McCandless Township, Pennsylvania

McCandless Township is a suburban community located in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, north of the city of Pittsburgh. As of the 2020 census, the township had a population of 29,709. McCandless is still referred to as a first-class township even though it is no longer governed by the First Class Township Code. With one exception, a "town" is not a municipal unit in Pennsylvania; hence the inclusion of the word "Town" in the name occasionally causes misunderstanding.

McCandless Township is governed by a township supervisor and a seven-member township council. It is a township with home rule status and operates under its own charter. The township has its own police and fire departments. McCandless Township is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. It offers residents a suburban lifestyle with access to all the amenities of a big city. If you're looking for a safe, friendly community to call home, McCandless Township might be the perfect place for you.

McCandless is a participant in the Northland Public Library, which serves several municipalities, and is a part of the North Allegheny School District. It has received top marks for "Best Places to Live" in Money Magazine.

McCandless Township's History

There have been discoveries of Native American artifacts around the township, mostly from the Iroquois Nation. A visit by George Washington and his tour guide, Christopher Gist, in 1753 is mentioned in early written history.

James Duff, who had acquired 400 acres (1.6 km2) in 1796, was the first European to settle in McCandless Township. As farming grew in the region, discussions were convened in 1849 to establish a local government. Daniel Vogel served as the meeting's chairman. Taylor Township was the township's name when it was established in 1851. In honor of District Judge Wilson McCandless, the area was formed in 1857 as a second-class township and given the new name "McCandless Township." There were 1,482 people in the estimated population.

McCandless Township was predominantly a farming town in the 1800s. An essential supply route for the movement of war supplies from Pittsburgh to Commodore Perry's forces on Lake Erie passed through the area during the War of 1812.

The township grew rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as Pittsburgh's steel industry expanded. Many of the township's residents were employed in Pittsburgh's steel mills or other industries. In recent years, McCandless Township has experienced population growth as people have moved from Pittsburgh to the suburbs.

Things to Do in McCandless Township

McCandless Township is home to North Park, which is Allegheny County's largest park. North Park covers 3,075-acre and includes a lake, golf course, tennis courts, swimming pool, hiking trails, and more. The park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise.

The township also has a community center, which offers residents a place to play sports, use the gym, and take classes. The community center has an indoor swimming pool, basketball courts, a weight room, and more.

McCandless Township is home to several restaurants, shopping centers, and other businesses. There are plenty of things to do in McCandless Township, whether you're looking for a place to shop, dine, or just enjoy the outdoors.

With so much to offer, McCandless Township is a great place to live, work, and play. Visit McCandless Township today and see what the community has to offer!