Southwest, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Southwest
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 Southwest
Location in Pennsylvania
Southwest
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Westmoreland |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
Southwest is a small place in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, United States. It's known as an unincorporated community. This means it's a group of homes and businesses that don't have their own local government, like a city or town. Instead, it's governed by the larger county.
Southwest is located near Pennsylvania Route 981, which is a state highway. If you wanted to send mail there, you would use the ZIP code 15685.
Contents
What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a place where people live together, but it's not officially a city or a town. It doesn't have its own mayor or city council. Instead, the county government takes care of things like roads, police, and other services for these areas.
How Unincorporated Communities Work
Imagine a neighborhood that's part of a bigger county. That's often how an unincorporated community operates. The people living there follow the rules and laws of the county. They also get services from the county, like fire protection and schools.
Why Some Places Are Unincorporated
Many communities start small and grow over time. Some choose to stay unincorporated because they like the simpler way of life. Others might not have enough people or resources to form their own city government. It can also be cheaper to get services from the county.
Southwest's Location in Pennsylvania
Southwest is found in the western part of Pennsylvania. This area is known for its rolling hills and a mix of rural and suburban landscapes. Westmoreland County, where Southwest is located, is part of the greater Pittsburgh metropolitan area.
Westmoreland County Basics
Westmoreland County is one of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania. It was created a long time ago, in 1773. The county seat, which is like its main government center, is Greensburg. The county has a mix of small towns, cities, and unincorporated areas like Southwest.
Geography Around Southwest
The region around Southwest is part of the Appalachian Mountains foothills. This means you'll find varied terrain, from flat areas to gentle slopes. The climate here has four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters.
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