To live and work in Westmoreland County is to enjoy a lifestyle that boasts
both leisurely living and an energetic vibe, whichever you prefer. As
southwestern Pennsylvania's second largest county, Westmoreland is replete
with history, culture, varied geography and ethnic influences, all tucked
between the Laurel Highlands and the bustle of Pittsburgh. Established
in February 1773, the county was named after Westmorelandshire, England,
and is the first county in Pennsylvania west of the Allegheny Mountains.
Business and industry abound, as do sports, the arts and recreation. If
you're looking for family-friendly environs, look no further. Churches
of numerous denominations and synagogues reside here as well as parks
and youth activities. From the county's 17 school districts and private
schools to local colleges and universities, education is a high priority
among the population.
Despite its large land mass, Westmoreland County is an easily drivable
locale, with major highways threading their way through the picturesque
scenery without the crushing gridlock often seen in major urban areas.
The Arnold Palmer Regional Airport features convenient flights for easy
access to select destinations and Pittsburgh International Airport is
a mere 40 minutes away.
Arts and Recreation
Whether you engage in summer pastimes or enjoy winter activities, Westmoreland
County has much to offer. From the newly renovated Westmoreland County
Museum of American Art and The Palace Theatre to Fort Ligonier Days and
the Westmoreland County Arts and Heritage Festival, there's something
for everyone. Seven Springs Resort and Hidden Valley are within a short
drive for those who enjoy skiing, snow boarding and other winter sports
while antique car shows, concerts in the park, and 5K/10K races may appeal
to others. For the sportsman, there's fishing and hunting while others
will find the many hiking and biking trails to their liking. Or, enjoy
white water rafting, swimming, and of course, golf, given that Latrobe,
Pennsylvania, is home to golf legend Arnold Palmer. And of course, our
beloved Pittsburgh sports teams – the Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh
Penguins and Pittsburgh Steelers – are a short 50-minute drive to the city.
Business and Industry
Westmoreland County continues to thrive with large corporations mid- and
smaller businesses through the area. Major companies include Alcoa, Kennametal,
Philips Respironics, Super Valu, UPS and Westinghouse while a strong system
of industrial parks house businesses in the manufacturing, service and
other arenas. Greensburg, at the county's center, serves as the county
seat employing many in government positions. Excela Health, the region's
third largest health care system, is also the county's largest employer.
Colleges, Universities and Schools
Four colleges and universities grace the Westmoreland County landscape
– Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Seton Hill University, Greensburg,
the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, and Westmoreland County Community
College, Youngwood, along with branch campuses of Carlow College (Greensburg)
and Penn State (New Kensington). In addition to the breadth of school
districts, the county also offers private schools including the prestigious
Kiski School and Valley School of Ligonier, and parochial schools for
grades K through 12. Just west of the county are additional institutions
of higher learning including Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University
and the University of Pittsburgh in nearby Oakland.
Real Estate
Housing continues to boom in the area where urban, suburban and rural opportunities
cater to varied lifestyles. You'll find quiet neighborhoods, upscale housing
developments, apartment complexes and condos, dependable utilities and
a low cost of living sure to please. Growing neighborhoods include Hempfield
, Penn and Unity townships, Murrysville and North Huntingdon, one of the
fastest growing townships in the state.
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