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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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an experienced agent in this area.
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