Charleroi preserves its history and welcomes a diverse population
Situated at the bend of the Monongahela River, the borough of Charleroi is one of 38 municipalities that make up the Mon Valley. Originally, in the early 20th century, the borough was an employment destination for those looking for work in glass and steel factories. “I love the history of this place. We got the name from Charleroi in Belgium, since we were largely put on the map by Belgian immigrants manufacturing glass,” says the borough manager, Joseph Manning. As time went on, Charleroi was affected by deindustrialization and would find itself looking for new avenues of growth.
Throughout the 21st century, Charleroi welcomed waves of immigrants from Haiti, who were initially introduced to the borough through an employment agency that worked with Fourth Street Foods, a packaging plant. In 2024, the area gained unsuspected spotlight from news outlets worldwide, reporting on its surprisingly large Haitian population. “For us, it was never news. They’re just everyday members of our borough. It’s very diverse here, and we have gorgeous historic churches of all faiths involved in community aid.”
Historic downtown Charleroi features boutiques and family dining.
St. John’s Lutheran Church anchors Charleroi’s historic district.
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Historic homes, from Craftsman properties to National Folk styles
Charleroi is not a world of new construction; noticeable is the presence of antique architecture that stands proudly on the gridded downtown streets. “We’re being very proactive in taking down blighted properties and trying to get new homes put up after they’re torn down, or turning the empty lots into pocket parks,” Manning says. Most homes in Charleroi were built between 1900 and 1950, and styles are diverse, from modest cottages and National Folk properties to original Craftsman houses. Houses can sell anywhere between $13,000 and $205,000, depending on the amount of renovation needed. The neighborhood has a healthy mix of renters and owners, as many larger buildings have been converted into condominiums and duplexes.
Historic homes sit close together along Fallowfield Avenue.
Victorian homes are common across Charleroi’s older neighborhoods.
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Diverse recreation in Charleroi and revitalizing park spaces
The community has several small green spaces spread throughout, but the most popular recreational spots are situated along the Monongahela River. Charleroi Community Park offers a playground, a walking trail by the waterside, a basketball court and a softball field. “We have a couple of parks that are getting new pavilions set up with electric and water so that we can host different events there in the future. We’re excited to see these new projects completed,” Manning says. A boat launch is located at the end of 2nd Street, where locals can push off kayaks and nonmotorized crafts into the river.
Charleroi Trustees Community Park has multiple baseball fields for little league games.
Magic City Riverfront Park offers trails and river access.
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Historic downtown has boutiques, world markets and family restaurants
McKean and Fallowfield avenues, running through Charleroi’s historic downtown district, are lined with independently owned boutiques, international grocery markets and locally owned restaurants. The River House Café has been serving steak and seafood to the community for nearly two decades, while eateries such as the family-owned Mexi Taco are newer to the dining scene. “We’ve been demolishing empty storefronts in different areas of the borough proper so we can bring in more businesses,” Manning says. “We have a very ambitious committee hoping to bring in a microbrewery, a deli, fun new things. They’ve been consulting the borough council to see what viable businesses for our economy will be.”
Friends and family meet for lunch at Lenzi's Restaurant near Charleroi.
Tim's Secret Treasures is a fascinating antique store in Charleroi.
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Students can earn credits through apprenticeships and service
The Charleroi Area School District serves the community, which gets a C-plus from Niche. Most kids living in Charleroi will start at Charleroi Elementary Center, which earns a C-plus, before heading to C-rated Charleroi Area Middle. Charleroi Area High, with a B-minus rating, offers five different pathways that allow students to meet the graduation standard. Aside from the traditional classroom setting, the high school has several ways students may earn credits, whether from career apprenticeships, service projects or industry-based certifications.
Charleroi Elementary School is a public K-5 school.
Charleroi Area Middle and High School are public schools and housed in one complex.
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Community gathering during vibrant Magic City Saturday
Charleroi’s many churches put on small events throughout the year, such as community dinners and charity drives, but the summertime brings the community’s most anticipated gathering. “We have an annual event called Magic City Saturday around Fourth of July, where we do a big fireworks show and bring in bands, the whole thing,” Manning says. “Our Haitian community does a huge march during the parade and puts on a public brunch at the Presbyterian church in our historic district.”
Major highways connect Charleroi to Pittsburgh and Columbus
Charleroi sits by several thoroughfares, including but not limited to Route 43 and Interstate 70. Residents can use Route 43 to travel 27 miles north into Pittsburgh, while I-70 runs east to cities such as Columbus. While Charleroi has a small health center, Penn Highlands Mon Valley, a 24-hour hospital, is only 4 miles away in Monongahela. Pittsburgh International Airport is 50 miles away on the city’s northeast side for commercial flights on major airlines.
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On average, homes in Charleroi, PA sell after 81 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Charleroi, PA over the last 12 months is $80,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Stylish & newly remodeled 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home offering the perfect blend of modern comfort and neighborhood charm. Located in a quiet, quaint setting with fresh renovations, bright living spaces, and a functional layout designed for today’s lifestyle. Three spacious bedrooms provide flexibility for family, guests, or a home office. Conveniently located with quick access to Rt. 70, Rt. 88,
Investor Special! Unlock the potential in this unique multi-unit property featuring a separate house and an apartment building on one lot. This is the perfect opportunity for investors, flippers, or buyers looking to build equity while generating rental income. The property includes a 3-bedroom single family home, one 2-bedroom apartment unit. Additional units in the building in need of
Welcome to this ready to go, single floor living, two bedroom home! Excellent location in North Charleroi with quick access to public transportation and shopping on Route 88 and Fallowfield. Before entering, the huge covered porch is beyond inviting. Upon entering, you will find a generously sized living room and kitchen, kitchen features built in shelving as well as Luxury Vinyl Plank for the
Roomy 2 bedroom home in great move in condition. Covered 14/07 front porch for enjoying the neighborhood. The kitchen is large with ample cabinetry and is open to the dining room area. Furnace and air are approx 5 years old, updated flooring, bath, and freshly painted. Small rear fenced yard for easy maintenance but plenty of space for your pet. 1280 square feet make each room large and open and
Welcome to this adorable home offering spacious rooms and a comfortable layout. The main level features a large living room and generously sized dining room, providing plenty of space for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen offers ample cabinet storage and a convenient first-floor laundry area just off the kitchen. The upper level features two spacious bedrooms and a den area that
Welcome to this charming three-bedroom (currently being used as four), one bathroom home located in the heart of Charleroi. This property offers comfortable living with a functional layout. Outside you will find a generously sized yard that provides a great space for outdoor activities, gardening or entertaining. This home is conveniently located near shops and restaurants.
Welcome to 502 Liberty Ave, North Charleroi, PA 15022—a promising investment opportunity located in the heart of North Charleroi. This property offers a versatile layout that could easily be converted into a duplex, maximizing rental potential and flexibility for various living arrangements. Recently updated, this property boasts extensive improvements over the last two years, including new
INVESTOR OPPORTUNITY IN CHARLEROI!!! This SPACIOUS 3 Bedroom 1 Bath home with LARGE Rooms, LARGE Covered front porch, nice flat back yard, nice corner lot. With a little TLC, this home is great for INVESTORS OR FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS! SOLD AS-IS. CONVENIENTLY LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE OF TOWN!! WALKING DISTANCE TO SHOPS AND RESTRAUNTS, PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. EASY ACCESS TO 88 AND 70! GREAT LOCATION!
Add a high-performing asset to your portfolio with this spacious 3 bedroom home, perfectly situated directly across from the local park. This property was tenant-occupied and cash flowing from day one, making it an ideal "buy and hold" addition or a great SINGLE FAMILY HOME! Key Features & Recent Upgrades: Mechanical Peace of Mind: Features a newer furnace and hot water tank, significantly
Welcome to 910 Lincoln Avenue. The eat-in kitchen is complete with an electric stove and refrigerator. Easy access to garage is appreciated when unloading groceries. Large living room with lots of natural light flowing from the front window. Den area is being used as an office and an extra storage area. Primary bedroom can accommodate large furniture and has access to rear deck. Full bath has
This spacious home offers flexibility, functionality, and opportunity in one versatile property. Thoughtfully updated over the past several years, the home features generous room sizes and adaptable spaces designed to fit a variety of lifestyles. The main level includes well-proportioned living, kitchen, and dining areas that can be arranged to suit your needs. A bonus room—complete with
Store front property with two upper level apartments. Situated on a highly visible main street on the bus line, the building offers two off-street parking spaces in the rear, and is adjacent to a large side public parking lot. Commercial unit is a "blank slate" and would be well-suited for a variety of purposes, whether office or retail. New Anderson windows throughout. Well built brick building
This charming two-bedroom, one-bathroom home has been freshly updated with new flooring and paint throughout. The first floor features a spacious living room and eat-in kitchen. Upstairs, you’ll find both bedrooms and a full bathroom. Additional features include laundry hookups in the basement, off-street parking, and the option for tenants to provide window A/C units.
You're going to love this open floor plan! The first floor features the living room, upgraded kitchen, full bath and laundry room. Upstairs you'll find the 3 bedrooms and a conveniently located 1/2 bath. This home has been extremely well maintained and upgraded through the years. There are 2 decks which are perfect for kicking back in the evenings. Additional storage is available in the shed.
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