Donora is a Washington County borough dubbed “The Home of Champions” for its notable list of native athletes. But this area is also home to easy river access, multiple parks, a walkable downtown area and a stylish array of classic homes, making it enticing to both residents and investors. The borough is just about 30 miles south of Pittsburgh, too.
Donora displays some of the athletes that had their start here.
Donora is home to Stan "The Man" Musial, one of baseball's greats!
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Single and multifamily homes in Donora
Donora features a mix of homes with both single-family and multifamily layouts. Many houses here date back to the early to mid-20th century, a collection of colonial-style options. It’s common for buyers to secure properties in Donora to fix up. “It’s a great rental area,” says local Realtor Michael Findle of Century 21 Frontier Realty, who has been selling in the area since 2019. “That’s where all my sales are. I have investors that want to buy there.” Some of these houses come with stately brick exteriors. “They have curb appeal,” Findle says. The homes around Donora stretch around 1,300 square feet on average, and lots span from about 3,000 square feet to 7,500 square feet. Houses here stand along a network of sidewalk-lined residential streets. Properties usually have on-street parking. Sales prices in Donora start at around $30,000 for a fixer-upper and can reach the mid-$200,000s for an option already fully renovated.
Homes line the hilly streets of Donora.
You can find various styles of homes here.
Older homes in Donora are kept looking great by residents.
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The Ringgold School District
Children in Donora can attend schools in the Ringgold School District, starting at Ringgold Elementary South. Ringgold Elementary South has a C overall rating on Niche and among its programs is a STEM Night, full of hands-on activities for students and their families. Students can then move on to Ringgold Middle, which has a C-minus overall grade on Niche and class offerings that include an automation and robotics course for seventh and eighth graders. Students at the B-minus-rated Ringgold High have access to the Mon Valley Career & Technology Center where they can take on a major on topics like automotive technology, computer engineering, culinary arts and welding.
Ringgold Elementary School.
Ringgold Middle School.
Ringgold High School prepares Donora students for the future.
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Valley Transit stops can be found all through Donora.
Hop on Route 51 to Pittsburgh
Residents can hop on nearby Route 51 to get to Pittsburgh, a trip of just about 28 miles. Those who live here can also use Interstate 70 to reach Washington, the seat of Washington County, in about 27 miles. Donora has several Mid Mon Valley Transit bus stops as well, making it even easier to get around the area.
Hit McKean Avenue for shopping and dining
McKean Avenue serves as Donora’s main street, a stretch where locals can stroll around and visit one of the area’s restaurants or other businesses. The Early Bird Diner is one of the options here, popular in part for its breakfast. The pancakes at Early Bird Diner are bigger than the plate. Anthony’s Italiano, meanwhile, is well-liked for its stuffed subs and pizza. Residents can also stop at the family-owned Donora Union Pharmacy for medication or a bite to eat — deli specials range from ravioli to fish sandwiches with fries. Locals can jet over to the Giant Eagle Supermarket in nearby Monongahela for groceries.
Anthony's is the place for Italian food in Donora.
Stop into Chub's Pub in Donora if you like great service.
Get your Donora themed tattoo at Alchemy Arts Tattoo & Permanent Makeup Studio.
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Parks named after baseball legends
The parks in Donora reflect some of the athletic talent that’s from here. The list includes baseball legends Ken Griffey Sr., Ken Griffey Jr. and Stan Musial. Griffey Sr. won a pair of World Series, and Griffey Jr. and Musial are Hall of Famers with 37 All-Star appearances between them. There’s a Ken Griffey Field in Donora, and also a Stan Musial Field across town in the 100-acre Palmer Park. Palmer Park also features a playground, tennis courts, three pavilions and an amphitheater. The Monongahela River runs right by Donora and is also a popular draw for outdoor fun. “A lot of people go kayaking. People do a lot of fishing,” Findle says. “The river has a lot of stuff to do.”
Tennis courts at Palmer Park.
Donnor Park has a gazebo and play area.
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Roll on into Roll 'R' Way in Donora.
Weekend fun at the Roll 'R' Way skate rink
Locals looking for some indoor entertainment can stop by the Roll ’R’ Way skate rink. This spot is known in part for its regular schedule of events, like a Community Funday with free admission and food and a Halloween Party. Roll ’R’ Way also has themed music events, like a Beyonce Skate Night and a Kane Brown vs. Luke Combs Night. The borough hosts Twinkle Bright Night on McKean Avenue each November, too, with fireworks, a Santa Clause appearance and more.
Photography Contributed By
Alan Battles
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Liz Baxendell,
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.
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On average, homes in Donora, PA sell after 98 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Donora, PA over the last 12 months is $74,000, up 20% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Two story aluminum sided, 2 bedroom and one bath. Large living room, sunny kitchen and first floor laundry. Upstairs 2 bedrooms and a bath with a shower. Walk-up attic for storage. No yard to mow! On street parking.
Welcome home to 641 3rd Steet!!! This home has been renovated and is ready for its next owner!!! It has a new kitchen with new appliances, two new bathrooms, all new flooring and has been freshly painted... The first floor has a huge living room, NEW kitchen, 6x7 foyer and a brand-new half bath... There are two nice sized bedrooms and a full bath upstairs... There could possibly be a 3rd bedroom
Spacious 4,356 sq ft multi-unit property featuring 6 beds / 2 baths and a large open main-level commercial/garage space. Ideal for investors or mixed-use conversion. Roof approx. 10 years old and 2 newer electrical boxes already installed. Exterior is solid and well-maintained. Interior needs light to moderate updates, offering strong upside potential. Includes rear access, yard space, and
Welcome home to 537 Thompson!!! This brick home has so much charm!!! 2 rooms have decorative fireplaces (Kitchen and master bedroom)... It can be a 4 or 5 bedroom... One of the bedrooms can be located on the main floor but that room could also be used for a living/family room as well... Main floor laundry... Huge 12x15 foyer... There are 3 bedrooms and a bathroom on the 2nd floor and another
Welcome to 118 Ida Street in the historic “Cement City” area of Donora! This charming home offers great potential for buyers looking to add their own personal touch. Step into a spacious living room that flows seamlessly into the kitchen, creating a functional and convenient layout for everyday living.The upper level features three comfortable bedrooms and a full bathroom. Downstairs, the
Welcome home to this fully updated 3-bedroom gem, where it feels like home from the moment you walk in. This property has been thoughtfully refreshed from top to bottom, offering the perfect blend of modern style and low-maintenance living. Step inside to a bright, open layout featuring all-new painting, crisp new trim work, and beautifully updated flooring that ties the whole home together. The
Charm, space, and an unbeatable Mon Valley location meet at 220 Brokaw Avenue in Donora, PA — a well-loved 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offering a rare double lot in Washington County's Ringgold School District. Enjoy small-town character with easy access to Pittsburgh's job centers, hospitals, and culture.Step onto the inviting front covered porch — built for morning coffee and evening hellos —
Looking for a cash flowing 2-bed duplex in Donora at an entry price point? This up and down duplex at 537 6th St offers two 2 bed, 1 bath units, both currently rented, making it a straightforward addition to a rental portfolio in the Ringgold School District. Welcome to 537 6th St in Donora, a 2-bed duplex in Donora designed for investors seeking immediate rental income. This up and down duplex
Welcome to 153 Ida Avenue, Donora—an excellent opportunity to own a solid 3-bedroom concrete home with great potential! Whether you're a first-time homebuyer looking to build equity, an investor searching for your next rental or flip, or someone ready to personalize a home to fit your style, this property is full of possibilities. With just a little TLC, this home can truly shine. Major updates
Welcome to this cozy and quaint home in Donora! This adorable 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home sits on a spacious corner lot with plenty of outdoor space in a peaceful neighborhood. When you enter the home, you will be pleasantly surprised by the open concept that connects the modern kitchen with the dining and living room spaces. This welcoming environment possesses both charm and grace! It has an
SPECTACULAR 5 BEDROOM 2 FULL BATH HOME IN THE HEART OF RINGGOLD SCHOOL DISTRICT. ACROSS FROM THE COMMUNITY PARK, THIS BEAUTIFUL HOME IS IN AN IDEAL LOCATION WITH BEING ON A CORNER LOT AND FULL ACCESS TO THE PLAYGROUND AND WALKING DISTANCE TO THE GENERAL STORE. WELCOME TO THE OVERSIZED COVERED FRONT PORCH, PERFECT FOR THAT MORNING CUP OF JOE OR WATCHING THE LITTLE ONES IN THE PARK. THE MAIN LEVEL
Opportunity is knocking... loud... this project has already had most of the demo completed - now you get to put it back together however you'd like. Make it into an income producing rental or into your next home. Either way, it's started and ready for you to construct your vision. Before we chat up the inside, let's talk about the location. Donora has a rich history in the wire, steel & zinc
Rich DallasBERKSHIRE HATHAWAY THE PREFERRED REALTY
Property Id: 2725929Spacious 2 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom Apartment available in Washington County located in the Ringgold School District. Conveniently located just 5 minutes from Walmart, grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping. Dollar General and a convenience store are nearby, and bus stops are within walking distance for easy transportation.Apartment features a comfortable layout in
Property Id: 2593351Welcome home to this beautifully updated 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom duplex in Donora Pa. This spacious unit feels like a full single-family home, offering generous room sizes, modern finishes, and bright natural light throughout. Fresh paint, modern gray flooring, and updated lighting create a clean, comfortable, and contemporary living space. The main level features a
Very nice. All on 1 floor. Walk in two steps from sidewalk. Kitchen has stove and refrigerator. Kitchen. Dining area and living room is a large room. Ceramic tile in kitchen. Hardwood floors throughout the rest of apartment. Parking is right in front of the apartment. Rent includes water sewage and garbage. You pay gas and electric No pets.
We are pleased to announce a freshly painted apartment available for rent in the quiet town of Donora. This unit is conveniently located near public transportation, shopping, and restaurants. Tenant pays all utilities.For your peace of mind and convenience, the building features 24-hour surveillance and an on-site coin-operated laundry facility.If you are interested, please call
Newly renovated 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom single family home. All new flooring and paint throughout. Front porch leads into the kitchen. Living room with a small balcony on the main level. 2 bedrooms and an updated bathroom with shower on the second level. Basement has a Pittsburgh potty, electric dryer hookup and an old horse stable. This unit does NOT have central air conditioning.All
Newly renovated 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom duplex. All new flooring, bathroom and paint throughout. New kitchen cabinets, countertop and brand new stainless steel appliances. Detached one car garage. All utilities and garbage paid by tenant.-Tenant responsible for lawn maintenance-Security deposit equal to one month's rent-No Pets-$25 application fee per adult for
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