What Makes Butler One Of The Best Small Towns In America

An Insider's View Of Butler PA

Butler, PA has received a lot of positive press, and has distinguished itself as an excellent place to call home. As one of the Smithsonian’s top twenty small towns in America, Butler had to meet stringent criteria that involved culture, charm, and natural beauty. The city of around 14,000 people has a lot to offer to potential residents—and here are some of the things that made the best of Butler, PA list.

Downtown Butler, PA

Walking down Main Street in Butler is an experience that can take you back in time. The city has worked to reenergize the area and transform it into a hub where neighbors gather, history is preserved, and events happen. Butler has created a clear vision of what they want to do, and it includes thriving businesses and a vibrant, pleasing aesthetic. Already you have the opportunity to shop and eat locally, and find a place to have your morning coffee while catching up with neighbors. Not only is it important to Butler to preserve the historic setting, but an idyllic way of life.

Butler isn't defined only by its history, however. It's been growing ever since those early days, and has been named on of the 20 best small towns in America by Smithsonian Magazine. Ahead, the Achieve Realty team will give you the inside insights on what makes Butler, PA such a special town.

Who You'll Meet In Butler, PA

Butler, PA, with a population of just under 15,000, is the seat of Butler County, which is located just north of Pittsburgh. It's median age of 37.9 is about three years below state averages, and its population size has held mostly steady since 2000. While Butler is well-developed now, it was once a frontier town. Today's residents still enjoy the memories of those pioneering days, with beautifully preserved barns and buildings serving as monuments.

America’s Greatest Game

There was a time when baseball reigned as the nation’s most beloved sport. Many still have a soft spot for the classic experience of concessions and your favorite hometown team. Butler, PA boasts the BlueSox, and each spring the season kicks off at Butler’s very own ballpark. It’s the perfect place to hang with friends and family to pass the time watching a game, and for participating in special events like fireworks nights and community fundraisers. Kelly Automotive Park (formerly Pullman Park) has a rich history, and has hosted notable names like Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig, and Whitey Ford.

Art, Culture, And Amazing Attractions

For a smaller town Butler is filled with art and culture. When you need a music, theater, or art fix, you have a variety of options. Spend an evening with the Butler County Symphony or catch some community entertainment at the Butler Little Theatre. You can find an incredible collection of Asian art at the Maridon Museum, and learn about the area’s past by visiting landmarks maintained by the Butler County Historical Society. If that’s not enough, Butler has its own Barbershop Chorus, a musical theater guild, and The Art Center.

The Great Outdoors

It’s necessary to get out and commune with nature on a regular basis, and Butler, PA has a couple ways to do that. Alameda Park has year-round programs and activities. The Alameda Pool and kid’s playground are a popular place to play, and the city plans to open a dog park within Alameda soon. For wildlife lovers, Butler also has Succop Nature Park. An Audubon Society’s reserve, you’ll find ponds, walking trails, and an array of outdoor activities. The Succop Theater has great events. Enjoy the Pittsburgh Philharmonic, The Tornado Big Band, and many other musical guests. Other nearby outdoor areas are Moraine State Park, the Butler-Freeport Community Trail, and the Wolf Creek Narrows Natural Area.

The Jeep Festival

Butler earned its place on the map by being the birthplace of the Jeep. The Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival runs each year in June. Jeep aficionados converge on Butler and create a Guinness World Record gathering of Jeeps. The spectacle includes a Jeep parade and invasion, food, vendors, challenges, and rallies.

Employment Opportunities In Butler, PA

Since its early days, Butler, PA has been a center of industry. At different points, Butler has been a hub for fuel production, railroad car manufacturing, and of course the Jeep. Today, the small businesses that make up Butler's downtown also create plenty of jobs for local residents. Metal production, long a popular industry in northwest Pennsylvania, is still an important part of the local economy. Butler also scores significantly above state averages in health care, food services, and education services.

Education In Butler, PA

Butler is part of the Butler Area School District, and there are quite a few schools in the area. Public elementary schools include Northwest School, Center Township School, and Meridian School. Most high school students will attend Butler Area Intermediate High School, and Butler Senior High School. Butler, and the whole Pittsburgh area, also offer plenty of choices for college education. Butler County Community College offers affordable education in town, while La Roche College, Geneva College, Slippery Rock University, and Oakbridge Academy of Arts are also nearby.