Historic small town along the banks of the Monongahela River
Brownsville was once predicted to become the next Pittsburgh, and it was well on its way, rising in the ranks to become a major industrial center and transportation hub in the late 1800s. But, as with many suburbs, the restructuring of major industries led people to leave in favor of cities. Remnants of its industrial past remain, but today, Brownsville can largely be categorized as a small riverside town where local businesses dot the streets. It’s a “quaint community where everyone knows each other,” says Jamie Knisley Santore, a Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway. Santore was born and raised here and has been selling homes in the area for 12 years. Brownsville, just 36 miles from Pittsburgh, is also the home of eight sites on the National Register of Historic Places, including Nemacolin Castle and the Gothic Revival-style St. Peter’s Church, the oldest continuously operating parish in Western PA.
Brownsville offers investment opportunities through historic homes needing TLC
Colonial Revival homes with red brick facades, four square homes with symmetrical windows, and Cape Cods with gabled roofs are among the most popular styles. Victorian, Tudor Revival and ranch-style homes also dot the streets, though they are harder to come by. Older homes needing some TLC can start below $20,000, offering investment opportunities. “We’ve had a lot of young people come in and fix up the older homes,” Santore says. Newly remodeled houses can sell for nearly $200,000.
Brownsville is full of diverse architecture.
Some homes in Brownsville date back to 1811.
1/2
Over 1,500 students attend Brownsville Area School District schools
Kids may attend schools in the Brownsville Area School District, starting at Brownsville Area Elementary School, graded a C-minus on Niche. They can continue their schooling at Brownsville Area Middle School and Brownsville Area High School, both graded a C-minus or better on Niche. At Brownsville Area High, students can take advanced placement classes or sign up for dual enrollment classes through Westmoreland County Community College.
The entrance to Brownsville Area High School.
Brownsville youth start their education at Brownsville Area Elementary School.
1/2
The Monongahela River is a popular destination for outdoor recreation
Brownsville Riverside Warf Park sits along the Monongahela River and provides residents with direct access to water, shared by recreational and commercial watercraft. The park features a boat ramp, terrace area and fishing platforms. Less than 3 miles away is the 467-acre Patsy Hillman Park, which offers hiking and biking trails, picnicking spots, shaded pavilions, a lake, and sports fields.
A bridge straddling the Monongahela River connects Brownsville to West Brownsville.
A walking trail along the Monongahela River in Brownsville.
1/2
Shopping and dinning options can be found along Market Street, High Street
The Pizza Plug on Market Street is a local favorite known for its generously topped pies. Hot Dogs and More is another fan favorite and offers everything from chili dogs to uniquely flavored ice cream. Several other eateries dot High Street, including the Picker’s Pub & Grub, a hometown bar and grill, and The Sandwich Shop & Deli, a family-owned store that serves NY bagels and cold-cut sandwiches. There are also several local retailers and service providers. Elmo’s on 2nd Street is a one-stop shop for coffee and computer lovers. This unique shop sells both custom computers and hot lattes. Market Street Barbershop is a veteran-owned and operated business in Brownsville’s North Side Historic District, and just a short walk away is Market Street Emporium, an antique store brimming with eclectic goods. For additional shopping needs, residents head across the river to the Walmart in West Brownsville.
The Sandwich Shop & Deli in Brownsville serves up MTO sandwiches.
The Pizza Plug piles on the toppings for Brownsville foodies.
1/2
Brownsville Historical Society offers hoilday tours, events
Nemacolin Castle, or Bowman’s Castle, is the third oldest castle in the US. It was once a private residence, but today, it’s owned and operated by the Brownsville Historical Society, which hosts Victorian tea parties and ghost and holiday tours. The historical society also offers tours through Brownsville’s historical districts. Residents can participate in other events throughout the year, including an annual charity gingerbread house-building contest at the Peter J. Daley Cultural Center and the annual fishing rodeo at Patsy Hillman Park.
Look around Brownsville and experience the history of this area.
The Steamboat Enterprise of 1814 launched at Brownsville.
1/2
State Routes 43, 88 are nearby
While downtown Brownsville is walkable, most residents own cars. U.S. Route 40, or the National Road, runs through town, making westward travel convenient. Pennsylvania State Routes 43 and 88 are also nearby and lead to Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh International Airport is a bit further out, 60 miles away. Public Transit is available through Brownsville’s public bus lines. The Brownsville Express runs Monday through Friday and transports residents around town.
Photography Contributed By
Alan Battles
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Brian Schmidt,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Brownsville, PA sell after 80 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Brownsville, PA over the last 12 months is $117,000, up 27% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 400 Spring St! This spacious 3 bedroom brick home is conveniently located minutes to Route 43 & shopping! Situated on a corner lot, this home features a fantastic covered front porch! Generous sized rooms on main level with hard wood flooring. 3 bedrooms on upper level with full bathroom. Walk-up attic could serve as a bonus room or ample storage space!
Upstairs and downstairs duplex. New metal roof, upstairs have been renovated with exquisite upgrades! Downstairs has not been remodeled. Basement is useful storage space or could be a 3rd apartment. On and off street parking.
Seller financing is available on all of our properties. Low down payments, low monthly payments and no credit check. Everyone qualifies.A wonderful opportunity is ready for you on this charming almost half acre lot for sale in Brownsville, PA! Perfectly sized for building your dream home, this parcel offers a peaceful setting in a welcoming community. Enjoy the convenience of nearby
Beautifully renovated 3 bedroom home located in a quiet neighborhood on a spacious half acre lot. This move in ready home features a stunning kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, along with comfortable living spaces perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Updates include new roof, siding, windows, bathrooms, flooring, fresh paint, new HVAC system, etc. Bonus room
Welcome to this charming and well-maintained home at 210 Brown St! Featuring 2 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, this inviting property offers comfortable living space with plenty of room to make it your own. The spacious eat-in kitchen is perfect for everyday meals and gathering with family and friends, while the bright living room is filled with natural light, creating a warm and welcoming
Melissa ComplimentBERKSHIRE HATHAWAY THE PREFERRED REALTY
This 3 bed/1 bath home has a lot to offer including an amazing view. Recent updates throughout the home. Lots of extras including a 2-car carport, central A/C, a shed, and a fenced yard. Hardwood floors throughout the house.
Move right into this charming 4-bedroom Craftsman-style home on spacious parcel at 107 Telegraph Road. It offers 1 full bath and 1 half bath, generous living spaces, fully fenced in back yard, and a laundry room on the main floor. A large covered front porch welcomes you. Walk inside where you’ll find a spacious living room with a gas fireplace. The separate dining room, also featuring a gas
Michele VasiloffBERKSHIRE HATHAWAY THE PREFERRED REALTY
Welcome home to this spacious four-bedroom beauty! The main-level primary suite and first-floor laundry make everyday living easy, while the eat-in kitchen features plenty of cabinet space, a breakfast bar, and a built-in desk. Enjoy hosting in the bright formal dining room or relax by the cozy brick fireplace in the oversized living room. Upstairs you’ll find three generously sized bedrooms and
Welcome to 208 Stone Church Road, a home that’s ready for its next chapter! Beautifully maintained (new carpet was just installed) and truly move in ready, this home offers the kind of space that’s hard to find. With 4 generously sized bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, there’s room for everyone to spread out while still feeling right at home. Outside, you’ll appreciate the convenience of both a
Home is uninhabitable and is in a partial state of being gutted. Has a nice floor plan and could be a very nice home once renovated. Another option would be to tear down the structure and build a new home on the lot, if permitted by zoning.
SPECTACULAR VIEWS! Approximately 88 Acres of Private Industrial zoned land overlooking the Monongahela river. Could be fully or partially timbered to create the dream location for many Business or Recreational uses! There are 2 access roads to the property from Hancock Rd that run throughout a majority of the parcel.
Located in a convenient location, this CHARMING HOME features an OPEN MAIN LEVEL with HIGH CEILINGS, LVP FLOORING, and NICE-SIZED ROOMS. Enjoy the SPACIOUS FRONT PORCH, FENCED BACKYARD with a MATURE SHADE TREE, and OFF-STREET PARKING. The ROOF was replaced in 2023, and you can catch a VIEW OF THE MONONGAHELA RIVER from an upstairs window. Home will need some ELECTRICAL WORK. Bring your vision and
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
