"An old-time rural hub as down-to-earth as its most famous product -- the Jeep." -- Butler, Pennsylvania, No. 7 on the Smithsonian magazine 2012 list of Best Small Towns in America
That's right, little ol' Butler was named as the 7th best small town in America by Smithsonian magazine in its May 2012 issue. You can't get much more American than the classic Jeep, and Butler's other claim to fame is that the vehicle was invented locally at the American Bantam Car Company just before World War II. The tight, vibrant community is pegged as a great place to live, so if your search leads you to this area of Pennsylvania, Butler may be the last place to look.
If factories and coal mines come to mind when you think of Pennsylvania, think again
"An old-time rural hub as down-to-earth as its most famous product -- the Jeep." -- Butler, Pennsylvania, No. 7 on the Smithsonian magazine 2012 list of Best Small Towns in America
That's right, little ol' Butler was named as the 7th best small town in America by Smithsonian magazine in its May 2012 issue. You can't get much more American than the classic Jeep, and Butler's other claim to fame is that the vehicle was invented locally at the American Bantam Car Company just before World War II. The tight, vibrant community is pegged as a great place to live, so if your search leads you to this area of Pennsylvania, Butler may be the last place to look.
Renting in Butler
If factories and coal mines come to mind when you think of Pennsylvania, think again. Most of western Pennsylvania consists of rolling green hills and farmland. Butler began as a farming community and today serves as the social and cultural center of the county. Butler has a thriving downtown scene with unique shops and restaurants.
If you're ready to commit to Butler, there is no better time than the present. Any time of year is a good time to look for apartments for rent, though the market does heat up in the warmer months. Most rental apartments will require you to provide the first month's rent and a security deposit, usually in the same amount, in order to secure the place. These days, there is often a credit check and you'll have to fill out an application at the complexes. Be sure to check on the pet policy and any additional fees if you're bringing the family dog or cat along.
Neighborhoods of Butler
Month to month rent in Butler is lower than the national average, so living in Butler and working in the city may be a good option for saving some money. Pennsylvania Route 8 cuts right through downtown, and the city can be divided at its junction with Pennsylvania Route 68 or just over Connoquenessing Creek.
North Butler: This is where you will find the most rental properties in Butler. There are many options for rental houses, townhouses for rent, and duplexes for rent. This is a highly residential area of the city, and you will have plenty of options.
South Butler: There are many options for apartments for rent in Butler on the south side, especially southeast. The southwest does become a bit industrial, however, with fewer options.
Life in Butler
If you appreciate the small-city, hometown atmosphere, you will love Butler. Butler has a lot of civic pride that shows in its thriving downtown, its many city-sponsored activities, and its people.
You won't have to stress too much about your commute either. Butler is only 45 minutes north of Pittsburgh making for an easy commute to the city for work or for pleasure.
Butler provides plenty of local opportunities for cultural activities with its own community symphony and theater. Butler even has its own baseball team, the Butler Blue Sox. The team is part of baseball's collegiate summer leagues. These are amateurs, but they have good prospects, so you never know if you might be watching the next Babe Ruth!
If you need professional sports teams to get behind, you should have no problem getting on the bandwagon with the Pittsburgh Penguins or the Steelers. Both are well-respected, longtime sports representatives for the Steel City.
To celebrate the place it has earned in American automotive history, Butler puts on the annual Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival. The festival takes place in summer, and the downtown streets are closed off for the Jeep Invasion! There are bands, DJs and, of course, good food. Anyone can bring a Jeep to show off and meet other "Jeepers." Over 20,000 people come from all around to attend the event.
