Overview & Orientation
Youngwood is a small borough in Westmoreland County, just south of Greensburg and about 2 miles north of the New Stanton interchange of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. It grew up around a Pennsylvania Railroad yard in the early 1900s, and its railroad roots still show along Depot Street, home to the restored 1902 train station and a stretch of the Five Star Trail. Youngwood is also home to the main campus of Westmoreland County Community College, a community park and pool, and its own public library.
Where Youngwood Is
- County: Westmoreland County
- Type: Borough, incorporated in 1902. It covers less than 2 square miles. See Wikipedia’s Youngwood entry.
- ZIP code: 15697
- Neighbors: Hempfield Township surrounds most of the borough, with New Stanton to the southwest
Borough or Mailing Address?
The “Youngwood, PA 15697” mailing address also covers part of Hempfield Township, which has its own services and taxes:
| Municipality | School District |
|---|---|
| Youngwood Borough | Hempfield Area |
| Hempfield Township (part) | Hempfield Area |
To confirm a property’s municipality, check the deed, the tax bill, or Westmoreland County’s online Building & Land Search.
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate and vary by where you start. Traffic varies by time of day, especially on Route 119 and the Turnpike.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| New Stanton / Turnpike interchange | 5 minutes |
| Downtown Greensburg | 10 minutes |
| Arnold Palmer Regional Airport (Latrobe) | 25 minutes |
| Monroeville | 30–35 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 45–55 minutes |
A Brief History
Youngwood began in 1899 on farmland owned by John Y. Woods, who combined his family name with that of his maternal grandfather, Young, to name the town. The Youngwood Land Company bought land along the Pennsylvania Railroad’s Southwest Branch, which ran south from Greensburg toward Uniontown, and the railroad built a large classification yard here in 1900 for sorting rail cars. The yard was the town’s economic base for decades, and Youngwood was incorporated as a borough in 1902.
The 1902 passenger station on Depot Street became a railroad history museum in 1983. In the 1990s, the old rail corridor became part of the Five Star Trail. A PennDOT rebuild of the Route 119 corridor through town, finished in 2023, added sidewalks and curb extensions along Third Street. The TribLive history of Youngwood’s first 125 years covers more.
Notable Landmarks
- Youngwood Historical & Railroad Museum: The restored 1902 station at 1 Depot Street
- Depot Street walkway: A paved path lined with vintage rail cars, including a converted caboose
- Westmoreland County Community College: The college’s main campus
- Town clock and school archway: An ornate clock in the town parklet, and the preserved sign and archway of the former Youngwood High School
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
Youngwood is laid out on a compact grid of numbered streets on either side of Route 119. Much of the housing dates from the railroad era of the early 1900s through the mid-1900s, with frame and brick single-family homes on modest lots. Newer homes appear toward the edges of the borough and in the surrounding parts of Hempfield Township. Sidewalks link most streets to the Depot Street area and the park.
Types of Homes
- Single-family homes (the majority)
- Duplexes and two-unit homes
- Some apartments and newer construction nearby in Hempfield Township
Prices and availability change daily, so the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Youngwood.
Schools
Hempfield Area School District
Youngwood is part of the Hempfield Area School District, the largest district in Westmoreland County at about 95 square miles. The district has several elementary schools (K–5), three middle schools, and Hempfield Area High School. The district assigns elementary and middle schools by address, so check with the district for the schools serving a specific home.
Westmoreland County Community College
The Youngwood campus of Westmoreland County Community College is the college’s main campus, on Pavilion Lane and Community College Drive. It includes a library, a fitness center and indoor track, a 420-seat theater, an art gallery, a culinary arts complex, and baseball, softball, and multipurpose fields.
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
- U.S. Route 119: Runs through the borough on Third and Fourth Streets, north to Greensburg and south to New Stanton
- Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) and I-70: The New Stanton interchange is about 2 miles south
- U.S. Route 30: Reached through Greensburg, heading west toward Irwin and east toward Latrobe
Public Transit
Westmoreland County Transit Authority provides bus service in the county, including routes through the Greensburg area. Check its current routes and schedules before you rely on them.
Walkability & Bikeability
Youngwood’s grid and the newer Route 119 sidewalks make some errands possible on foot, and the Five Star Trail offers a car-free route to Greensburg. Most other trips are easier by car. See Walk Score for Youngwood, PA.
Things to Do
Parks & Recreation
Youngwood Area Park & Pool
801 South 10th Street, Youngwood, PA 15697
Phone: (724) 925-3133
A summer swimming pool with daily admission and season memberships, swim lessons, three rentable pavilions, and a bocce court. Hours change with the weather, so check the Park & Pool page before you go.
Five Star Trail
The Five Star Trail runs nearly 8 miles between Lynch Field in Greensburg and Youngwood, with a spur to the community college campus. It is named for the five communities it connects. In Youngwood, trail access includes Depot Street and Trolley Line Avenue. See TrailLink for maps and trailheads.
Youngwood Historical & Railroad Museum
Housed in the 1902 passenger and baggage station at 1 Depot Street, the museum covers the Southwest Branch railroad and local history. Hours vary by season, so check before you visit.
Shopping & Dining
Youngwood has local shops and restaurants along Route 119, plus a shopping plaza with a grocery store on the former Robertshaw plant site. More retail and dining are a short drive away in Greensburg, Hempfield Township, and New Stanton.
Library
The Youngwood Area Public Library is at 17 South 6th Street, (724) 925-9350, in the same building as the borough office. It is a member of Westmoreland County Libraries.
Local Services & Resources
Youngwood Borough Office
17 South 6th Street, Youngwood, PA 15697
Phone: (724) 925-3660
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Website: youngwood.org
Borough Council: Meets the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. Check the council page and calendar for changes.
Trash & Recycling
Republic Services collects trash and provides curbside automated recycling at no extra cost. Collection days are on the borough’s annual recycling schedule, posted on its recycling page. Glass is not accepted. A drop-off at the Public Works Complex takes paper, cardboard, #1 and #2 plastics, aluminum, and tin. Electronics with cords go to Westmoreland Cleanways. Republic Services customer service: 1-877-788-9400.
Utilities
- Water: Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County, (724) 755-5800
- Electric: West Penn Power
- Gas: Columbia Gas
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Police: Pennsylvania State Police, non-emergency (724) 832-3288
- Fire: Youngwood Fire Department
- EMS: Mutual Aid Ambulance
See the borough’s emergency and non-emergency contacts for more numbers.
Hospitals Nearby
- Independence Health System Westmoreland Hospital (Greensburg)
- Independence Health System Latrobe Hospital (Latrobe)
Permits & Zoning
Planning a renovation, addition, deck, fence, or pool? Contact the borough office at (724) 925-3660 for zoning and permit questions. The borough’s zoning ordinance was adopted in 2020, and the Zoning Hearing Board meets the second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Youngwood in?
Youngwood is in Westmoreland County, just south of Greensburg and north of New Stanton.
How did Youngwood get its name?
Landowner John Y. Woods combined his family name with that of his maternal grandfather, Young.
What school district serves Youngwood?
The Hempfield Area School District. Confirm the elementary and middle schools for a specific address with the district.
Is Westmoreland County Community College in Youngwood?
Yes. The college’s main campus is in Youngwood, off Pavilion Lane and Community College Drive.
How close is Youngwood to the Pennsylvania Turnpike?
The New Stanton interchange is about 2 miles south, roughly 5 minutes by car.
Who collects trash in Youngwood?
Republic Services, which also handles curbside recycling. Call 1-877-788-9400 or the borough office with questions.
When does Youngwood Borough Council meet?
The first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. Check the borough calendar for changes.
Does Youngwood have a pool?
Yes. The Youngwood Area Park & Pool at 801 South 10th Street opens in summer, with daily admission and season memberships.
Can I walk or bike to Greensburg from Youngwood?
Yes. The Five Star Trail runs nearly 8 miles between Youngwood and Lynch Field in Greensburg.
Thinking About a Move to Youngwood?
Whether you are buying in Youngwood or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions, including whether a specific 15697 home is in the borough or Hempfield Township. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Youngwood listings, or reach out to our team.
Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark
412-214-9494 | pittsburghhometeam.com
Explore Nearby Communities
- Greensburg (homes for sale)
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- New Stanton (homes for sale)
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- Irwin (homes for sale)
Written by Mike Pastor, Team Leader, Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark | PA License RS328638
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