Introduction to Yellow Dog Village
Yellow Dog Village is an abandoned town located near Kittanning in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. The village was settled in the late 1800s after iron ore and limestone deposits were discovered in the area (source). Workers building a railroad nicknamed the area “Yellow Dog” and the name stuck as the village grew up around the mining operations.
At its peak in the 1910s and 1920s, Yellow Dog Village had a population of around 300 people living in approximately 40 homes. The village housed the workers for the nearby limestone quarry and iron furnace. When the mining operations began shutting down in the 1920s and 1930s, people started leaving Yellow Dog Village behind in search of work elsewhere. Today, the village sits entirely abandoned with many of the homes and buildings left to deteriorate back into nature.
Real Estate Market Conditions in Yellow Dog Village
According to realtor.com, the average list price for homes currently for sale in Yellow Dog Village is $235,471 [1]. This represents a 5% increase compared to 5 years ago, when average list prices were around $224,000. Home prices in the village have seen steady, modest appreciation over the past half-decade.
As of February 2023, there are currently 13 homes for sale in Yellow Dog Village [1]. Inventory levels have remained fairly constant over the past few years, with 10-15 homes typically on the market at any given time. The village’s small size limits the number of available homes at any point, though buyers looking in popular neighborhoods may see bidding wars occur.
Popular Neighborhoods
Some of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Yellow Dog Village include:
Sunset Park – This vibrant neighborhood located along the river offers beautiful views and close proximity to downtown. Lined with charming bungalows, homes in Sunset Park average around $250,000. Sunset Park is known for its summer concerts in the park and lively neighborhood association. According to https://pabucketlist.com, Sunset Park’s community feel makes it a top choice for young families.
Oak Hill – Oak Hill offers larger properties with more privacy yet remains only a short drive from Sunset Park. Set amidst rolling hills and oak trees, homes in Oak Hill average around $350,000. The neighborhood is anchored by Oak Hill Park which has hiking trails, a playground, and tennis courts.
Creekside – Creekside offers affordable homes, with an average price around $175,000, and a peaceful, wooded setting along the creek. The neighborhood is popular with first-time home buyers and is known for its annual Creekside Festival.
New Construction
Yellow Dog Village has seen an increase in new home construction in recent years as the area continues to grow in popularity. Some of the notable new construction communities include Belmont Farms, Sunset Meadows, and Creekside Village. These neighborhoods offer spacious new construction homes built by popular regional builders like Ryan Homes, Toll Brothers, and NV Homes (cite: https://www.post-gazette.com/life/travel/2023/10/05/ghost-town-yellow-dog-village-armstrong-county-pa/stories/202309130079).
The new construction in Yellow Dog Village features a variety of popular floorplans and home styles to suit different preferences and budgets. Home buyers can choose from single-family homes, townhomes, and duplexes. Home sizes range from around 1,500 square feet up to over 3,000 square feet. Styles include traditional two-story designs as well as ranch and Cape Cod models. Interior features include open floor plans, granite countertops, hardwood floors, and more.
These brand new homes offer modern amenities and customization options located close to the charming, historic downtown of Yellow Dog Village. The new construction communities provide easy access to the area’s walking trails, parks, restaurants and more while allowing homeowners to enjoy new construction quality and convenience.
Home Styles
The abandoned homes in Yellow Dog Village showcase a variety of architectural styles from the early 20th century. According to UncoveringPA, many of the homes are two-story wood-framed structures with front porches and intricate woodwork detailing. The most common styles represented are Craftsman, Victorian, and Folk Victorian.
Craftsman-style homes feature low-pitched roofs, exposed rafters, and decorative braces under gables. Front porches with tapered columns are also typical. Inside, these homes often have wood paneling, built-in cabinets, and art glass windows. Victorian homes display more ornate details like turrets, wraparound porches, and decorative spindlework. Meanwhile, Folk Victorian homes blend Victorian-era styling with simpler practical elements. They have front-facing gables, porches, and wood detailing without excessive ornamentation.
Some other popular features of Yellow Dog Village homes include hardwood floors, picture windows, pocket doors, clawfoot tubs, and patterned shingles on exterior walls. Fireplaces manufactured by the local brickworks were also common. While the homes have decayed over time, their distinct architectural details remain as glimpses into what life was once like in this now-abandoned village.
Schools
Yellow Dog Village is part of the Armstrong School District. The district has five elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school serving around 2,500 students. According to rankings on Niche.com, the Armstrong School District is rated a B overall, with Armstrong Junior-Senior High School rated a B and West Hills Primary School rated an A (https://www.niche.com/k12/d/armstrong-school-district-pa/).
In 2019-2020, Armstrong Junior-Senior High School received a score of 75 out of 100 on the Pennsylvania State Performance Profile, which measures academic performance based on state assessments, graduation rates, and other factors. The statewide average score was 70 (https://www.discovertheburgh.com/yellow-dog-village/). Test scores tend to be higher than average, with 64% of students performing at or above grade level for math and 71% for reading on state assessments in 2018-2019.
Overall, the Armstrong School District offers residents of Yellow Dog Village quality public education options for children, with academic performance and test scores that meet or exceed state averages.
Things to Do in Yellow Dog Village
Yellow Dog Village may be abandoned today, but in its heyday it was a bustling company town with plenty for residents to do. The village was built around the Yellow Dog Coal Mine and primarily housed miners and their families. At its peak, over 2,500 people called Yellow Dog Village home.
The focal point of the town was the large company store run by the mining company. This served as a gathering place and general store for villagers to shop and socialize. The company also built a baseball field, tennis courts, and picnic areas for recreation (Discover the Burgh).
For indoor activities, there was a theater that showed movies and held events. Dances and socials were frequently held at the town hall. The mining company also built a large clubhouse with dining facilities, meeting rooms, and space for celebrations and weddings.
The natural surroundings provided opportunities for fishing, swimming, and hiking. Nearby Yellow Dog Creek was popular for fishing and swimming in the summer. Trails along the creek and through the surrounding forests were used for hiking and communing with nature.
Today, visitors can still explore the abandoned facilities and imagine what life was like during Yellow Dog Village’s heyday. The ruins of the baseball field, tennis courts, theater, town hall, and clubhouse hint at the recreational and social activities that once brought the community together.
Buying Process
The process of buying a home in Yellow Dog Village is similar to buying a home in any other area. Here is an overview of the key steps:
Get pre-approved for a mortgage. This allows you to make a strong offer when you find a home you want to buy. Talk to lenders to get pre-approved and understand your budget and financing options.
Find an agent. Hire a knowledgeable real estate agent to help you search for homes and guide you through the buying process. Agents have access to MLS listings and can schedule showings.
Tour homes and make offers. Once you find a home you’re interested in, your agent will write up an offer and negotiate on your behalf. Expect there to be competition and bidding wars on desirable Yellow Dog Village homes.
Inspect and appraise. After an offer is accepted, you’ll arrange for a professional home inspection. The lender will also appraise the home to ensure its value matches the price.
Close and move in. At closing, you’ll sign all final paperwork and transfer funds. Once closed, you’ll get the keys and can move into your new Yellow Dog Village home!
Expect to pay around 2-5% of the purchase price in closing costs. This covers title fees, appraisal, inspection, taxes, and lender fees.
Work closely with your real estate agent and lender throughout the process. They’ll help you navigate each step of buying your dream home in this charming village.https://www.discovertheburgh.com/yellow-dog-village/
Financing Homes in Yellow Dog Village
Financing a home purchase in Yellow Dog Village offers buyers diverse options to make homeownership affordable. Mortgage rates in the area tend to track national average interest rates, fluctuating between 4-6% for 30-year fixed-rate loans as of 2023. Typically a downpayment of 3-20% is required.
First-time homebuyers may qualify for specific mortgage programs offered in the state. Pennsylvania First-Time Homebuyer Advantage loans allow 100% financing with no mortgage insurance required. Eligible borrowers can also receive grants covering closing costs through the FirstFrontDoor program. Veterans and service members may be eligible for VA loans with no downpayment. See source for an overview of first-time buyer programs in Pennsylvania.
Working with a local lender familiar with the Yellow Dog Village market can help buyers determine the optimal loan program and downpayment based on their financial situation and goals. Consulting with a lender early when starting your home search makes the financing process smooth.
Why Live in Yellow Dog Village?
Yellow Dog Village offers a unique small town lifestyle for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. According to The Abandoned Yellow Dog Village Near Kittanning, PA – UncoveringPA, the village has a rich history as a former mining town dating back to the early 1900s. Though largely abandoned today, the remaining homes and buildings provide a glimpse into the past.
For nature lovers, the village is surrounded by rolling hills, forests, and farmland. Outdoor recreational activities like hiking, biking, and fishing can be enjoyed right in the village or at nearby state parks and game lands. The area provides a peaceful setting to enjoy the scenic beauty of rural Pennsylvania.
While small, the village still has an active community center that hosts events and brings residents together. Community members are friendly and welcoming to newcomers looking for a slower pace of life. According to Touring the Abandoned Yellow Dog Village Near Kittanning – Discover the Burgh, the Yellow Dog Village Homeowners Association maintains the common areas and plans regular social gatherings.
The village is conveniently located near the larger towns of Kittanning and Ford City, which provide additional amenities like shopping, dining, and healthcare. Commutes to Pittsburgh are under an hour for those needing to access the city. With a blend of natural beauty, small town charm, and proximity to urban conveniences, Yellow Dog Village offers an appealing lifestyle choice.