With apologies to the 19th century poet Robert Burns, “Oh to be in Westmoreland County now that spring (and summer) are here…” Or, perhaps one can tease apart that phrase to refer to the collective communities that comprise the county’s western border, when crossed, invites one to explore some 657,200 acres of land graced with 5,120 acres of water, making the entire county the 10th largest in Pennsylvania and the second largest in the western segment.
Entering from this vantage point also introduces a landscape ripe with new home construction, budding business and industry ventures, and a multitude of cultural and recreational venues. From its rural settings to suburban neighborhoods to urban centers, Westmoreland’s laid-back lifestyle allows for as much as the imagination demands. Spring into summer boasts a range of farmer’s markets, outdoor concerts, festivals and, of course, the County Fair. Year ‘round performances abound at the Palace Theatre, located in the county seat of Greensburg, as well as local and college venues, offering a range of entertainment while the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, the Southern Allegheny Museum and others fulfill discerning cultural desires. Historical sites, such as the Bushy Run Battlefield, Fort Ligonier and Historic Hanna’s Town delight history buffs and the curious alike. For others, camping, fishing, biking and hiking trails await eager enthusiasts in and around federal, state and county-owned parks. Of equal importance are the county’s low taxes, affordable housing, high quality healthcare and exceptional educational systems from pre-schools to local colleges and universities. A quick trip to Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh International Airport is but a short drive via Routes 22 and 30 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. By all reports, western Westmoreland County continues to grow and attract attention from business and industry leaders, governing officials, builders and potential new residents because of its strategic location, affordable cost of living, safety and school rankings. According to the Niche.com “2026 Best Places to Live in Westmoreland County”, the top 10 include the western sites of Murrysville, North Huntingdon, Level Green, Irwin, Manor and Trafford. “Westmoreland County offers a unique combination of affordability, accessibility and livability,” noted Dan Debone, President and CEO, Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce. “Residents can enjoy more space, strong community values, excellent recreational opportunities and a growing mix of retail, dining and entertainment options, all while remaining connected to the greater Pittsburgh region. Builders recognize that demand, especially from young families, professionals and active seniors seeking attractive housing options outside of more congested urban areas.” He added that the county is realizing continuing interest and growth in residential housing and new development throughout western and central Westmoreland County, particularly in communities that offer convenient access to Pittsburgh, major transportation corridors, quality schools, healthcare, recreation and employment centers. “Areas along the Route 30 corridor, as well as communities near the turnpike and major business parks, continue to attract both developers and families looking for a strong quality of life.” He also believes that, while the housing demand is certainly there, moving forward, the county will need even more diverse housing opportunities that can accommodate a broad range of income levels and lifestyles as the area’s workforce continues to expand. “In addition to single family homes, there will be a growing demand for apartments, townhomes, workforce housing, senior living options and mixed-use developments that appeal to residents at different stages of life and career paths,” he explained. “The county also benefits from a strong business climate and a growing interest from companies looking to expand or relocate operations here. As that economic growth continues, housing demand naturally follows. To sustain that momentum long term however, continued investment in infrastructure and transportation will be essential.” Darlene Hunter, Vice President, New Construction, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, agrees with that assessment. “In Westmoreland County, it’s more about lower land costs, available development sites, favorable demographics, infrastructure and a generally pro-development environment versus direct subsidies,” she said. “Like much of Western Pennsylvania, there is a shortage of newer housing inventory. Builders entering the market often face less competition from existing home resales because much of that housing stock was built before 1990.” She finds that while Westmoreland’s infrastructure can sustain significant housing growth, there is a caveat. “If we are looking over the next 10 to 20 years, I would say generally ‘Yes’ from a roadway and land capacity standpoint, but public transportation and some commuter corridors will require continued investment to avoid congestion and longer commute times.” She believes that schools and healthcare are a “Number 1” factor in the success of growth followed by retail, daily services, recreation and parks. “These are not just ‘nice to have’ features, they are often deciding factors in whether housing growth succeeds or stalls,” she added. “Although important, entertainment and cultural venues are moderate considerations when relocating to this area.” As to current construction projects, she noted that in areas such as North Huntingdon and its Norwin School District, Maronda Homes is stronger there, offering single family and town homes. Also, small private builder subdivisions in North Huntingdon and Penn Township are to be found along with scattered in-fill development near Clay Pike and the Route 30 corridor. Further, she shared that Howard Hanna Real Estate represents a patio home community in Irwin called Alexandra Estates, off Raymaley Road to Valley Club Road, with one level living and higher-level finishes within the Penn Trafford School District and starting in the upper $400,000 range. Debone added that housing growth and workforce growth are directly connected. “Having varied housing opportunities allows Westmoreland County to appeal to multiple generations and income levels, which strengthens our workforce pipeline and enhances overall economic development efforts,” he said. “When new housing is developed, it creates opportunities to attract skilled workers, retain young professionals, and encourage families to remain in the region rather than relocate elsewhere.”
Kacin Homes, an upscale residential home builder headquartered in Murrysville, is currently building within Westmoreland County. “We are continuing to see strong demand for residential housing and new construction throughout the western portion of the county, particularly along the Route 22 and Route 30 corridors,” noted Jason Corna, Vice President, Residential Division of Kacin Homes. “Buyers are very attracted to this area because it offers a combination that is becoming increasingly difficult to find elsewhere: accessibility, value, quality of life and room for growth.” From a builder’s perspective, he views these corridors as providing an ideal balance between suburban living and regional connectivity. “Residents can enjoy larger homesites, newer communities, and a more relaxed lifestyle while still maintaining convenient access to Pittsburgh, employment centers, healthcare, shopping and recreation. These areas and surrounding communities continue to generate interest because they offer strong school districts, established infrastructure, and a sense of community that appeals to both families and empty nesters.” He added that affordability relative to neighboring counties is a major factor in driving demand. “Buyers are looking for more space and long-term value, and Westmoreland County succeeds in delivering that opportunity. Many people are leaving more concentrated and more expensive markets in search of communities where they can build a custom home, raise a family, or simply enjoy a higher quality of life without sacrificing convenience.” With its natural beauty and overall livability, access to parks, golf courses and outdoor recreation combined with a growing mix of retail and dining options, Corna views the area as appealing to a wide demographic of buyers. “It is our opinion that the western portion of Westmoreland County represents the future of suburban growth in the region. As builders, we look for areas where there is both sustained buyer demand and long-term community investment and we see both throughout this corridor,” he added. “That confidence is what keeps us actively building and investing in the region.” Corna cited single family homes as the largest segment of their market continuing in high demand among families looking for more space, newer amenities and access to quality school districts. At the same time, he referenced low maintenance living as one of the strongest growth segments for Kacin. “Patio homes, ranch style homes and communities with homeowners’ associations that handle landscaping and exterior maintenance are attracting both active adults and empty nesters who want to simplify their lifestyles without sacrificing quality or privacy,” he said. “Many Westmoreland County residents want to stay in the area but no longer want the upkeep of a large property, creating strong demands for these types of homes.” One of Kacin’s newest projects rests in the heart of the county – The Reserve at Foxfield in Hempfield Township. Still in its early stages, prospective homeowners have been introduced to the vision for the neighborhood and what makes it so unique. “At this point, our focus is on educating buyers about the community’s layout, homesite opportunities, home designs and the long-term vision while accepting homesite deposits. The response has exceeded our expectations and interest has been extraordinary.” A strong demand for thoughtfully planned, low maintenance communities featuring exceptional home sites, quality construction and a desirable location is key. “Buyers are looking for more than just a new home,” Corna stated. “They want a neighborhood that provides a sense of place, long-term value, and a high quality of life, which is what we intend to deliver at The Reserve at Foxfield.” Kacin Homes still sees strong activity in their North Meadow development in Washington Township featuring single family and patio homes, with flexible options for a variety of lifestyles and life stages. Now matured into the initial, envisioned project, Hillstone Village in Murrysville, with just two, single family homesites remaining, is a testament to both the desirability of the location and the quality of the community itself with attractive streetscapes, beautifully designed homes and a strong sense of community, serving as part of the inspiration for The Reserve at Foxfield.
Colleen Ruefle-Haley, Vice President, Suncrest Homes, Inc., also realizes a strong demand for new residential construction particularly in the Murrysville and Penn Township areas. “In Penn Trafford, specifically the Level Green and Trafford areas, buyers are attracted to the ideal balance between suburban living and convenient access to Pittsburgh, Greensburg and surrounding employment areas,” she said. “Murrysville and Penn Trafford both provide excellent schools, attractive neighborhoods, abundant green space, walking trails and a quality of life that appeals to families, professionals and retirees. Many homebuyers are looking for larger homesites and modern amenities that are often difficult to find in more densely developed areas closer to the city. As a homebuilder, we view Westmoreland County as one of the most desirable growth markets in the region because it combines affordability, lower taxes, accessibility and long-term community investment.” Ruefle-Haley believes that western Westmoreland County is well positioned to accommodate continuing residential growth particularly with major transportation routes including Routes 22, 66 and 130, along with the Pennsylvania Turnpike offering access to Pittsburgh, Monroeville, and Greensburg. “Currently, several major road developments are either underway or in the planning stages to support that growth,” she added. “As growth continues in the county, ongoing investments in roadway improvements and infrastructure will remain important. Compared to many suburban markets however, western Westmoreland County offers a transportation network that is already established and capable of supporting additional development. This accessibility remains a major factor for homebuyers interested in the area.” With the goal of appealing to multiple generations, Suncrest Homes offers a diverse mix of housing products in their communities, especially in a market that continues to evolve toward homes that offer both functionality and long-term value. “Today’s market is increasingly driven by consumer demand for flexibility and convenience,” she noted. “We continue to see strong interest in traditional single-family homes with young families. At the same time, low maintenance living options, including patio homes and ranch style floor plans continue to increase in popularity with empty nesters and active adults who want to simplify.” She has also seen an increase in young families looking to build their forever homes with a first-floor master suit or ranch-style homes as well as buyers seeking open floor plans, energy efficient construction, outdoor living spaces and customizable features fitting their lifestyles. Currently, four homesites are available in The Acres, Murrysville. This 10 single family home development features two to six-acre, wooded homesites on a cul de sac, just minutes from Route 22, shopping, schools and more. Siena Ridge, a secluded executive community also in Murrysville features new models with new designs and floor plans. Additionally, highlights of the community include sidewalks, a playground, walking trails and abundant open spaces with homes in the high $900,000s. Sterling Oaks, a 47-lot community in Penn Township, offers cul de sac living with wooded homesites and boasts the only new construction community within walking distance of the new Westmoreland Heritage Trail. Two single family, half acre homesites remain as do two luxury custom carriage homes. Allegheny Woodlands, located in Apollo/Allegheny Township, also have just two homesites available. Here, a stone entrance, sidewalks, street lighting, a tot lot, putting green, walking trails, a community center and more enhance the ambient lifestyle experience. “Across our communities, we focus on delivering thoughtfully designed homes featuring open concept layouts, modern kitchens, flexible living spaces, energy efficient construction and customizable options,” Ruefle-Haley continued. “Buyers continue to prioritize features such as home offices, outdoor entertaining spaces, upgraded owner’s suites and low maintenance exteriors.”
With six decades of home building within Westmoreland County, Pellis Homes remains as much about high quality construction as it does about building relationships and legacies since its founder, Tom Pellis, founded the company in 1966. Today, Jack Pellis, President, along with Sales Manager J.P. Pellis and Business Manager, Carla Pellis, continues this family business with the same passion and vision that his father proposed: to combine top notch craftsmanship with a commitment to constant improvement and innovation. Currently, Pellis Homes is building several large custom homes “off site,” on land owned by their customers. “We consider this to be our future in the near term as the inventory of developed lots available for custom homes is limited as developers have focused their attention on the empty nester or boomer market,” Jack Pellis commented. “We look for this to continue through 2026 as we have several design-build projects either scheduled for ground breaking or in the planning stages.” Joining the family business has been an exciting experience for J.P. Pellis who considers the future of Westmoreland County to be very promising. “There is an abundance of undeveloped land in Westmoreland County,” he stated. “The biggest obstacle we face is having adequate utilities available to sustain development. With the county announcing various infrastructure development plans for 2026 and beyond, these concerns are continuously being addressed.” He also feels that retail, healthcare, schools and recreation are vital to housing growth in the area. “In order to attract young families to the area, it is essential to check all the boxes, especially good jobs and quality education.” He cited the five-year enhancement plan for the Hempfield Area School District as going a long way toward the growth of the county, given that it is one of the state’s largest and highest performing school districts. The anticipation of two new Pellis communities opening in 2026 has cultivated excitement in the central core of the county. The first, King’s Landing, located off Arnold Palmer Drive, Latrobe, consists of 10 paired villas and two singles. The exteriors are a tasteful mix Craftsmen and Modern Farmhouse styles with blended textures of stone and lap or board and batten siding. Close to healthcare, shopping and the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, Jack Pellis described the community as “perfect for snowbirds who want to simply lock the doors when winter hits and head south.” The second such community is The Summit at Lindwood Crest featuring both single and paired villas. “These homes offer abundant flexibility in floor plan designs and optional features,” he continued. “In fact, we are offering units with full daylight basements which may be optioned as finish space for extra bedrooms, home gyms, billiards or home theatres.” Hardwood floors, custom showers, beamed ceilings, custom kitchens, drop zones, even motorized screens and fireplaces for covered patios are some of the optional offerings at Lindwood Crest, an adult 55+ community located minutes from downtown Greensburg with shopping, healthcare, the Hannastown Golf Club and more just a stone’s throw away. A fully furnished model with a design center is planned at each location, giving buyers the convenience of one-stop shopping when making their selections. “We are currently generating a VIP list and anticipate pre-sales in excess of 30 percent,” Jack Pellis added. “It is interesting to mention that several customers for whom we built custom homes some 20 to 30 years ago, are now reaching out to us as they wish to right size their Pellis Home.”
As an award-winning custom builder for more than 45 years, Ray Snoznik, R.A. Snoznik Custom Homes, has seen a steady demand for homes, particularly in Penn Township. Snoznik believes that Penn Township’s established community amenities and school district continue to make it one of the stronger housing markets in Westmoreland County. “Families are looking for larger homesites, newer energy-efficient homes, and suburban communities that still provide access to Pittsburgh and surrounding employment areas,” he said. “I’ve also seen increased interest from move-up buyers and downsizers seeking modern floor plans without leaving the area.” Focusing primarily on single family home developments, Snoznik works from a portfolio of established home plans that he has refined over time based on buyer demand, construction efficiency and long-term functionality. “In recent years, I’ve seen the strongest demand for open concept layouts, first floor owner’s suites, larger kitchens, home office space and energy-efficient designs,” he added. “My developments are designed to provide buyers with customization options while maintaining neighborhood consistency and overall value.” Kistler’s Ridge, located in the heart of Penn Township along Route 130, has just six remaining single family homesites offering two-story homes with owner’s suites up and down and includes one level ranch-style home, all starting in the mid- $600,000s. Even before development began, Summer Grove, Snoznik’s newest community, attracted significant interest from homebuyers seeking a new level of luxury and flexibility. Featuring generous homesites, customizable home designs, and beautiful surroundings, the community has quickly become one of the area’s most sought-after neighborhoods. The enthusiasm has been evident, with Phase One more than 50 percent sold, underscoring the strong demand for the lifestyle and quality that Summer Grove offers. Located along Sarver Road, Penn Township, the strongest residential growth area in Westmoreland County, Summer Grove sits close to Routes 22 and 66 for easy access to shopping, dining, healthcare and regional employment centers and is just a short trip to the Pittsburgh region. The 73-homesite, single family community is scaled to preserve openness, privacy and long-term value. Streetscapes are open and spacious, architectural styles cohesive yet varied, with the overall layout prioritizing livability over density. The portfolio of home plans suits a wide range of lifestyles and life stages. Chestnut Lofts, Snoznik’s professionally developed, mixed use property is composed of modern residential apartments with flexible ground floor commercial and retail space for easy living. Upper level apartments feature well appointed, private living spaces designed for long-term tenancy in one bedroom/one and a half bathroom spaces with a one car garage, or a two-bedroom, two-bathroom space including a two-car garage located near the Kistler Ridge community. Currently, all apartments have been rented. “In my experience as a local builder, access to schools, healthcare, retail and recreational amenities plays a major role in the success of residential development within Westmoreland County,” Snoznik said. “Buyers consistently prioritize convenience, quality school districts, and communities that offer both suburban character and nearby daily services. Penn Township continues to attract interest because it already has much of this infrastructure in place, which supports stable, long-term residential growth.” He continued that Penn Township’s local infrastructure has generally supported continued residential growth, with road access, utilities, schools and municipal services keeping pace with development in the area. “Most of my buyers rely on commuting by vehicle, so proximity to Routes 22 and 130 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike remains a major advantage and Penn Township delivers.”
Founded in 1980 by Chuck Wiggins, along with his wife, Jeanine, All Star Homes has gained a reputation for quality craftsmanship and personal service across their builds in Westmoreland and Allegheny Counties. Today, Jonathan Proctor, CEO, supported by his wife, Jessica, are carrying on the mission of All Star Builder’s, Inc. that shares “we don’t just build homes, we build places where families grow, laugh and make memories.” And building luxury custom homes was nothing new to Proctor who began his career in construction during his teen years, amassing years of experience in his own family’s remodeling business before moving into commercial and residential projects. He appreciates the richness of building in Westmoreland County, where All Star has long built homes known for their luxury, convenience and architectural details. “We continue to see demand in western Westmoreland County, especially in areas such as North Huntingdon, Murrysville and Hempfield Township,” he said. “What makes those areas attractive is the combination of suburban space, strong local amenities and convenient access to Pittsburgh. Buyers are still looking for value, and this area often offers more home for the money than locations closer to the city.” Proctor pointed to continuing development activity, including reports that Hempfield Township could add roughly 300 to 400 homes through projects already underway or in the planning stage. “From a builder’s standpoint, the appeal is the balance of location, livability and long-term market demand.” Most often, he sees the desire for single-family homes, but gleans a growing interest in lower maintenance options such as patio homes, villas, townhomes and senior oriented communities. “In other words, the mix is broadening,” he explained. “Single-family homes remain the core product, but builders are clearly responding to buyers who want convenience, one level living or a more flexible lifestyle. That variety is important because it allows the market to appeal to families, downsizers and older residents all at the same time.” Among All Star’s builds are The Villas at Willow Estate, located in North Huntingdon, and The Villages at Totteridge, nestled in Greensburg’s verdant countryside, each offering luxury living, comfort and sophistication. Both communities feature one level living, open floor plans, expansive master suites, custom cabinetry, gas fireplaces, stunning brick and stone exteriors, and premium finishes, to name a few, with some models boasting basement and radiant heated floor options. “The North Huntingdon area is attractive because it offers a strong mix of location, schools and lifestyles,” Proctor commented. “It gives buyers suburban space and a family-oriented setting while still keeping them connected to the Pittsburgh region. Here, the focus is primarily on new single-family homes, along with some lower maintenance options that appeal to a broader range of buyers. Price points in this area generally start in the mid-$400,000s, moving to the $2 million and beyond depending on size, layout and finishes.” He continued that buyers are looking for practical amenities like first floor owner’s suites, open layouts, covered outdoor space and designs that support everyday convenience. “More broadly, we continue to see opportunity not just in North Huntingdon, but across western and central Westmoreland County, where communities with strong access, amenities and school districts remain attractive for future housing growth. Communities supported by strong schools, access to healthcare, and quality of life amenities are naturally more attractive to families, professionals and retirees. From a builder’s perspective, they are a major part of what drives demand and supports long-term housing growth.”
Perhaps summarizing the universal appeal inspired by Westmoreland County is this: “What excites me most is that Westmoreland County still offers something that is becoming harder to find in many parts of the region – the ability to create new housing in desirable locations while maintaining the character, affordability, and sense of community that residents value,” Jason Corna proffered. “That’s a big reason why I remain optimistic about the county’s future growth.” NH