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Butler County, PA is a peaceful suburban region with lush green landscapes, quaint towns for shopping and dining, and plenty of outdoor recreation located just outside of Pittsburgh.  Whether you’re thinking of relocating here to find a peaceful retreat after an accomplished career, to be closer to family, or to further your career at any one of the large corporations based in the city, Butler County is a place you’re sure to love. Here are our top five reasons to love living in Butler County, PA!

Reasons to Live in Butler County

Quiet Suburbs Close to Big City Action

Butler County is located just north of Pittsburgh, about an hour’s drive from downtown. While many residents move to the area for the peaceful suburban lifestyle, it’s easy and quick to get into town via I-79 or US-8 to enjoy all the culture and entertainment of the big city. 

Golfing Galore

If golfing is your thing, you will love living in Butler County! Choose from a number of private or public golf courses spread throughout the county, from tree-lined to rugged and hilly. Some of the more popular are Cranberry Highlands Golf Club, Treesdale Golf and Country Club, Rittswood Golf Course, and Suncrest Golf & Grille.

Local Dining & Shopping

For the times you want to stay close to home and still have a great day or evening on the town, Butler County does not disappoint! Whether it’s a world-class meal, breweries, an eclectic winery, or down home local burgers and barbecue, there’s something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. And for shopping and entertainment, visit Cranberry Township, Zelienople, or the towns of Harmony or Butler for the day and enjoy some retail therapy. 

Outdoor Recreation

From hiking and mountain biking to hunting and fishing, if you love the great outdoors, Butler County delivers! The county is home to one of Pennsylvania’s largest state parks – Moraine State Park – which covers over 16,000 acres and features Lake Arthur, trails with stunning views, and beaches! Western Pennsylvania is lush and green, and there are a plethora of other state parks and nature preserves that showcase the area’s beauty and offer ample opportunities to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. A few to check out are Allegheny River, Connoquenessing Creek, and Slippery Rock Creek.

Big Business

Pittsburgh is home to many large U.S. corporations as well as international businesses in a variety of industries including banking, food processing, steel, heavy manufactured goods, and pharmaceuticals. Newer industries like energy and tech have helped to stimulate economic growth in the city over the last few years and add new jobs to the market. For those still in the workforce and considering a move to the Pittsburgh area, Butler County offers a peaceful suburban lifestyle, brand new homes, and plenty to do just outside the city. 

If you are moving to Butler County and interested in buying a new home, we invite you to have a personal tour of any of the new home communities in Western PA. We build in Mars, Valencia, Zelienople, Harmony, and Cranberry Township, and can’t wait to welcome you home!

At Weaver Homes, we’ve mastered the art of stylish, single-level living. All of the homes in our Lifestyle Communities feature spacious, thoughtfully-designed interiors, oversized bedrooms and baths, extra space for storage, and covered sunrooms or verandas to comfortably enjoy fresh air. They offer 2 or 3 bedrooms, plenty of open space, abundant natural light, and a level of comfort you won’t believe. You’ll wish you’d switched to single level living years ago!

5 Benefits of a Single-Level Home

1) Easier to navigate. The biggest attraction of one-story homes is the fact that everything you need is on one floor — no stairs required. This makes it easier to deal with physical challenges, like arthritis or achy joints, and nighttime trips to the kitchen.  No more dreading when you’ve left something in another room!

2) Safer. Falling down the steps, or let’s face it even making it up steps at any age is a big concern. Single-level living means no worries about you, your grandkids, or pets tumbling down steps and getting hurt. And no need to haul laundry, suitcases, or anything else up and down stairs. 

3) Open space and natural light. Our one-story homes include lots of open living space. Rooms have vaulted ceilings, plenty of windows, and flow easily into one another – without a staircase cutting into the space or narrow hallways to navigate.

4) Easy to clean. Vacuums are heavy – especially if you’re lugging them up the stairs. And no one wants to spend money on TWO vacuums! If you live on a single floor, it’s so much easier to go from one end of the house to the other with a vacuum, dust mop, or any other cleaning tool. 

5) Everyday life. No stairs and zero step entries mean that you can move easily from the garage to the mudroom to the living areas with shopping bags, suitcases, boxes – and not worry about tripping or dropping things down the steps.

If you are interested in single-level, lifestyle communities in the Pittsburgh area, Weaver Homes has communities you’re sure to love! 

Heritage Crossing | Sarver, PA – Selling Fast!

2 Bedroom / 2 Bath Homes from $365,000

Millcreek Farms | Valencia, PA – High Style, Low Maintenance Living!

2 Bedroom / 2 Bath Homes from $385,000

Scenic Ridge | Harmony, PA – Only 2 Opportunities Remain!

2 Bedroom / 2 Bath Homes from $335,000

The Villas at Spring Valley | Zelienople, PA – The Lifestyle You Deserve!

2-3 Bedroom / 2 Bath Homes from $375,000

Give us a call at 724-609-5261 or schedule a personal appointment to learn how much better life can be in a new single level home!

Summer, with its glorious sunshine, vacations to the beach, and long, lazy afternoons is in full effect in the Pittsburgh area! But before you head out for that day or weekend trip, there are a few routine things you need to do during the summer to keep your home fresh, cool and functional for this and the upcoming season. Take an afternoon and check these items off your to-do list, then you’ll feel even more relaxed on your next getaway!

Summer Home Maintenance Checklist

1) Clean gutters and downspouts. Before the leaves start falling again in September, it’s best to clean all gutters and downspouts to make sure water is flowing freely away from your home. Pooling water will cause foundation issues, and clogged gutters can cause rotting eaves, which leaves your attic vulnerable to infestation.

2) Wash windows and replace screens. Sometimes you don’t realize how dirty the outside of your windows can get until you wash them! Also, check and replace any damaged window screens. One of the best parts of summer is opening the windows to let in a cool night time breeze. Make sure nothing unwanted gets in by inspecting window and door screens for holes or ill fits. 

3) Spruce up your yard. Besides cutting the grass, it can be easy to forget about things you need to do to maintain your yard. Make sure there’s no standing water where mosquitoes may breed, and cut back any overgrown shrubbery for the same reason. Cut dead branches off of trees to keep them healthy and insect free, and inspect the grass and perimeter for any red ant piles that might go unseen by running children or pets. 

4) Change the batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Both alarms should be tested monthly, but you should replace the batteries on smoke alarms once a year, and on carbon monoxide alarms every six months. 

5) Reverse ceiling fans. Ceiling fans are such great inventions; they circulate warm air in the winter and cool air in the summer! All you have to do is make sure the blades are spinning counterclockwise during the warm months. You’ll likely need a ladder to reach the tiny switch on the side of the fan above the blades, but what a difference it makes! 

A new home is always easier to care for than a used home, but there are always a few things to do each season to keep your home comfortable and safe. To learn how easy it is to maintain a new home in Western PA, contact us at 724-609-5261.

One of the biggest advantages of owning a new Weaver home is our industry-best warranty program — and our warranty department. What does that mean to you? 

We build with high quality materials and maintain a high level of workmanship in order to provide each homeowner with the best warranty, and the very best home. And we take great pride in our service after the sale of your home. Not only are things less likely to need adjusting, but if they do need adjusting because of unforeseen problems — every home is covered. We truly believe this makes us unique and contributes to our high level of customer satisfaction. 

Every Weaver Homes home buyer receives a Post-Closing Warranty Review manual that details everything that is covered, instructions for how to submit a warranty request, and more. Here are some of the highlights!

Weaver Homes’ Warranty Program

• Pre-Occupancy Orientation. Prior to closing, we schedule a “pre-occupancy orientation” for you and the Project Manager who supervised construction of your home. The Project Manager walks through your home using our Pre-Occupancy Orientation Form as a guideline. Items in need of correction are listed on this form, and the Project Manager is responsible for correcting all items. The Project Manager works with the Warranty Department to track the completion of any items from the Pre-Occupancy Orientation. 

• 45-Day Warranty Meeting. Like any new building, your new home requires a breaking-in period, during which time you may discover items in need of repair or adjustment. Please accumulate all such items and submit them on a 45-Day Service Request Form. Our Warranty Manager will call you to schedule a visit. The Warranty Manager is responsible for directing the completion of these items within 2 weeks after the 45-Day Warranty meeting,

• One-Year Warranty Meeting. The Weaver Homes Limited Warranty continues for a period of 12 months from your closing date. Just submit a One Year Service Request Form list by a specific date to give us time to review the list and set up a meeting at your home prior to your warranty expiration date. Our Warranty Manager will call you to schedule a visit. The Warranty Manager is responsible for directing the completion of these items within 2 weeks after the One Year Warranty meeting.

• Emergency Service. In the event of an emergency, please call the appropriate subcontractor listed in your manual. Before calling, though, consult the guidelines in your manual to ensure that you have an actual emergency. 

We want every homeowner to experience the joy of living in a Weaver home, with peace of mind included. For more information about our homes and our warranties, contact us.

We know that natural light and the outdoors are great for overall health, but did you know that the benefits are specific and measurable? Vitamin D that your body makes from natural sunlight is crucial to maintain bone density, fight depression, improve sleeping habits, and keep a number of inflammatory diseases at bay. And the best part? It doesn’t matter if you get your sunlight indoors or out. 

That’s why at Weaver Homes, we design our homes with large, double-hung, energy-efficient windows that allow for maximum sunlight and fresh air flow. Biophilic design, as it is called, encourages the use of natural elements such as plants, water, air and sunlight inside of spaces to improve quality of life. We keep this design philosophy top-of-mind as we create homes and lifestyle communities for our residents to be healthy, happy and thrive.

Not only are the interiors of our homes open, airy and bright, we make sure you have access to beautiful, safe outdoor spaces, too. Multiple studies suggest that one of the key indicators of longevity is access to green space. Time spent outdoors improves physical, mental and social well-being. 

At Weaver Homes, we’ve long understood the importance of nature and access to the great outdoors. All of our communities include a variety of shared outdoor living spaces – pools, walking trails, and clubhouse patios – plus private outdoor courtyards when it’s time to relax, unwind, or share cozy family moments. And our homeowners enjoy plenty of benefits from their time spent outdoors! 

Enjoying the Outdoors in Our Active Adult Communities

• Physical benefits. Physical activity such as walking is good for joint flexibility, strengthening muscles, and the cardiovascular system. Spending time outdoors (i.e. walking, gardening or swimming) can lower the inflammation levels associated with hypertension, autoimmune diseases and depression. Living near green spaces has also been shown to lower the prevalence of certain diseases, while lowering mortality rates, too! 

• Mental benefits. Physical activity that takes place in a natural setting improves the memory, increases cognitive function, and has a restorative effect overall. Thirty minutes or more of gardening, or even just looking up at the trees from your private courtyard, can have a significant effect on moods, stress levels, and mental health. 

• Socialization benefits. Social encounters that occur during physical activity have a positive effect as well. They create a sense of community, and lessen any feeling of isolation. Walking in groups, playing cards by the pool, and tending a garden are all great for exercising the mind and body, while providing vital interpersonal connections. 

Residents of Weaver Homes active adult communities in West PA enjoy all of these advantages, plus so many others. With a focus on healthy spaces – both indoors and out – Weaver Homes are naturally designed to improve your quality of life for years to come. Visit our lifestyle communities: The Villas at Spring Valley in Zelienople, Scenic Ridge in Harmony, Millcreek Farms in Valencia, and Heritage Crossing in Sarver.

Pennsylvania boasts more than 500 public golf courses, and many of Golf Digest’s best ranked courses are located in Pittsburgh!  There’s a lot of variety, with courses running the gamut from tree-lined, heavily wooded greens to rugged, hilly layouts. Regardless of what you’re in the mood for, North Pittsburgh has a golf course for you! 

Here are a few of the more interesting public courses near our communities!

Best Golf Courses in Western PA

Cranberry Highlands Golf Club | Cranberry Township, PA 16066

One of the best courses in the state, Cranberry Highlands embraces the natural challenges of western Pennsylvania’s rugged landscape with a stunning 186-acre course that provides a test for players at every level. It is walkable, and ringed in the timberstock that defines the region.

Pretty centrally located to all the Weaver Homes Communities (closer to Spring Valley & Scenic Ridge) 

Treesdale Golf and Country Club | Gibsonia, PA 15044

Treesdale’s courses feature the vision of Arnold Palmer and the Palmer Course Design Company. They’re beautiful, challenging but fair, and playable for all. The three nine-hole courses wind through rolling fields, apple orchards, lush forest and long spectacular lakes and wetlands. 

Close to Hickory Glen, Camp Trees, MillCreek Farm

Rittswood Golf Course | Valencia PA 16059

Once a cattle and chicken farm owned by the Ritts family, the 150-acre, 18-hole Rittswood golf course debuted in 1966. Designed by Jim Harrison and Fred Garbin to showcase the area’s rolling hills, it features quiet, secluded greens with trees lining the fairways.

Close to MillCreek Farm, Hickory Glen, Camp Trees, Heritage Crossing 

Suncrest Golf & Grille | Butler, PA 16002

Suncrest’s meticulously landscaped course offers challenging play and affordable rates. Uphill greens, strategically placed water features, and plentiful trees make this 18-hole course an adventure every time. But the views are gorgeous!

Close to MillCreek Farm, Hickory Glen, Camp Trees, Heritage Crossing 

Strawberry Ridge Golf Course | Harmony, PA 16037

Located about 2 miles north of Zelienople, Strawberry Ridge offers challenging, flat fairways with large inviting greens designed to accommodate all skill levels. The 18-hole, par 70 championship course is surrounded by beautiful countryside, including rolling hills and banks of trees.

Close to Spring Valley, Scenic Ridge

The steps below are a temporary solution as manual edits made to theme files may be overwritten with future theme updates. Please contact the theme developer for a permanent solution.We’ve written an article about the importance of breadcrumbs for SEO. To implement the breadcrumbs function in Yoast SEO, you will have to edit your theme. If you are not sure how to edit the theme files, your theme developer may be able to help. Alternatively, you may use a Yoast Partner. We recommend that prior to any editing of the theme files, a backup is taken. Your host provider can help you take a backup.

Between your first family discussion about a new home and the moment your builder hands over your keys, there are so many memorable experiences to enjoy along your journey. Documenting those experiences will add a whole new level of excitement for everyone! And of course, once you are all settled in, you will love to look back on this unique part of your family’s story. 

From a scrapbook to videos, take a look at a few fun ways to document your new home journey:

Ultimate Gray and Illuminating (Yellow): Every year, Pantone announces a “color of the year” that embodies a unique message. For 2021, they chose Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and Pantone 13-0647 Illuminating (yellow), two uplifting colors that convey strength and hopefulness. These soft, modern hues work beautifully together (and apart) in any space; try using them as wall colors, in furniture accessories, throughout table displays, and more. Ultimate Gray and Illuminating (Yellow): Every year, Pantone announces a “color of the year” that embodies a unique message. For 2021, they chose Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and Pantone 13-0647 Illuminating (yellow), two uplifting colors that convey strength and hopefulness. These soft, modern hues work beautifully together (and apart) in any space; try using them as wall colors, in furniture accessories, throughout table displays, and more. Pantone’s yearly colors provide endless opportunities to give your home the fresh, contemporary vibe you’re looking for in the new year. And you don’t have to stop there — take a look at the unique shades that major paint companies have chosen to highlight this year! Pantone’s yearly colors provide endless opportunities to give your home the fresh, contemporary vibe you’re looking for in the new year. And you don’t have to stop there — take a look at the unique shades that major paint companies have chosen to highlight this year!

Once you’ve decided on your perfect new Weaver home, all that’s left to do is sell your current one. And this is where staging comes in. Effective staging isn’t just for show — in fact, staging your home the right way will ensure that you sell it as quickly as possible and maximize its sales price. Take a look at a few of our favorite tips and tricks when it comes to the art of staging.

Tips to Sell Your Home

Declutter: First and foremost, it’s crucial to go through every room in the home to clean up the “clutter zones,” or areas filled with old keepsakes, decor, and things to throw away. Either pack or discard everything to make the space feel open and inviting. (This also makes moving much easier!)

Depersonalize: Buyers want to look at your old home and envision making it their own, so make sure to “depersonalize.” Painting colored walls with trendy grays or off-whites will make your home look like an open canvas that’s ready to be personalized. Mirrors on the wall also help to create a wide open feel.

Make Quick Fixes: The next thing to do is look for the “quick fixes” — removing old area rugs to show off the hardwood floors, taking off curtains and cleaning windows, changing lampshades, replacing light bulbs for optimal lighting, rearranging furniture, etc. Little adjustments make a big impact.

Decide on Furniture: When it comes to the furniture, it’s essential to make a final decision on what should stay and what should go. Always make sure to keep color, style, and function in mind to make the most confident and informed choice, and really see your home through a buyer’s eyes.

Feel Fresh: The majority of potential buyers see your home in photos online before they see it in person, so everything you do in your home should be about that crucial first impression. Think about touch-ups that evoke a fresh and clean feeling like bright flowers, folded towels in the bathroom, and bowls of fruit in the kitchen.

When you understand where the eye goes first, as well as what’s pleasant and positive and what needs a change, you can make the best adjustments to not only impress buyers, but win them over. We can’t wait to work with you to get you moved into one of our Lifestyle Communities or Estate Homes in Greater Pittsburgh!