Seniors Head For Moon

 Well, not really, but close…it’s called Moon Township and in the state of Pennsylvania. It lies along the Ohio River in Allegheny County with a population that runs right at 25,000.  Senior travelers will find Moon, as many call it, 12 miles northwest of Pittsburgh.

Moon Township’s Mooncrest Neighborhood was developed in 1943 as a housing development for workers who contributed to war production efforts during World War II.

Wonder, like me, about the name Moon? Well, it is said that the origin of its name is unknown, however, historians suggest it was derived from a crescent-shaped bend in the river. Local lore tells of a waning crescent moon that descended to plow furrows in farmer’s fields with its sharp cusp, but killed many excited witnesses who cursed and praised the moon’s early morning activities. So take your pick.

As a significant example of war production housing and residential planning design, Moon Township declared the Mooncrest Neighborhood a local Historic District in 2005. I probably picked up Moon Township reading that in 2007 it was given several honors as one of the country’s best places to live.

Seniors Find Another ‘Best’ Community

Business Week ranked Moon one of five best affordable suburbs in the North East. Moon also was included in the 2007 “Best Places To Raise Your Family” published by Wiley Publishing, Inc. Moon was nominated as a runner up in the list of top Pittsburgh suburbs to raise a family in 2013.

Moon Township has evolved significantly since its beginnings as a farm-based community. This oldest township in Allegheny County, founded in 1788, had a total area of 143 square miles. Some reports indicate that it would take one man on horseback two days to travel from one end of the community to the other.

Moon Park is the township’s largest community park and the local favourite. A favorite dining spot in Moon is Hyeholde Restaurant, a castle-like eatery that evokes thoughts of a fairy tale. Materials like stone, slate and stained glass as well as a large collection of antiques adorn the interior. In winter, senior visitors can claim the inglenook next to a roaring fire or a balcony seat overlooking the soaring Great Hall. I would want to have at least one evening dinner with my wife in this place.

 Seniors Enjoy Active Community

Robert Morris University is located in Moon Township. The Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce is headquartered on Beaver Grade Road in Moon Township. Established in 1904, the Airport Area Chamber of Commerce provides services to more than 1,000 businesses in 31 communities surrounding the Pittsburgh International Airport.

Senior travelers, when you are in the Pittsburg area, check into Moon. This active community is awaiting your arrival. -jeb