Skip to main content

Farview

Type:
Unincorporated community
Municipality

The “Farview” area near Waymart isn’t a formal village or census-designated place, but it refers to the elevated region surrounding the historic Farview State Hospital, now home to SCI Waymart, a state correctional institution. Locals may refer to the neighborhood informally as “Farview” due to its long-standing institutional presence and scenic location.

📍 Location & Geography

  • Situated: Just west of Waymart borough in Wayne County
  • Elevation: One of the highest points in Pennsylvania, offering expansive views—hence the name “Farview”
  • Landscape: Rolling hills, forested tracts, and rural residential properties
  • Nearby Roads: Farview Road, Belmont Turnpike (Route 296), and South Canaan Road

🏘️ Community Features

  • Residential Character: Sparse housing, mostly single-family homes and farmland
  • Institutional Landmark: SCI Waymart occupies the historic Farview State Hospital site, which dominates the area both physically and historically
  • Local Identity: While not a formal village, “Farview” carries cultural weight due to its legacy in mental health care and corrections

🕰️ Historical Significance

  • Farview State Hospital: Founded in 1905 as Pennsylvania’s first institution for the criminally insane
  • Transition: Became SCI Waymart in 1989, now a forensic treatment center and medium-security prison
  • Legacy: The area’s name and identity are deeply tied to this institution, which shaped local employment, infrastructure, and land use for over a century