Westmoreland County Apartments for Rent
Sun-dappled roads wind through wooded hillsides, leading past elegant bed and breakfasts, often housed in historic architecture. Acres of open green parkland act as a haven for wildlife and a place to spend a quiet afternoon. Just a few miles west, the thriving, vivacious city of Pittsburgh features restaurants, nightlife, shops, art galleries, and theaters. You’ve discovered Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Established in 1773, this was the first Pennsylvania county established in 1773.
When the county was created, Hanna’s Town was chosen as the county seat. Robert Hanna, an early settler for which the county was named, allowed his tavern to serve as the county’s first courthouse. Today, Hanna’s Town is a historical park with tour guides dressed in colonial style clothing. It is an archeological site where thousands of artifacts have been discovered. The tavern/courthouse and three log houses have been reconstructed, along with a Revolutionary-era fort and blockhouse.
Taking advantage of the area’s natural beauty, Westmoreland County is home to several trails and four state parks. The Five-Star Trail is over seven miles long and runs alongside the Southwestern PA Railroad corridor and is a great location for walking, jogging, bicycling, and cross-country skiing. The Westmoreland Heritage Trail is currently five miles long – but it will eventually extend 20 miles.
With Laurel Summit State Park, Linn Run State Park, Keystone State Park, and Laurel Ridge State Park to choose from, those who enjoy outdoor adventures will love living in Westmoreland County. Keystone State Park wraps around the 78-acre Keystone Lake. This 1,200-acre park is popular for camping, fishing (including seasonal ice fishing), swimming, and hunting. Laurel Ridge State Park is the place for serious hikers – this 13,625-acre park features the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, a 70-mile trail through forests, parks, and green space. Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and hunting are also popular park activities. Beautiful and heavily forested, Linn Run State Park features two streams that run together and form a waterfall.
Greensburg is the county seat of Westmoreland County. This large city is a cultural hub and features several museums and theaters, including the Westmoreland Museum of American Art. Seton Hill University and the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg are both located in Greensburg, as well, and Seton Hill University is home to a popular performing arts center. Other colleges and universities in Westmoreland County include Penn State New Kensington, Saint Vincent College, and Westmoreland County Community College.
Other cities in Westmoreland County include Jeannette, Arnold, Latrobe, Monessen, New Kensington, and Lower Burrell. Boroughs include Madison, Smithton, Trafford, Delmont, Mount Pleasant, Laurel Mountain, New Florence, Derry, Youngstown, Irwin, and Penn. Townships include Allegheny, Bell, Salem, St. Clair, Derry, Washington, Fairfield, and Rostraver.
