue. Hosts public events through the year.
Malec Park (7th Avenue Playground)
North end of 7th Avenue
The borough’s largest park, with a ballfield, a basketball court, and a pavilion.
Boulder Park Playground
6th Avenue
Playground equipment and an updated full basketball court.
Ford View Park
On the ridge above town
Views over the borough and river, with limited playground equipment.
The borough also maintains a 16.5-acre recreation site in North Buffalo Township, about a mile away, with three ballfields, a concession stand, two volleyball courts, a pavilion, and picnic tables.
Armstrong Trail
The Armstrong Trail follows a former rail line along the Allegheny and runs nearly two miles through Ford City, with a spur to the riverfront. It is used for walking, running, and biking and connects to a larger regional trail system.
Shopping & Dining
5th Avenue is Ford City’s main business street, with local shops, restaurants, and services. More retail is in Kittanning and along Route 422 in East Franklin Township.
Library
The Ford City Public Library is at 1136 4th Avenue, (724) 763-3591. It is open Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Local Services & Resources
Ford City Borough Office
1000 4th Avenue, Ford City, PA 16226
Phone: (724) 763-3081
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Website: fordcityborough.org
Borough Council: Meets the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at BC3 Armstrong, 1100 4th Avenue. See the council page for officials and contacts.
Trash & Recycling
Shank Waste Service collects trash weekly under a borough contract. Each home has a gray borough container that stays with the property. Set trash out in the alley or at the curb the night before collection. Extra bags need a $3 bag tag from the borough office, and bulk items are arranged directly with Shank at (724) 226-8320. See the borough’s Disposal Services page.
Water & Sewer
The borough provides water and sewer service and bills for it directly. The borough also has a Stormwater Authority. Call the office at (724) 763-3081 with billing questions.
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Police: Southern Armstrong Regional Police Department, which Ford City joined, as reported by TribLive
- Fire: Ford City Hose Company No. 1
Hospital
ACMH Hospital, near Kittanning, is the closest hospital, about 10 to 15 minutes away.
Permits & Zoning
Planning a renovation, addition, deck, fence, or driveway? Ford City requires a zoning permit before construction covered by a building permit, demolition, a change of use, or a new driveway or parking area. Building permits go through Bureau Veritas. Contact the borough’s code enforcement and zoning officer through the office at (724) 763-3081.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Ford City in?
Armstrong County, about 4 miles south of Kittanning and 40 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.
How did Ford City get its name?
It is named for Captain John B. Ford, who founded the town in 1887 to build a plate-glass works.
What school district serves Ford City?
The Armstrong School District. Lenape Elementary is in the borough, and grades 7–12 attend Armstrong Junior-Senior High in Manor Township.
Who collects trash in Ford City?
Shank Waste Service, weekly, under a borough contract. Each home has a gray borough container.
When does Ford City Borough Council meet?
The fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at BC3 Armstrong, 1100 4th Avenue.
Is there a college in Ford City?
Yes. Butler County Community College’s Armstrong campus is on 4th Avenue.
Is there a trail in Ford City?
Yes. The Armstrong Trail runs nearly two miles through the borough, with a spur to the riverfront.
How long is the drive from Ford City to Pittsburgh?
About 50 to 60 minutes by Route 28, depending on traffic.
Thinking About a Move to Ford City?
Whether you are buying in Ford City or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions, including whether a specific 16226 home is in the borough or a surrounding township. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Ford City 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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