Overview & Orientation
Valencia is a small borough in southern Butler County, about 25 miles north of Pittsburgh. It covers about a third of a square mile in the valley of Breakneck Creek. Valencia is known for its railroad and oil-era history, the former fresh-air farm that became part of the St. Barnabas campus, its location near Mars and the Route 228 corridor, and the Mars Area School District.
Where Valencia Is
- County: Butler County
- Municipality type: Borough. See Valencia on Wikipedia.
- Size: About 0.34 square miles, or roughly 218 acres
- ZIP code: 16059. The ZIP code also covers areas outside the borough, including parts of Middlesex Township, so a Valencia mailing address does not always mean a home is in the borough.
- Bordering communities: Adams Township (north, east, and west) and Richland and Pine Townships in Allegheny County (south)
- Water: Breakneck Creek rises nearby and flows northwest through Valencia, Mars, Callery, and Evans City.
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Wexford | 15–20 minutes |
| Cranberry Township | 15–20 minutes |
| Butler | 25–35 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 35–45 minutes |
| Oakland | 40–50 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 40–50 minutes |
A Brief History
The area was first called Brookside and then Sunnyside. It was renamed because another railroad stop in Pennsylvania already used the name Sunnyside, and how the name Valencia was chosen is not certain. Valencia was a stop on the Pittsburgh, Mars and Butler Railway and an oil collection center, with large storage tanks along Breakneck Creek. See Valencia history.
In 1902, a board member of Pittsburgh’s Kingsley Association bought 65 acres here for a fresh-air farm. The camp opened in 1903 and operated until 2005. The borough’s volunteer fire company was organized in 1927 and chartered in 1931.
St. Barnabas opened Valencia Woods Nursing Center in 1991, later converting it into The Arbors at St. Barnabas. The Woodlands opened in 1998 and expanded in 2005 onto the former camp property. See the St. Barnabas history.
Notable Landmarks
- Valencia Borough Municipal Building: 61 Almira Street
- The Arbors at St. Barnabas: A personal care community at 85 Charity Place
- The Woodlands at St. Barnabas: A community of carriage homes that opened in 1998
- Breakneck Creek: The creek that runs through the borough’s valley
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
- Small borough: At about a third of a square mile, Valencia is compact. Many nearby homes with Valencia addresses are in the surrounding townships.
- Carriage homes: The Woodlands at St. Barnabas has carriage homes built since 1998.
- Planned developments: The borough accepts Planned Residential Development applications through its building and planning office.
- Creek valley: Check flood zone status for properties near Breakneck Creek.
Types of Homes
Homes in and around Valencia range from houses on the borough’s streets to carriage homes and newer homes in the neighboring townships. Because the 16059 ZIP code reaches beyond the borough, confirm the municipality for any address.
Prices and availability change daily. That means the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Valencia.
Schools
Public Schools
Valencia is served by the Mars Area School District, with offices at 545 Route 228, Mars, (724) 625-1518. The district serves Mars, Valencia, and Adams and Middlesex Townships.
- Mars Area Primary Center (K–1), 547 Route 228
- Mars Area Elementary School (2–4), 549 Route 228
- Mars Area Centennial School (5–6), 100 Winfield Manor Drive
- Mars Area Middle School (7–8), 1775 Three Degree Road
- Mars Area High School (9–12), 520 Route 228
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- La Roche University (McCandless)
- Butler County Community College (Butler)
- Robert Morris University (Moon Township)
- University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and other Oakland campuses, about 40 to 50 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 8: Runs east of the borough through Middlesex Township and meets the Pennsylvania Turnpike at the Butler Valley interchange in Hampton
- PA Route 228: Connects the Mars area west to Cranberry Township, Interstate 79, and U.S. Route 19
- Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76): Reached at the Butler Valley interchange on Route 8 or at Cranberry
Public Transit
Pittsburgh Regional Transit does not serve Butler County. Butler Transit Authority runs commuter routes between Butler and Downtown Pittsburgh along the Route 8 and Route 28 corridor. Most local trips are by car.
Walkability & Bikeability
The borough is small, but most errands mean a drive to the Route 228 corridor or Mars. For walking and bike ratings, enter a specific address at Walk Score.
Things to Do
Parks Nearby
Adams Township Community Park
At 1600 Three Degree Road, with more than 100 acres, ballfields, pickleball courts, a splash pad, a 1.3-mile trail, a playground, and five pavilions.
North Park
A 3,089-acre Allegheny County park to the south, with a 66-acre lake, a pool, golf, the Latodami Nature Center, and a dog park.
Recreation
- North Park: Trails, boating, golf, and swimming
- Adams Township Community Park: Sports fields, a splash pad, and a walking trail
- Breakneck Creek valley: The creek corridor through Valencia and Mars
Annual Events
- Mars Applefest (October): A festival on Grand Avenue in neighboring Mars with more than 140 vendors
- Trick-or-treat (October): Borough trick-or-treat night, with times posted on the borough website
See the borough website for current dates and notices.
Dining & Shopping
- Route 228 corridor: Restaurants, groceries, and shops in Seven Fields and Cranberry Township
- Mars: A small-town business district next door
- Route 8: Shops and services in Middlesex and Richland Townships
Library
The nearest public library is the Mars Area Public Library, 107 Grand Avenue, Mars, (724) 625-9048. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Local Services & Resources
Valencia Borough Building
61 Almira Street, Valencia, PA 16059
Phone: (724) 625-3430
Website: valenciaboro.org
Council meetings: The second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building. See meeting minutes.
Utilities
- Trash and recycling: Vogel Disposal, (724) 625-1511
- Water: Richland Township Municipal Authority, (724) 443-9100
- Sewer: Breakneck Creek Regional Authority, (724) 625-1699
- Electric and gas: Penn Power and Peoples. See the borough contact page for current providers.
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Police: Adams Township Police have provided police service to the borough by contract, (724) 625-2040. Confirm current coverage with the borough office.
- Fire: Adams Area Fire District, (724) 625-1210
- EMS: Quality EMS, 222 Brickyard Road, Mars, (724) 625-6400
Hospitals Nearby
- UPMC Passavant–Cranberry (Cranberry Township), with an emergency department
- Butler Memorial Hospital (Butler)
Permits & Zoning
Zoning questions go to the borough’s zoning officer through the building and planning page. Some projects also need a building permit through Adams Township, (724) 625-1827. Call the borough at (724) 625-3430 before starting a renovation, fence, deck, or addition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Valencia, PA in?
Valencia is in Butler County, about 25 miles north of Pittsburgh.
What school district serves Valencia?
The Mars Area School District, which also serves Mars and Adams and Middlesex Townships.
Is every Valencia, PA address in Valencia Borough?
No. The 16059 ZIP code reaches beyond the borough into neighboring townships, so confirm the municipality for any address.
How long is the drive from Valencia to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 35 to 45 minutes. Traffic varies by time of day.
How big is Valencia?
About 0.34 square miles, or roughly 218 acres.
What parks are near Valencia?
Adams Township Community Park and North Park, an Allegheny County park to the south.
Who provides water and sewer in Valencia?
Water comes from the Richland Township Municipal Authority, and sewer service from the Breakneck Creek Regional Authority.
What library is closest to Valencia?
The Mars Area Public Library, 107 Grand Avenue, Mars, (724) 625-9048.
Where is the Valencia borough building?
The borough building is at 61 Almira Street, Valencia, PA 16059. The phone number is (724) 625-3430.
Thinking About a Move to Valencia?
Whether you are buying in Valencia or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Valencia 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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