Pennsylvania / Westmoreland County

Moving to Southwest, PA

Thinking of making a move to Southwest, PA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Southwest, PA

Considering a move to Southwest, PA? This welcoming community of 1,100 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $145,000 and average rents near $840. Commute times average 27 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (48% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Southwest's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Southwest, PA

Southwest has a population of 1,100 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 42 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 95% White, 2% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 3% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
1,100
Density
1,000 per sq mi
Median Age
42.1
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
2.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
95.0%
Black
2.0%
Asian
1.0%
Others
2.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Southwest, PA?

The cost of living in Southwest is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.4. Median home values are around $145,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $840. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$145,000
Gross Rent
$840
Monthly Electricity Charges
$130
Auto Insurance
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$420
State Taxes
Low: 3.07%| High: 3.07%
Cost Of Living Index
88.4
Grocery
96.0
Housing
68.5
Utilities
101.8
Transportation
91.2
Health Care
96.7
Miscellaneous
92.1

Crime

Is Southwest, PA a safe place to live?

Southwest is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 230 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 85. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Pennsylvania.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
230
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,180
Crime Index
1,410
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 435
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 85

Weather

What is the weather like in Southwest, PA year-round?

Southwest experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 21°F. The area receives about 41 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 48% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
21°F
Max
38°F

Summer

Min
62°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
43°F
Max
66°F

Fall

Min
44°F
Max
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches
40.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
48%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $58,500 and a low poverty rate of 14.8%. Over 90% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 19% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 27 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$42,000
Household Income
$58,500
Family Income
$71,000
Per Capita Income
$28,900
Income Male
$41,500
Income Female
$33,500
Poverty Rate
14.8%
Non English Speakers
4.1%
Rent
$840
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
Public Transport Usage
1.8%
Commute Time
27.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
89.5%
Bachelors or More
18.6%

Education

How are the schools in Southwest, PA?

Southwest offers quality education options, with public schools like South Fork Elementary School and Forest Hills Junior-Senior High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Pennsylvania Highlands Community College and University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
South Fork Elementary School
Street
203 Poleline Rd
Phone
814-472-6627
Students
340
Student Teacher Ratio
13.9
Name
Forest Hills Junior-Senior High School
Street
489 Locust St
Phone
814-487-7613
Students
620
Student Teacher Ratio
14.7

Private Schools

Name
St. Benedict School
Street
2310 Bedford St
Phone
814-536-1111
Students
210

Colleges

Name
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
City
Johnstown
State
PA
Distance
10 miles
Students
2,400
Name
University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
City
Johnstown
State
PA
Distance
13 miles
Students
3,100

Healthcare

Southwest residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center and Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 92.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center
Address
1086 Franklin St, Johnstown, PA 15905
Phone
(814) 534-9000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber
Address
600 Somerset Ave, Windber, PA 15963
Phone
(814) 467-3700
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage
92.4%
Health Care Index
69.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Southwest, PA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $145,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 68%. The market has seen a 3.4% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Southwest offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$145,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$840
Owner Occupied Rate
67.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.4%
New Construction Rate
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Southwest handle vehicle services through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, conveniently located in Harrisburg. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Pennsylvania
Department
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Address
1101 South Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone
1-717-412-5300

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Southwest, PA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Southwest, review the core fields on this page: population 1,100, median home value $145,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $840, commute time 27.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 48%.

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