Scalp Level, PA

With fewer than 800 residents, Scalp Level is a quiet borough situated in the Paint Creek valley about seven miles south of Johnstown. As for the memorable name, local legend says an early landowner told his workers to clear the brush down to the ground, or "scalp level." Today, the community offers an affordable, low-key setting with simple commutes across Cambria and Somerset counties, thanks to Route 56 running through town and Route 219 just minutes away.

Because Scalp Level sits directly on the county border, it blends naturally with neighboring Windber and Paint. Much of the borough shares in the area's coal-era roots, with turn-of-the-century homes and streets that form part of the Windber Historic District. For prospective homebuyers, it provides a peaceful small-town environment while keeping everyday amenities, local schools, and Johnstown employers within easy reach.