c.1912 Three Bedroom Pennsylvania Colonial Revival $55K
OHU50K Notes $55,000
c.1912 Three Bedroom Pennsylvania Colonial Revival. Great home with a great layout and large rooms. Enjoy the formal dining room and proximity to California University.
Realtor Comments
Excellent home or investment opportunity just blocks from California University. Very walkable area. Spacious home in good living condition but will require some TLC. Large covered front porch, parking for 2+ tandem vehicles in rear through owned ally that is deeded with the home. See the picture of the lot to see the included ally. Big rooms, high ceilings, hardwoods, dry basement, and loads of old home charm. 2 year furnace and some newer windows. Ready for you to move in and make your own. Property being sold in AS-IS condition.
- 3 bed
- 1 bath
- Build date 1912
324 Wood St, California, PA 15419 $55,000
- Contact Realtor: Tanya Rhody
- Google Map
- Niche
Pros of Living in California, PA
1. Lower Cost of Living
California, PA has a cost of living that’s generally below the national average, especially in housing costs. It’s more affordable than many parts of Pennsylvania and the U.S., which is appealing for students, retirees, and budget-minded residents.
2. Safe & Relatively Low Crime
Some crime metrics and local reports show crime levels lower than or comparable to many U.S. cities, making California a decent choice for families and students concerned with safety.
3. Education & University Community
The presence of PennWest California brings cultural events, collegiate sports, educational opportunities, and a youthful vibe to the borough — plus potential jobs and community engagement tied to the university.
4. Strong Livability & Community Feel
City-level rankings put California’s overall livability higher than average for its size, taking into account cost, community factors, and basic amenities. Residents often enjoy small-town friendliness and a quieter pace of life.
5. Close to Larger Cities
While California itself is small, it’s within driving distance of Pittsburgh and other regional centers, offering access to larger-city amenities without living in a big metropolitan area. (Contextual geography)
6. Diversity & Young Demographic
Local demographics show a relatively diverse population for the region and a larger share of young adults (many tied to the university).
Cons of Living in California, PA
1. Small Town Size & Slow Growth
California’s population is small (a few thousand) and has seen little growth or slight decline in recent years, which limits entertainment, new businesses, and regional buzz.
2. Limited Amenities & Walkability
Amenities such as shops, dining, and entertainment aren’t abundant and may not be within easy walking distance — most residents rely on a vehicle to get around.
3. Employment Opportunities
Local employment options can be limited, with fewer high-paying jobs compared with larger cities. This is typical for small college towns and may mean commuting or job hunting farther afield.
4. Mixed Crime Ratings
While crime is generally not extremely high, some local crime indices show modest levels of property crime compared with nationwide stats, so it’s worth checking specific neighborhoods and trends.
5. Utilities & Transportation Costs
Some expense areas like utilities and transportation may be a bit higher than the national average, even if overall living costs are lower.
6. Seasonal Weather
Like much of southwestern Pennsylvania, winters can be cold and snowy, and rain/humidity in other seasons may not appeal to everyone. (General Pennsylvania climate patterns)
