Hampton Township was attractive to Marilyn Adams for both its work opportunities and family friendly atmosphere. Adams, who recently retired from the Hampton Township School District after teaching at Poff Elementary School for more than 35 years, moved to the district 28 years ago. She and her husband, Ed, decided to raise their two children there. “As a Hampton teacher I knew how great the schools were, and I wanted my children to attend the high school,” she said.
But it was more than the schools that made Adams fall in love with Hampton. “The community and district are small enough so that you always know your neighbors,” Adams said, “In fact, if I go to the store and don’t see someone that I know, I’m disappointed.”
Hampton Township is located on the Route 8 corridor, a little over 12 miles from Pittsburgh, making it attractive not only for its park-like setting, but its close proximity to town. Unlike many of the surrounding municipalities, it is fairly small in size—only 16 square miles with a population of under 18,000. The township is also home to an excellent school district that is consistently rated one of the highest in Allegheny County.
In addition to the schools, Ryan Jeroski, township manager, is quick to point out other benefits. “The township boasts the best recreational amenities you could find in Western Pennsylvania with access to both Hartwood Acres, North Park, the Rachel Carson Trail, and the Hampton Township Community Center and Community Park located in the heart of the township,” he said, “There is something for residents of every age just a few miles from their homes, whether it be swimming in a pool, hiking trails, relaxing by North Park Lake, playing baseball at McCully Field, competing in a pickleball tournament the Community Center, or catching a concert at Hartwood Acres Amphitheater.”
He continued, “The leadership has historically been very proactive in making sure that all residents can enjoy what the community has to offer. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the recently completed fishing pier and pavilion at the intersection of Wildwood Road and Sample Road. This project was designed to accommodate members of the disability community who want to fish in or enjoy a relaxing day listening to Pine Creek.”
Hampton is also home to many businesses including The Barefoot Forge, a unique blacksmithing school dedicated to keeping the craft alive. Craig Cowan, owner and blacksmith said, “I’ve been a lifelong Hampton resident and graduate, and I’m proud to have grown my hobby into a business here. We’ve proudly been here for ten years—Hampton is home.”
A local landmark, The North Park Clubhouse, has been in Hampton since January 1995. “Back then, the area was much less developed. Only a few independent businesses were on Route 8 at the time. When we bought the building, it was actually an old bowling alley. When we opened, we kept two bowling lanes and incorporated them into the game room,” Owner Debbie Maggio explained.
“We loved the area because it felt like a cozy, tight-knit community that you’d want to raise a family in. After nearly 30 years in business, we’ve seen Hampton families grow and the area develop. But no matter how much busier it gets, there is still that family friendly feeling,” Maggio said.
According to Paul Fero, CEO of North Districts Community Credit Union, Hampton Township was the ideal location 25 years ago because of its central location for their service area and the Route 8 business district. “Hampton Township is a very business friendly community. And in turn, North Districts supports the community. It’s a symbiotic relationship, which supports growth to the area,” he said.
Amy McGinley, owner of So Me Artisan Wares & Jeweler’s Studio and Three Birds Café, finds that Hampton is the ideal location to combine her two businesses. “It feels very residential here, and I love being close to Hartwood Acres,” she said. The gift shop features many local artists, and the café has developed a meeting area for walking groups, a mom’s biking group and others. “Our little corner has really grown,” she said of the location on Middle Road and Harts Run Road.
Located right across Middle Road from So Me Artisan Wares & Jeweler’s Studio, Bella Terra Vineyards Wine Cave has been in Hampton Township since 2021. “We selected Hampton because it is a friendly community with a need for a unique gathering place that would serve the surrounding residents. Our specific location is tucked away and off the beaten path yet close to Hartwood Acres and all main corridors linking the other communities,” said Ray Saber, who owns the business along with Nicki Lasch, Jay Bell, and Joanna Bell.
“It checks off all the boxes, including location, clean living environment, relaxed community that is populated yet not overcrowded,” Saber said. “Everyone loves a neighborhood gathering spot. We created a uniquely decorated atmosphere where people feel comfortable meeting friends and family and can enjoy exemplary wine and great food.”
Another unique entity in Hampton is the Depreciation Lands Museum. “Our nonprofit museum has a mission to preserve and interpret the history of the Depreciation Lands and Hampton Township,” Museum Coordinator Kimberly Chaffee said.
She further explained, “We present the lifestyle, hopes and dreams of the early European settlers in the depreciation lands, which includes their interactions with the local natives through our living history interpretations and outreach programs. The time period we reflect is approximately 1792.”
The museum is staffed with costumed volunteers, and the facilities incorporate an original Pine Creek Covenanter church building and the associated cemetery, along with an 1800s log house, and many reproduction buildings and artifacts, Chaffee said. “We also boast a research library, with a significant collection of books on 18th century history, life and skills of the period and a growing collection of local genealogical data, photos and maps that offer research materials for families with local roots.”
The museum hosts several programs and lectures throughout the year including Friendship Day, Adventures in Pioneer Living, Independence Day, Hydref Fall Market, and Lantern Tours. They also have guest lecturers during the months of February and March and host school programs September-November and March-May.
Leonard Cyterski, owner of Cyterski Orthodontics, echoes what others have said about Hampton. “It’s a close-knit and friendly community. Local restaurants even advertise about local events on their marquees, and I have not seen that anywhere else,” he said.
Now in his 26th year in Hampton, Cyterski said that the location is ideal for businesses. “It has a great suburban feel with all the amenities one would want close by. And Hampton is perfect—not too big and not too small.”
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