ALLEGHENY COUNTY
County Offices
542 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh 412-350-5300
Information 412-350-4636
www.county.allegheny.pa.us
Chambers of Commerce
Greater Pittsburgh
425 Sixth Avenue
412-392-4500
www.pittsburghchamber.com
North Allegheny County
5000 Brooktree Road
Wexford 724-934-9700
www.naccc.org
Major Highways
Penn-Lincoln Parkway (I-376 East/I-279 West), Interstate 79, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 76)
The region known as Allegheny County encompasses more than 130 municipalities that are anchored by the metropolis of Pittsburgh. Combining an exceptional quality of life with a comparatively low cost of living and affordable real estate, the county maintains one of the nation’s highest rates of home ownership. Diverse residential areas include over 85 distinct and colorful neighborhoods in the City of Pittsburgh alone, each one reflecting the pride, heritage, and culture of those who first planted roots in its fertile soil.
Once an area dominated by heavy manufacturing and the steel industry, modern Allegheny County is a case study in revitalization and regeneration. Modern research centers and firms in advanced technology combine with major universities, health care institutions, entertainment centers, and cultural jewels. Transportation efficiencies ensure quick and easy travel, from a strong network of highways to a leading international airport praised for its passenger friendliness.
Services
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center or UPMC is internationally recognized for its contributions to research, diagnostics, and treatment. The hospital leads the nation in sheer volume of surgeries performed, including organ transplantation. Allegheny University Hospital was the first in the nation to use Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh is ranked among the top five U.S. pediatric institutions.
The area is also known for the depth and richness of its commitment to education, boasting some of the top-rated elementary and high schools in the nation. In addition to a public school system that consistently wins commendations and awards, the region is home to highly respected private schools and a number of prominent colleges and universities. The City of Pittsburgh offers an array of public and private institutions of higher learning that include prestigious names like Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, and the University of Pittsburgh.
Lifestyle
Newcomers to Allegheny County can expect to find attractive and affordable housing options within the residential communities and neighborhoods scattered throughout the region. Every imaginable lifestyle is possible within this kaleidoscope of urban, suburban and rural environments. Distinctive architectural choices range from cozy brick bungalows or modern townhomes and condominiums to stately stone houses on spacious parcels of land. Recreational amenities are equally rich, encompassing the finest of professional teams as well as superb facilities for outdoor adventure and active sports. Open areas, marinas, and riverfront parks are common sights. In fact, Allegheny County is second only to Florida’s Dade County for the number of boat registrations.
County residents rely on the City of Pittsburgh for world-class culture, underlined by the Carnegie Center. With its “noble quartet” of art, science, music and literature, this tribute to human creativity and ingenuity is eclipsed only by the Smithsonian Institute. The Carnegie Museum of Natural History display more than 10,000 artifacts at any given moment, boasting one of the world’s largest dinosaur collections in the world. More than 200 performing arts groups join scores of fine museums, concert halls, and galleries throughout Allegheny County. From its record-breaking roller coasters to historic sites and high technology, Allegheny County provides an exceptional quality of life.
City Of Pittsburgh
City Hall
412-255-2138
www.pittsburghpa.gov
Chamber of Commerce
412-392-4500
www.pittsburghchamber.com
The City of Pittsburgh serves as a hub of commerce, culture, education, and healthcare for the entire southwestern quadrant of Pennsylvania. Along with the state capital of Harrisburg and the City of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh is one of the primary drivers of the state’s economy and prowess. Once a mecca of wealthy industrialists, Pittsburgh today offers stately stone houses shaded by mature trees, elegant Victorians, modern lofts, or luxury townhomes. In addition to the city’s distinct neighborhoods, the downtown business and cultural district also represents a residential choice.
Known as the Golden Triangle for its location near the convergence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers, the district known simply as “Downtown” is home to more than 3,000 residents. Newcomers will find attractive condominiums and spacious lofts just minutes from sophisticated shops, important historical sites, cozy coffee houses, art galleries, and glittering nightlife. Landmarks and important venues like the Civic Arena, The Benedum, Heinz Hall, and Point State Park combine with easy access to the city’s other neighborhoods.
Regional recreational opportunities ensure four-season outdoor adventures, professional sports teams, collegiate sports competition, and facilities for everything from golf and tennis to ice skating. Hundreds of community parks provide amenities like biking or walking trails, skating and swimming facilities, picnic areas, playgrounds, open green space, and riverfront marinas. From its gleaming skyline to the privacy of secluded woodland, Pittsburgh is the ideal place to call home.
PITTSBURGH NEIGHBORHOODS
Mt. Washington
Offering some of the best views of Pittsburgh, Mt. Washington features residential neighborhoods that are nestled against steep hillsides and strung together by ribbons of winding streets. The housing selection is diverse in style and architecture, encompassing both single-family homes and multi-family options. The most fascinating and popular way to reach the area is aboard the Monongahela Incline. Restored to its original Victorian charm, the incline provides the fastest means of travel and is used daily by residents commuting into the city.
South Side
Situated across the Smithfield Street Bridge on the south bank of the Monongahela River just a five-minute drive from downtown Pittsburgh is South Side. Carson Street serves as the hub of the neighborhood, where newcomers will discover an exciting mix of coffee houses, ethnic bakeries, vintage clothing shops, interesting bookstores, and fine galleries. Each year in July the community hosts the South Side Summer Street Spectacular, a week-long festival of live music, carnival activities, and delicious food. White cottages and Victorian rowhouses line the slopes and flatlands that make up the unique geography of this “European” village.
North Side
The neighborhood known as North Side is home to many Pittsburgh landmarks like West Park, Riverview Park, The National Aviary, Pittsburgh Public Theatre, the Children’s Museum, and Allegheny General Hospital. Located within a ten-minute drive of downtown Pittsburgh, the area is best known for its original stone architecture and brick rowhouses. Restored and preserved historic homes are found on the Mexican War Streets where walking tours are available. Other popular attractions to this neighborhood include the excitement of special events and sports competition at PNC Park and Heinz Field. North Side offers convenience, convenient public transportation, and spectacular views from the North Shore.
Oakland
Located two miles east of downtown Pittsburgh is the neighborhood known as Oakland, serving as Pittsburgh’s cultural center. The area is home to colleges, universities, hospitals, medical research institutes, the arts and sciences, Phipps Conservatory, Schenley Park and The Carnegie. Both international and cosmopolitan in its atmosphere, Oakland is home to residential enclaves that blend cozy bungalows, apartments or modern townhomes, and historic stone mansions. Schenley Park provides a striking view of downtown and a wealth of recreational facilities like swimming pools, a skating rink, tennis courts, wooded trails for walking and jogging, and hills for winter sports.
Shadyside
Situated less than four miles from downtown Pittsburgh, Shadyside has remained one of the city’s most popular neighborhoods since its genesis in the 1800s. The main shopping district of Walnut Street offers fashionable boutiques, nationally-known stores, and inviting restaurants. The housing selection in Shadyside ranges from spacious stone houses and vintage Victorian homes to more modern lofts, apartments, and condominiums. The civic pride and neighborhood spirit of this intimate community is most evident in seasonal celebrations, annual fairs, and colorful festivals.
Squirrel Hill
Recognized for its cultural and intellectual atmosphere, Squirrel Hill is located approximately four miles east of downtown Pittsburgh. Lining Forbes and Murray Avenues are wonderful ethnic restaurants, fashionable boutiques, upscale shops, and European bakeries. Architectural choices range from intimate hillside dwellings to established estate homes with au pair accommodations encompassed on the spacious grounds. Newer condominiums and modern townhomes are also available. Recreational amenities include the facilities in number parks like Schenley, Frick, and Mellon. The Jewish Community Center offers a wealth of programs and provides spacious property with tennis courts, playing fields, marinas, and wooded trails.
Point Breeze
Established in the 1700s as an important trade route, historic Point Breeze is located five miles from downtown Pittsburgh. During the Industrial Revolution, a number of Pittsburgh’s most prominent businessmen built “country houses” in Point Breeze to take advantage of the convenient commute and cleaner air. Today, residents enjoy a pleasing variety of housing that ranges from handsome townhomes and condominiums to elegantly refurbished homes set on meticulously landscaped estates.
Highland Park
Located approximately five miles northeast of downtown Pittsburgh, Highland Park claims the regional attraction of the city zoo. Other amenities include a popular farmer’s market, picnic shelters, and a handful of marinas located along the scenic Allegheny River. Beautiful trails wind through the area that are ideal for hikers, joggers, skaters, and cyclists. Wide, tree-shaded streets are often graced by elegant Victorian homes with spacious front yards that showcase professional landscaping. Newer single-family homes blend with townhomes and condominiums for a full complement of housing choices.
EAST SUBURBAN
McKeesport
City Hall
412-675-5044
http://mckeesport.org
Chamber of Commerce
412-678-2450
www.2chambers.com/mckeespo.htm
The valley area that surrounds the City of McKeesport is home to a variety of small suburban communities that grew up near the Monongehela and Youghiogheny Rivers southeast of Pittsburgh. Although considered a mid-sized city by many standards, McKeesport actually serves as a vibrant center of education, healthcare, and commerce for approximately 200,000 valley residents. UPMC McKeesport Hospital is the city’s largest employer. As an integral part of the acclaimed University of Pittsburgh Medical Center system of facilities, the hospital provides regional state-of-the-art healthcare. Pennsylvania State University also maintains a campus in McKeesport that offers select Bachelor of Science degrees, Associate’s degrees and certifications in an intimate educational atmosphere with the quality of a major research institution.
Edgewood
Municipal Offices
412-242-4824
www.edgewood.pgh.pa.us
Chamber of Commerce
412-242-0234
http://wilkinsburgchamber.com
The small and intimate Borough of Edgewood provides a suburban atmosphere for commuters to major employment centers. Housing choices in and near this area range from beautiful, vintage homes with remarkable architecture and detailing to newer construction. Reflecting the desires of local residents, the borough is a tranquil and “self-contained” commuter bedroom community. After watching the phenomenal growth that followed the arrival of the Union Switch and Signal Company, planners decided to control further development and made a conscious effort to preserve the atmosphere enjoyed today. Living just seven miles east of downtown Pittsburgh, residents have easy access to shopping, entertainment, and the Parkway East.
West Mifflin, Munhall, Elizabeth
Municipal Offices
Munhall Borough
412-464-7310
www.munhallpa.us
West Mifflin Borough
412-466-8170
http://westmifflinborough.com
Elizabeth Township
412-751-2880
http://elizabethtownshippa.com
Chamber of Commerce
412-678-2450
The communities nestled in the “Mon/Yough River Valley” enjoy an ideal location just southeast of Pittsburgh, providing residents with easy access to attractions, premier shopping facilities, professional sports, and employment centers. Boroughs like Braddock, North Braddock, Turtle Creek, Chalfant, White Oak, Glassport, and Swissvale offer a variety of housing options and small-town friendliness in long-established neighborhoods. The community of Elizabeth Township, although 25 miles from Pittsburgh, is connected by Route 48 to major thoroughfares. The City of McKeesport provides regional healthcare and educational amenities, while local shopping, restaurants, lush parks, and recreational facilities draw together families and neighbors in a close-knit atmosphere. School activities and team sports play a major role in community life, and civic organizations enjoy strong support. River valley neighborhoods often enjoy a gently hilly terrain with lovely woodland sections.
Forest Hills, Churchhill, Wilkins
Municipal Offices
Churchhill Borough
412-241-7113
www.churchillborough.com
Forest Hills Borough
412-351-7330
www.foresthillspa.org
Wilkins Township
412-824-6650
http://wilkinstownship.com
Chamber of Commerce
412-392-4500
www.pittsburghchamber.com
Home to approximately 4,000 residents, Churchill Borough shares a primarily residential character with the larger Borough of Forest Hills and Wilkins Township—each claiming a population nearing 7,000. This area has grown steadily as a comfortable suburb of Pittsburgh, with only limited commercial and industrial development. A number of verdant parks grace the cityscape of Churchhill, while smaller expanses of green space dot the neighborhoods of Forest Hills. However, Forest Hills does claim one major park that encompasses a number of facilities including picnic areas, pavilions, ballfields, tennis courts, and expansive open space. COMP USA, Sears, and Home Depot are the largest employers in Wilkins Township, providing convenient shopping for the area. Newcomers will find well-kept older homes and newer construction nestled in lush and often hilly terrain.
North Versailles, Versailles Borough
Municipal Offices
Versailles Borough
412-751-3922
North Versailles Township
412-823-6602
www.nvtpa.com
Chamber of Commerce
412-678-2450
Relying on the City of McKeesport as a center for healthcare and commerce, North Versailles Township and the neighboring small communities of Versailles Borough and South Versailles Township provide additional suburban residential choices. Both less than one square mile in area, South Versailles and Versailles share close proximity to the Youghiogheny River. North Versailles offers nearly 9 square miles of rolling hills and wooded areas near the Monongahela River and Turtle Creek. South Versailles and Versailles Borough are included in the McKeesport Area School District, while the East Allegheny School District serves the more populated area of North Versailles. These communities have developed little industry and commerce, although Wal-Mart is the largest employer in North Versailles Township.
Penn Hills, Plum
Municipal Offices
Penn Hills
412-795-3500
www.pennhills.org
Plum Borough
412-795-6800
www.plumboro.com
Chamber of Commerce
412-795-8741
Excelling in recreational amenities, the Municipality of Penn Hills offers a variety of facilities and amenities in three major parks. Numerous small neighborhood parks punctuate the residential areas with green space and additional playgrounds. In Plum Borough, Boyce Park provides 1,000 acres for skiing, ice skating, biking, hiking, and swimming in a wave pool. Penn Hills transformed from its coal-mining roots when the completion of the Penn-Lincoln Parkway literally paved the way for today’s suburban atmosphere. Although the region is dotted with picturesque farms, it also includes impressive developments like attractive shopping centers and residential enclaves that enjoy the backdrop of rich woodland. Generous parcels of land have been deliberately preserved in an unspoiled state, and neighborhoods emphasize community spirit, family life, and recreation.
Oakmont Borough
Borough Hall
412-828-3232
Chamber of Commerce
412-392-4500
www.pittsburghchamber.com
The epitome of small-town America, the Borough of Oakmont features Main Street shopping in quaint stores, tree-shaded avenues, and a myriad of community activities. The slower pace of country living is balanced by the close proximity to the cultural, educational, and entertainment resources of metropolitan Pittsburgh. A walking nature park allows residents to enjoy Oakmont’s panoramic surroundings, while another park offers recreational facilities. This small but vibrant enclave is home to the Oakmont Country Club that enjoys PGA and U.S. Open fame. Public golf courses, a yacht club, and service clubs combine with wonderful restaurants to enhance the closely knit spirit in this attractive village.
Monroeville Borough
Borough Hall
412-856-1000
www.monroeville.pa.us
Chamber of Commerce
412-856-0622
Residents of the Municipality of Monroeville Borough enjoy a wide spectrum of recreational opportunities close to home. Nearly 20 municipal parks and a community swimming pool combine with the vast acreage of Boyce County Park with its skiing area, ice skating facilities, golf courses, and multi-purpose trails. Known as the “Research Center of the Nation,” Monroeville is also home to tranquil, tree-shaded residential development. The housing selection ranges from single-family homes and multi-family complexes to secluded mansions graced by lush landscaping. Sound planning has balanced shopping districts, cultural and entertainment attractions, and schools with residential neighborhoods. Route 22 or William Penn Highway is the main thoroughfare, although shuttles to PAT bus stations are available.
NORTH HILLS
Ben Avon, Ben Avon Heights
Municipal Offices
412-766-7704
http://benavonheightsborough.com
Chamber of Commerce
412-761-2113
The small boroughs of Ben Avon and neighboring Ben Avon Heights are family oriented communities just 15 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. Along with numerous neighborhood streets that lead to and from this area, an easy thoroughfare access is located on Route 65 or Ohio River Boulevard. The homes range from meticulously restored century-old mansions to smaller and mid-size ranch homes. The importance of education is reflected in the caliber of the schools, where a favorable teacher/pupil ratio forms the basis for a high percentage of college-bound graduates within the district. Residents are just minutes from major malls and shopping centers as well as entertainment facilities. Closer to home, Avon Park offers a delightful retreat that includes a playground, tennis courts, picnic areas, and hiking trails down to the Ohio River. Accord Park adds a popular swimming pool and sports fields. Residents of both communities enjoy a friendly atmosphere where neighbors wave from the front porch at the daily walkers and joggers.
Fox Chapel Borough
Borough Hall
412-963-1100
www.fox-chapel.pa.us
Chamber of Commerce
412-963-1100
http://alleghenyvalleychamber.com/community/community-profiles/fox-chapel
Majestic yet comfortable homes nestled on gracious, wooded parcels of land are common sights in Fox Chapel, one of the Pittsburgh area’s most prestigious addresses. Residents of the borough have taken steps to ensure the uniquely rural character and tranquility of their home. More than 200 acres of parkland feature walking trails, sports fields, recreational amenities, and nature study areas that add greenery and open space to this already lush environment. The lovely estates that line meandering country roads are a smaller representation of the rambling, affluent retreats that were constructed prior to the 1920s. Zoning regulations have required spacious lots for each home, encouraging the preservation of a rustic atmosphere. Several nature preserves continue to limit commercialism—an approach that is supported by the entire community.
O’Hara Township
Township Hall
412-782-1400
www.ohara.pa.us
Chamber of Commerce
412-963-1100
www.allekiskistrong.com
Originating as an estate that was granted to General James O’Hara by George Washington, the township has evolved into a thriving community that enjoys a prime location near the Allegheny River. Local parks provide a wealth of recreational amenities, including ballfields, tennis courts, picnic shelters, volleyball and basketball courts, game areas, ponds, and playgrounds. The Boyd Community Center provides activities and facilities for residents of all ages. Newcomers will find a pleasing selection of homes shaded by mature trees in quiet neighborhoods. O’Hara Township offers a family oriented atmosphere where proud residents are strongly committed to maintaining a serene, quality living environment.
Hampton Township, Allison Park
Township Hall
412-486-0400
www.hampton-pa.org
Chamber of Commerce
412-963-1100
www.allekiskistrong.com
Conveniently located just 12 miles north of Pittsburgh is the secluded community of Hampton Township, anchored by the community of Allison Park. This area is easily accessible via the Pennsylvania Turnpike and other major thoroughfares, making it convenient for commuters. A small but well-managed school district ensures personalized attention and a quality education. The Hampton Community Park features tennis courts, pavilions, sports fields, and play equipment. A variety of other parks dot the township, providing opportunities for cross-country skiing, biking, jogging, hiking, and golfing. Housing options tend to be attractive and affordable, graced by generous lots and wooded parcels. In spite of the prime location in the geographic center of North Hills, township residents have managed to preserve the privacy and semi-rural atmosphere of their home.
Shaler Township
Township Hall
412-486-9700
www.shaler.org
Chamber of Commerce
412-761-2113
Highlighted by roomy, comfortable, and affordable homes in welcoming neighborhoods, the stable and long-established township of Shaler is attracting a new wave of youthful residents. Couples and families with small children are awakening to the potential in Shaler’s stately older homes, many of which feature distinctive architectural detailing and lovely yards graced by mature greenery. Recreational amenities are available in local parks, including a nature preserve, tennis courts, picnic areas, playground equipment, and a swimming pool. The close proximity of state gameland adds to the appeal. Community spirit is strong in this well-rooted township, where organizations, schools, and churches have no problem attracting participants to everything from parades to potluck suppers.
McCandless, Ross
Municipal Offices
Town of McCandless
412-364-0616
www.townofmccandless.org
Ross Township
412-931-7055
www.ross.pa.us
Chamber of Commerce
412-963-1100
www.allekiskistrong.com
Ross Township was actually the first neighborhood to evolve within the North Hills suburban area and was ranked among the fastest growing in the early 1980s. The township today is fully developed, offering a pleasing selection of residential neighborhoods. Ross provides quality recreational amenities in parks and open space that encompasses more than 280 acres. Like most of the North Hills area, the community of McCandless evolved from rich farmland into a suburban residential haven. Both Ross and McCandless provide a pleasing selection of well-kept older homes and newer construction in a variety of architectural styles. Area parks provide acres of green space and a wealth of recreational facilities and amenities including tennis and volleyball courts, playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails. Education, school sports, and family activities as the focal points of community life.
Franklin Park Borough
Borough Hall
412-364-4115
www.franklinparkborough.us
Chamber of Commerce
412-761-2113
Incorporated as recently as 1961, Franklin Park took immediate steps to protect against unbridled development. Residents and civic planners cooperatively agreed to preserve the character of Franklin Park as an exclusively residential community. This luxurious borough offers elegant homes that are graced by the natural beauty and charm of a country atmosphere. Many of the majestic, vintage estates occupy former farmland, while exclusive newer construction features generous lots that are typically several acres in size. Lush parks like Linbrook and Winterhaven combine with a local golf course to provide recreational amenities. Interstate 279 provides easy accessibility to downtown Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania.
Borough of Leetsdale
Borough Offices
373 Beaver Street
Leetsdale 724-266-4820
http://www.leetsdaleboro.net/
The Borough of Leetsdale is located approximately 11 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. The Borough was incorporated on March 28, 1904 and is home to a population of just over 1,300 residents. Leetsdale covers approximately an area of 1.1 square mile and is home to Quaker Valley High School, Buncher Commerce Park, Leetsdale Industrial Park, Quaker Village Shopping Center and Henle Park. Leetsdale is bordered by Ambridge to the north, Leet Township to the northeast, and Edgeworth to the southeast. The borough includes the former town of Shields. The Ohio River forms the southwest border of the borough; across the river is Crescent Township. The Borough of Leetsdale balances quiet residential neighborhoods with a strong business sector and industrial park, award-winning schools and great local shopping. Local parkland offers several acres of verdant recreational area and facilities. The community offers a variety of well-kept older homes along tree-shaded streets along with quaint farmhouses, suburban tracts, and newer construction. The selection is exceptionally diverse and residents enjoy a high quality of life just a short distance from the urban amenities of the city.
Marshall, Bradford Woods
Municipal Offices
Marshall Township
724-935-3090
www.twp.marshall.pa.us
Bradford Woods Borough
724-935-2990
www.bradfordwoodspa.org
Chamber of Commerce
412-963-1100
www.allekiskistrong.com
Like many suburban communities, Marshall Township began in the 1800s as a farming community. Many newcomers are drawn to this area for the heavily wooded lots that provide secluded homesites known for their privacy and natural beauty. In spite of suburban growth, planners have insisted on preserving stands of trees for a more rural atmosphere. Over the years, a residential section called Bradford Woods emerged in the southeast corner of the township, characterized as an exclusive enclave of luxurious homes that provides an idyllic home to approximately 1,600 residents. Parks within the township offer playgrounds, tennis courts, sports fields, and the Frey Barn—which has been renovated and converted into a recreation center. Commuters to Pittsburgh find a convenient network of highways underlined by Route 19, the Parkway North, and I-279. Lush woodland areas and open space create a hunter’s paradise in Marshall Township, where one of the state gamelands is located.
Pine, Richland
Municipal Offices
Pine Township
724-625-1591
www.twp.pine.pa.us
Richland Township
724-443-5921
www.richland.pa.us
Chamber of Commerce
412-963-1100
www.allekiskistrong.com
Residents of Pine and Richland Townships are part of an expansive area of suburban development in North Hills. Convenient to I-279, Pine offers well-planned residential developments that enjoy a secluded but convenient rural setting for approximately 6,000 residents. Wexford is distinguished as one of the oldest villages in the area, home of the Pine Township offices and a hub of business and commerce. Richland combines modern subdivisions and newer construction with turn-of-the-century charm. Many of the township’s residents have settled into attractive neighborhoods clustered around Routes 8 and 910 or the Pennsylvania Turnpike exchange. Retail activity is high developed to include shopping malls, plazas, restaurants, and services. Lush parkland is available throughout the area.
Sewickley Area
Municipal Offices
Sewickley Borough
412-741-4015
www.sewickleyborough.org
Sewickley Heights Borough
412-741-5119
www.sewickleyheightsboro.com
Sewickley Hills Borough
412-364-8911
www.sewickleyhills.com
Chamber of Commerce
800-872-0222
http://local-chamberofcommerce.com/SewickleyPennsylvaniachamberofcommerce
Located along the northern shore of the Ohio River, the Sewickley area encompasses three boroughs that evolved from their genesis as summer retreats for Pittsburgh’s wealthiest families in the early 1900s. As the decades passed, many of the summer residents decided to make this beautiful area their year-round home. Modern Sewickley has managed to preserve much of the same charming village atmosphere. The shopping district serves as the heart of the community and a popular place for meetings and festivities. Charming boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops mingle with restaurants in this upscale Pittsburgh suburb, where beautifully renovated homes grace the historic district.
SOUTH HILLS
Baldwin, Whitehall
Municipal Offices
Baldwin Borough
412-882-9600
http://baldwinborough.org
Whitehall Borough
412-884-0505
www.whitehallboro.org
Chamber of Commerce
412-884-1233
Located just six to eight miles south of Pittsburgh, Baldwin Borough and Whitehall Boroughs are intimate communities that provide a suburban lifestyle for commuters to nearby employment centers. Residents reap the benefit of close proximity to metropolitan amenities, yet these boroughs offer excellent schools, lovely parks, charming gazebos, and a small-town spirit based on traditional values. In each of these communities the local school district is one of the major employers, while Baldwin Borough enjoys a tax base that blends light industry and commercial development. Neighborhood parks provide recreational facilities from community swimming pools and playgrounds to tennis courts and sports fields. Verdant hills and areas of woodland add to the appeal of residential developments.
Bethel Park
Municipal Offices
412-831-6800
www.bethelpark.net
Chamber of Commerce
412-833-1177
www.shchamber.org
The Municipality of Bethel Park balances serene residential neighborhoods with a strong business sector and industrial park, award-winning schools, local shopping, and efficient light-rail transit. Local parkland offers nearly 2,000 acres of verdant recreational area and facilities including golf courses, bike/motorcross track, a wildlife preserve, and outdoor roller and ice-skating areas. The community offers an impressive variety of well-kept older homes along tree-shaded streets along with quaint farmhouses, suburban tracts, and newer construction. The selection is exceptionally diverse. The northern tip of Bethel Park lies just ten miles south of downtown Pittsburgh, where it meets Mt. Lebanon. Upper St. Clair forms the western border, while South Park lies to the east.
Green Tree Borough
Municipal Offices
412-921-1110
www.greentreeboro.com
Chamber of Commerce
412-264-6270
www.paacc.com
Evolving from its agricultural roots into a suburban haven, Green Tree provides affordable homes in quiet neighborhoods and a convenient lifestyle for commuters to the city. Residential neighborhoods are dominated by brick ranch-style, single-family homes with well-tended yards and landscaping. Easy access to downtown Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh International Airport, major thoroughfares like I-79, and popular shopping centers have made Green Tree a desirable community. The Fred L. Aiken Elementary School is located within the Borough, part of the Keystone Oaks School District. The borough is true to its name, offering many wooded parks, a nature center, and exceptional recreational facilities. Trails for joggers and walkers wind through pristine wooded retreats. Wilson Park is the cornerstone of many outdoor activities, including swimming and sports competition.
Mt. Lebanon
Municipal Offices
412-343-3400
www.mtlebanon.org
Chamber of Commerce
412-833-1177
www.shchamber.org
Named for two Cedar of Lebanon trees planted in the early 1900s in the community, Mt. Lebanon is an attractive suburb that has experienced several periods of residential and commercial growth. Over 300 acres of parkland punctuate the township, providing a variety of recreational amenities from an Olympic-sized pool and tennis center to ice rink, golf course, and nature reserve. Just seven miles from the employment centers, professional sports, premier shopping, and world-class cultural attractions of Pittsburgh, the community enjoys an ideal location within the metropolitan area. Residents are also close to the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and other educational institutions. The school system has earned a reputation for excellence, boasting a Blue Ribbon high school.
Pleasant Hills Borough
Borough Hall
412-655-3300
www.pleasanthillspa.com
Chamber of Commerce
412-678-2450
https://www.chamberofcommerce.com/pittsburgh-pa/26591747-boro-of-pleasant-hills
Evolving from farmland and a thriving center of steel-related industry, the Borough of Pleasant Hills balances residential neighborhoods with commercial activity. Recreational opportunities and shopping at one of the largest malls in the area are conveniently located close to home, adding to the appeal of this peaceful and secluded community. The borough offers everything from modest starter homes to more luxurious estates or retirement homes. Pleasant Hills has managed to ride the tide of change as steel activity and corporate giants left the area, emerging as a residential haven of close-knit neighborhoods. The local arboretum featuring magnificent 200-year-old trees is a local point of pride. Many children who grew up in Pleasant Hills returned to raise their own families in the same supportive atmosphere.
Scott Township
Municipal Offices
412-276-5300
www.scott-twp.com
Chamber of Commerce
412-264-6270
www.paacc.com
Quiet and comfortable are two characteristics associated with Scott Township, located approximately six miles southwest of downtown Pittsburgh. The area is easily accessible via the Penn-Lincoln Parkway and Interstate 79. Scott Township is part of an 18-square-miles expanse known as Chartiers Valley, encompassing Collier Township and Bridgeville and Heidelberg Boroughs. Scott Township provides a lovely community park with opportunities for swimming, tennis, picnicking, sand volleyball, or Bocce and other games. The community is largely residential with some commercial and industrial activity. Residents of Chartiers Valley enjoy a naturally beautiful landscape with a warm, hometown atmosphere.
South Fayette
Municipal Offices
412-221-8700
Chamber of Commerce
412-264-6270
www.paacc.com
Growth in South Fayette Township has been tremendous over the past two decades, characterizing the community as a “sleeping giant” that is finally awakening to its possibilities as a suburban haven. The presence of Interstate 79 has largely influenced the growth of residential neighborhoods in the eastern section of the township, although agricultural activity still plays a vital role in the local economy and many farms still dot the countryside. Residents enjoy a location 17 miles south of Pittsburgh for easy access to the Golden Triangle business centers, entertainment attractions, educational institutions, and cultural amenities. Newcomers will find a countryside that has managed to preserve its rural ambiance while offering a pleasing selection of housing in a variety of styles and price ranges.
South Park, Jefferson Hills
Municipal Offices
South Park Township
412-831-7000
www.southparktwp.com
Jefferson Hills Borough
412-655-7735
www.jeffersonhillsboro.org
Chamber of Commerce
412-833-1177
www.shchamber.org
Named for the area’s sprawling park that covers 1,300 lush acres, South Park Township also offers wave pools, ice skating, horseback riding, picnic shelters and bike trails. Located 12 miles from Pittsburgh, South Park has been experiencing significant residential expansion—particularly in the northern and western quadrants. Over the past two decades, the township’s population has more than doubled. Jefferson Hills is another suburban community that provides a distinctive rural flavor. Housing options in these communities blends newer construction with long-established homes, farmhouses and suburban dwellings in a wide spectrum of styles and price ranges. Regional shopping destinations such as Century III Mall are only minutes from home for added convenience.
Upper St. Clair
Municipal Offices
412-831-9000
www.twpusc.org
Chamber of Commerce
412-833-9111
www.2chambers.com/upper_st__clair,_pennsylvania.htm
One of Pittsburgh’s most exclusive suburban choices, the verdant hills that make up panoramic township of Upper St. Clair provide a picturesque environment for this affluent residential community. Housing options include stately homes on generous parcels that harmonize with lush valleys and farms. Creeks and streams combine with parkland as a backdrop for a myriad of recreational activities and amenities. Situated along Chartiers Creek ten miles south of Pittsburgh, the township has left behind its agricultural image and emerged as a modern suburb. The rural ambiance and stunning hilltop vistas that are possible in this area have attracted many newcomers to premier homesites. Quaint farmhouses add charm to a landscape that includes carved ravines and residential housing tracts.
WEST SUBURBAN
Moon, Coraopolis
Municipal Offices
Moon Township
412-262-1700
www.moontwp.com
Coraopolis Borough
412-264-3002
www.coraopolispa.com/first.html
Chamber of Commerce
412-264-6270
www.paacc.com
Distinguished as the first township in Allegheny County, Moon Township carries a name that most believe was derived from its crescent shape. Ideally located just ten miles from Pittsburgh’s dynamic Golden Triangle central business district, the community provides prime land for expansion. Both commercial and residential sectors are growing rapidly, attracted by a strategic location and sheer affordability. Available housing covers a wide spectrum of price ranges to appeal to a cross-section of income levels. Quality recreational facilities encompass everything from golf courses and lush parkland to tennis courts, sports fields, and playgrounds. Located in the western part of Pittsburgh known as the “airport area,” Coraopolis is a small borough complete in 1.4 square miles that has attracted a considerable amount of industrial development because of its prime location. A quaint downtown area, local parks, excellent transportation efficiencies, and the close proximity of major urban resources add to the appeal of this intimate community.
Findlay Township
Municipal Offices
724-695-0500
www.findlay.pa.us
Chamber of Commerce
412-264-6270
www.paacc.com
The sprawling area of Findley Township is home to Pittsburgh International Airport, a facility so rich in amenities that it serves as a retail destination for residents as well as a hub for international air travel. Once an agricultural community, Findlay has developed so rapidly in recent decades that an Ad Hoc Historical Committee was formed to preserve the town’s heritage and control growth. Strict zoning ordinances combined with subdivision and property development ordinances have given the township more control over residential and commercial expansion. Newcomers will find a wide selection of housing options, ranging from older homes with interesting architectural embellishments to more modern construction in a variety of sizes and price ranges.
Kennedy Township
Municipal Offices
412-771-2321
www.kennedytwp.com
Chamber of Commerce
412-264-6270
www.paacc.com
Part of Stowe Township prior to its incorporation, the community of Kennedy Township is located nine miles northwest of the Point and provides close proximity to a full spectrum of metropolitan amenities. Even in the township’s early days, the riverfront section remained largely natural because the high bluffs rendered it too difficult to develop. However, the interior of the township became a haven for farms and a significant number of cemeteries. It was after World War II that Kennedy Township experienced a real growth boom, attracting population overflow from more densely developed communities like McKees Rocks and Stowe. Today, a quiet suburban atmosphere prevails. Commuters can choose from two convenient thoroughfares: Coraopolis or Forest Grove Roads.
North Fayette Township
Municipal Offices
412-788-4888
www.north-fayette.com
Chamber of Commerce
412-264-6270
www.paacc.com
From its roots as an agricultural community, North Fayette Township developed strong ties to the oil and coal extraction industries—economic anchors that remain even today. The region is home to unique “coal patch” residential sections that are interspersed with attractive new suburban development and patchwork farms. Conveniently located 12 miles from Pittsburgh, the township has enjoyed growth and expansion because of its close proximity to the dynamic Pittsburgh International Airport. Hilly and heavily wooded, the township is ideal for new-home construction, business, and industry. Companies like Westinghouse, Airborne Express, and Industrial Scientific have found a convenient home in North Fayette. The township provides rapidly expanding shopping centers, a good public school system, and well-developed recreational resources.
Robinson Township
Municipal Offices
412-788-8120
www.townshipofrobinson.com
Chamber of Commerce
412-264-6270
www.paacc.com
Once a part of Fayette Township, the area known as Robinson Township slowly lost territory as residential villages decided to incorporate. Because of this history of separating and individualizing, Robinson Township now neighbors a number of small boroughs like Rosslyn Farms, Thornburg, Crafton, and Ingram. Encompassed within the boundaries of modern Robinson Township is the small hilltop community of Pennsbury Village, complete in less than one square mile and home to approximately 800 residents. Recreational facilities in the township include a rich variety of parks, two community swimming pools, tennis courts, sports fields, playgrounds, and a golf course. Excellent transportation connections make Robinson one of the most convenient and fastest-growing areas in Allegheny County. The township is now home to spectacular regional retail destinations such as Robinson Towne Centre shopping complex, The Pointe, and The Mall at Robinson. Attractive new subdivisions and first-class residential development have followed commercial growth and further stimulated the area’s economy.
Stowe
Municipal Offices
412-331-4050
http://stowe.pennsylvania.com
Chamber of Commerce
412-264-6270
www.paacc.com
Commuters, families, and retirees have found a residential retreat in Stowe Township, where they enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle. The bright lights and employment centers of Pittsburgh are less than five miles from home, which adds to the appeal of this suburban address. The nearby Borough of McKees Rocks features quaint shops and wonderful restaurants that even attract visitors from the city. Since Stowe Township is situated along the banks of the Ohio River, many residents of the area spend summer weekends fishing, boating, and picnicking by the water’s edge. Blending the old with the new, Stowe has preserved its roots while it continues to develop quality services and amenities.
The Waterfront
Development Offices
614-221-1800
www.continental-realestate.com
Chamber of Commerce
412-392-4500
www.pittsburghchamber.com
Acclaimed as one of the largest urban redevelopment sites in the entire nation, the 256-acre site that once served as Pittsburgh’s “Homestead Steel Works” is rapidly transforming into a comprehensive, multi-use development called The Waterfront. Situated along two scenic miles of the Monogahela River, The Waterfront encompasses over one million square feet of retailers, theme restaurants, prime office space, townhouses, and apartments. Residents enjoy a vacation-style atmosphere with a bustling self-contained business center that also rich in amenities including a marina and riverwalk park.
