4 Reasons to Retire in Butler, PA

For seniors who are interested in living out east close to big cities, but in a place with a small-town community feel, Butler, PA, could be calling your name. This small western Pennsylvania city is around 25 miles from the big city of Pittsburgh. It’s also relatively close to Philadelphia (325 miles away) and New York City (380 miles away).

Butler has diverse attractions and amenities for arts and culture lovers, as well as tons of nature spots, historic sites and community amenities. The following are a few reasons why seniors may retire in Butler, Pennsylvania.

1. Lots to Experience in the Great Outdoors

From kayaking on the water, to hiking through beautiful trails, Butler is a nature lover’s paradise. There are dozens of trails, nature destinations and parks to experience, including:

• Alameda Park: Alameda Park in Butler is one of the city’s best destinations for all types of activity lovers. The park includes several shelters, a waterpark, a baseball field, a bocce court, a dog park, several multiuse fields, a gazebo and a creek.
• Armstrong Trails: The Armstrong Trails in nearby West Sunbury include nearly 36 miles of trails, including a share-the-road section for cyclists. There are also opportunities for hiking, birding, geocaching, fishing, camping and cross-country skiing. Visitors can access the Allegheny River from a boat launch for boats, kayaks, canoes and other watercraft.
• Butler Freeport Community Trail: The Butler Freeport Community Trail is a peaceful trail for walking, jogging and other physical activity.
• Buffalo Creek Nature Park: The Buffalo Creek Nature Park in nearby Sarver includes the Babcock Nature Center, the Audubon Nature Store, concessions and restrooms, a nature play area, and a party and picnic pavilion. The park also presents nature classes and programs for all ages.
• Preston Park: The 88-acre Preston Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes fishing ponds, walking trails and unique plant and wildlife viewing opportunities. There are also 2- to 3-hour walking tours available.
• Succop Nature Park: Succop Nature Park features two ponds, dog-friendly walking trails, birding opportunities and educational nature programs.

These are just a few of the gorgeous nature-filled spots in the Butler area. Whether you like sitting down and taking in the sights, or you’re a more active outdoors lover, there are lots of things to do in nature in Butler.

2. Art & Cultural Attractions

For both people who love to create art and people who love to admire visual and performance art, there are lots of art-focused venues in Butler to check out. Some notable destinations and attractions include:

• The Butler Art Center & Gallery: The Butler Art Center & Gallery presents visual art exhibitions, hosts live theater shows and teaches art classes in subjects like wood turning and watercolor painting.
• Butler County Symphony Orchestra: The Butler County Symphony Orchestra performs concerts in a variety of genres throughout the Butler area. The group brings in guest conductors and performers from around the world to showcase their talents.
• Butler Little Theatre: The Butler Little Theatre presents full-stage productions of Broadway shows, put on by community members.
• The Maridon Museum: At the Maridon Museum, visitors can view unique Chinese and Japanese art paired with German Meissen porcelain.
• Musical Theatre Guild of Butler: The Musical Theatre Guild of Butler specializes in producing Broadway-style musicals.  
• Penn Theater: The Penn Theater is a movie house-turned-performing arts space, and features events including live music, comedy, films, speakers and other events.
• Steele’s Brushes and Ceramics: Steele’s Brushes and Ceramics is a ceramics, wood design and painting studio that features classes and walk-in studio space time.
• Succop Theater: The Succop Theater at Butler County Community College presents live theater and dance productions, ranging from ballet dance shows to Shakespeare plays.

There’s also a variety of live music performances at various venues and events around Butler. If you love watching shows or want to develop your skills as an artist, residents have many opportunities in Butler.

3. Parks & Recreation Programming

The Butler County Parks & Recreation organization presents affordable ways to have fun in the Butler community. In addition to maintaining Alameda Park, the organization supports adult leagues for sports like flag football and sand volleyball, as well as presents a variety of community events. Residents can see free live entertainment on various Tuesday evenings, a free concert series on various Thursday evenings and big events, like the annual spring Flowers & Food Fest.

4. Golf & Sports

Butler is home to several golf courses and a variety of exercise and fitness facilities, fields, ice complexes, arenas and ballparks. Some of the top golf and sports destinations in Butler include:

• All About Golf: All About Golf is a great place to practice your golf swing. It’s open year-round and includes heated all-weather hitting bays, target greens, target nets, a chipping area and a practice green.
• Aubrey’s Dubbs Dred Golf Course: Aubrey’s Dubbs Dred Golf Course is an 18-hole public championship golf course with a bar and special rates for seniors.
• Conley Resort & Golf Club: Conley Resort & Golf Club is an 18-hole golf course surrounded by lakes and rolling hills.
• Family Bowlaway Fun Center: Bowlers can head to the Family Bowlaway Fun Center for bowling, dining and activities like karaoke, trivia and DJs.
• Hiland Golf Course: The 18-hole championship Hiland Golf Course includes challenging holes and serves food and drinks at the course.
• Lake Arthur: Lake Arthur is an 18-hole public golf course with a variety of challenges, including water hazards and sand traps. The course also offers full sets of clubs for rent.
• Suncrest Golf & Grille: Suncrest Golf & Grille is an 18-hole golf course and restaurant that’s located near the Conley Resort & Golf Club, which gives golfers the opportunity to create a full 36-hole day of golf.

Ask golf courses about senior rates and accommodations, as many venues offer them.

Butler Has Much More to Enjoy

In addition to the attractions above, Butler has a variety of shopping and dining destinations to check out. Its convenient location close to Pittsburgh and within a day’s drive to Philadelphia and New York City make it a great place to live and experience day and weekend trips to other notable cities.

Butler is also home to Lowrie Place, a senior lifestyle community offering personal care and short-term care services. Seniors who want to live in Butler and get everything they need taken care of right at home should consider Lowrie Place. Lowrie Place offers:

• Chef-prepared meals with restaurant-style service
• Housekeeping services
• Resident transportation
• Daily programming, including exercise classes, arts and crafts, and resident socials

If you’re interested in learning about Lowrie Place, find out more about Senior Lifestyle, or schedule a tour today.