This article is one in a series of articles about what life looks like in Butler County ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026. Stories in this series aim to showcase what it’s like to live, work, play and serve in Butler County during this moment in history.

Building a life around busy work schedules doesn’t have to be boring. Katie Cochran and her husband Steve Cochran prove that it is possible to work full-time and still experience all that a community has to offer.

Three years ago, Katie and Steve decided to start a new chapter of their lives in Cranberry Township. Shortly after getting married, the couple began looking for a home to settle in. Their search led them to Cranberry, where they found a house that they were excited to call home.

Since then, the couple has spent time getting to know the area and finding hobbies that fit within their lifestyles.

Katie grew up in the Wexford area, which was not too far away. Her familiarity with Cranberry before moving helped her feel right at home.

Katie works as a nurse three days a week, while her husband Steve works five days a week as an engineer. While their schedules do not always line up, Katie says they try their best to make time for each other and themselves. Whether it’s searching for a new experience or spending quality time at home, the couple makes an effort to stay connected.

The warm summer weather has allowed Katie and Steve to start engaging in their outdoor activities. Individually, Katie and Steve enjoy playing pickleball at Graham Park.

“Steve oftentimes will go and play pickleball at Graham Park,” Katie said. “So, I started playing as well, and that’s one way we’ve kind of gotten ourselves involved more in the community.”

However, their busy schedules and skill levels prevent them from playing together. Still, the sport has become a way for both of them to stay active.

Aside from exercise, pickleball gives Katie and Steve the opportunity to meet new people and get involved in the community. As the couple continues putting down roots in Cranberry, spending time in different parts of the area has made it feel more like home.

When the couple has time off together, they enjoy spending time with friends and hitting buckets of balls at the Cranberry Golf Center.

Before heading to the driving range, they’ll start next door at Smiling Moose Brewing for a bite to eat.

“It’s a cute little place,” Katie stated. “It’s nice because you can sit there and eat good food, and then you can go to the driving range.”

Typical date nights for the couple may look like trying something new. Trying new restaurants and making new memories are among the many ways the couple spends quality time together.

“We love exploring and trying different restaurants in the area,” Katie said.

They also enjoy going to the movies and continuing their summer tradition at the Red Barn Theater.

“I really enjoy seeing musicals, so that’s something we’ll go and do because I grew up with a theater background,” Katie said. “Every summer we visit the Red Barn Theater in Butler.”

While the couple loves to try new things whenever they get the chance, sometimes a quiet night in together brings them peace.

“We do a lot of different things, but even just spending time at home with our pets is nice,” said Katie.

Though Katie’s shifts are long and random, she manages to stay organized and make time for her friends and family. Luckily, her parents are just a short drive away.

“My parents are only 15 minutes away, so we see them pretty often,” said Katie. “I can just kind of pop over at my parents’ house whenever.”

Being close to family has been one of the benefits of living in Cranberry, as it has made the transition easier. While work keeps them busy, knowing that family is a short drive away allows them to stay connected and involved in each other’s lives.

When it comes to maintaining friendships while balancing work schedules, household duties, and personal interests, Katie says staying in touch often requires planning ahead.

“With my friends, it’s oftentimes just making plans ahead of time because we all have pretty busy schedules with work.”

Katie describes this chapter of their life as busy but exciting. For Katie and Steve, Cranberry isn’t just where they live, but where they want to build a future.

“Raising a family in Cranberry is something we’re hoping to do,” Katie exclaimed.

The last three years for them have been filled with marriage, balancing work schedules, and turning their house into a home. Their next step is to start a family.

While their schedules can be demanding, the couple is enjoying the stage of life they’re in. Between spending time with family, exploring the area, and doing activities together, they have found a way to create balance.

As they look ahead, Katie and Steve hope to continue building their future in Cranberry. For now, they are enjoying life one busy day at a time.