Washington County is known as an area of opposites. For years, the county’s economy was divided between steel in the eastern Monongahela River Valley and coal in the western half of the county. Today, long after the major manufacturing plants have grown quiet, the county is split between the high-growth economy of the northern half and the gentler, more rural southern half. But from its opposing factors, Washington County has much to offer everyone.

For recreation and leisure, few other areas can match the county. As with other areas of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Washington County’s topography has many, beautiful and historic small towns. From Amity and Scenery Hill to Little Washington, one can still find pre-Revolutionary-era buildings, antique shops, and bed-n-breakfasts.

The county’s natural beauty is something to experience, if only during a Sunday drive through its countryside. And the annual Covered Bridge Festival is not to be missed. This event shows off Washington County’s 23 covered bridges – second in the number of bridges in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum celebrates transportation of a bygone era with 45 preserved, historic trolleys. And the Washington Agricultural Fair is still one of the longest, continually running events of its kind in the state.

Washington County hosts some outstanding, modern attractions as well. The Post-Gazette Star Lake Amphitheater books some of the biggest acts in the music business. Top artists that have played here include Brooks & Dunn, Jimmy Buffett, Steely Dan, Lynrd Skynrd, John Mayer, and Sheryl Crow, Toby Keith, and Aerosmith.

Falconi Field in Washington County is a 3,000-seat stadium that’s home to the Washington Wild Things, a semi-pro baseball team. Watching them play makes for a fun evening out. The Wild Things are in the Frontier League and play from May through September. The ball players play for the love of the game, and fans appreciate that passion. Fans also like the not-so-big-league, admission price of $5.00. Over its young history, the Wild Things have put an impressive number of wins on the scoreboard as well.

But Washington County is more than a place to play. The county is a place to live and work. Northern Washington County has become one of the hottest growth areas in the Greater Pittsburgh area. The suburbs of Peters and North Strabane Townships have been among the top ten municipalities for housing starts in the past decade.

The county’s attractive location, low taxes, business-friendly atmosphere and a quality labor force make it ideal for large, international corporations and thousands of small businesses. And its diverse economy based on the best of traditional industries, high technology, and advanced manufacturing make it easy to see why Washington County ranks as one of the most economically fast growing areas in the nation. Since its inception in 1999, the Washington County Economic Development Partnership has leveraged its resources into $98 million in public/private investment and thousands of new jobs.

The successful Southpointe Business Park has proven itself as one of the country’s most successful
mixed-use developments. Today, more than 150 companies, including 15 headquarters or divisions of
NYSE Companies, make their home at Southpointe. The mixed-use business park employs nearly 6,500
and boasts low utility rates and property taxes.

Developed by the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Washington, Southpointe Business Park is only 20 minutes away from Pittsburgh and 25 minutes from the Pittsburgh International Airport. This mixed-use business park has an 18-hole golf course and clubhouse, 41 office buildings, a health club, a hotel and conference center, restaurants, an indoor ice skating rink and soccer facility, and single-family, town, and patio homes.

Southpointe offers access to the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act which offers tax abatements on improvements to property for five years. Southpointe, as well as the future Southpointe II, takes advantage of Washington County’s prime location, attractive business climate, experienced workforce, and rich quality of life.

In 2006, a $50-million 160,000-square-foot Crossroads project opened in downtown Washington. The first buildings were started at the Starpointe Industrial Park in the western part of the county, and the second phase of Southpointe got underway with the 65,000-square-foot office for USG Insurance and the new 350,000-square-foot headquarters for Consol Energy. In 2007, several more buildings got underway in Southpointe and Starpointe, and a $57-million expansion will get underway at Washington Hospital. All this investment will create more than 7,500 jobs.

There are many reasons to visit Washington County – to buy a house, start a business, catch a baseball game, see the sites, or just explore. You just have to choose one.mg