Aliquippa

Brimming with local shops and community events is the lively suburban neighborhood of New Sheffield. Just 28 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, this semi-walkable neighborhood offers all the charm of a small town while also being conveniently located near major highways and essential amenities. Situated in the small city of Aliquippa in the Hopewell Township, New Sheffield is full of homes built in the mid-20th century. Along the hilly roads stand Cape Cod-style homes with gabled roofs, Colonial Revivals with brick facades, and sprawling ranch-style homes with front porches. Many are over 50 years old, but most have been renovated or meticulously cared for. "The homeowners here have taken great pride in keeping up their homes," says Art Evans, a Realtor at Re/Max Select Realty. Evans owns a home in New Sheffield and has been selling houses there since 2015. Homes here do not often appear on the market, but "if priced correctly, a home will sell within a couple of weeks," Evans says. Smaller two- to three-bedroom houses in need of a little TLC can start below $100,000, while larger three- to five-bedroom homes with updated finishes can sell for over $350,000. Many stand close together on deep plots large enough for backyard pools and front garden beds, offering a mixed suburban and rural feel. Neighborhood kids may attend schools in the Aliquippa Public School District, starting at Aliquippa Elementary School, which serves Kindergarten through sixth grade students. The elementary school has an 11-to-1 student-teacher ratio and received a C-minus on Niche. They can continue their education at Aliquippa Junior-Senior High School, a joint middle and high school serving seventh grade through 12th grade students. It received a C rating on Niche. Aliquippa High is known for its outstanding football program, which has produced several NFL greats, including Hall of Famers Mike Ditka, Ty Law and Darrelle Revis. When it comes to community events, high school football games are a mainstay in New Sheffield. Residents regularly gather in the stands at Aliquippa High to cheer as the burgeoning athletes take the field. Another Aliquippa mainstay is the San Rocco festival held in nearby Monaca every summer. This Italian heritage celebration first began in Aliquippa in 1925 when a group of immigrants moved to the area from Patrica, Italy, where St. Rocco is the patron saint. Now run by the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the festival's founders, this annual festival offers locals a taste of classic Italian cuisines, live music, and the chance to participate in the traditional baby doll dance. While there aren't any parks in the immediate area, the Shadow Lakes Country Club is just 2 miles northwest. At the country club, residents can play golf on an 18-hole public course or dine on American Fare at Magg's Restaurant. For indoor recreation, residents can sign up for an exercise class at Studio 55 Fitness Studio or go bowling at the Sheffield Lanes. Grab a slice of pizza at Ricky Dee's, located inside the bowling alley, or drive over to Brodhead Road for more dining and dessert options. If Mexican cuisine is the name of the game, Don Jose Mexican Grill on Brodhead Road offers popular traditional Mexican dishes like chimichangas and pollo adobe. Just across the street is Mac's Donut Shop, known for its fluffy pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Experience New Sheffield's nightlife at the Bar None Lounge, a locally owned bar and restaurant. For other shopping needs, residents can find several local shops, like Salon Savy, Miller's Shoe Store, and Smiley's Wholesale Tire Co., along Mill Street. Familiar chain retailers like Advance Auto Parts and Family Dollar can be found on Brodhead Road. For weekly groceries, residents can walk or drive to Aldi, less than 1 mile east of town or head to Giant Eagle Supermarket, just over 2 miles southwest. Along with Brodhead Road, U.S. Interstate Highway 376 flanks the neighborhood, making New Sheffield a viable option for those commuting to Pittsburgh. Public transit is also easily accessible, with bus stops lining Brodhead Road. To head out of the country, drive just over 10 miles south to Pittsburgh International Airport.