Countryside living in Pittsburgh
In Frazer Township, those who want to feel free from busy city life in downtown Pittsburgh will find solace. The township was established in 1920 and named after Robert S. Frazer, a Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice. For many decades, it was known as a popular coal mining area. Today, the neighborhood provides a population of just over 1,000 residents that make up a peaceful community with an expansive park and a popular shopping destination. “If you want to live in the country, move to Frazer,” says Connie Rusek-Lichok, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty who has been selling homes in the area for nearly two decades. Frazer has a mix of rural and suburban living with lots of farmland and green space available for homebuyers, says Patricia Garrigan, a Realtor at Century 21 American Heritage who has worked in the township for over a decade.
Feed the geese at Deer Lakes Park
Residents have access to Deer Lakes Park, a huge green space that stretches over a thousand acres and has three lakes for fishers. People stroll past the lakes for pretty views of the woods reflected on the water or to say hello to the many geese who call this park home. There is also a disc golfing course and picnic tables here, perfect for a fun summer day. Riverside Park is a popular place for outdoor recreation, with baseball fields, a running track, and tennis and basketball courts. For indoor recreation, people visit the Pittsburgh Indoor Sports Arena. The nearest golf course is Pittsburgh National Golf Club.
Watch the newest movie at The Galleria
People can get a bit of retail therapy at The Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills, which has over 25 stores to browse. There’s also a movie theatre attached, where folks can enjoy blockbuster movies while relaxing in reclining seats with a popcorn bucket in hand. Meanwhile, space and science enthusiasts can head to Wagman Observatory, located in Deer Lakes Park, to see the stars. The Observatory is also a popular place for school field trips.
Cape Cods starting at $90,000
Northeast of Pittsburgh, Frazer Township provides a countryside feel with houses sprinkled along long winding roads. Most homes have driveways, detached garages and sizeable yards. Some homes are older, but there’s also a bit of new construction happening near the mall, according to Garrigan. Potential homebuyers have the option of Cape Cods with small porches and ranch-style homes that range between $90,000 to $250,000.
Learn entrepreneurship at Deer Lakes High
Deer Lakes School District serves children in Frazer Township and earns a B-plus from Niche. Children can attend East Union Intermediate School, which receives a B-minus, before advancing to Deer Lakes Middle School, which earns a B and has an anti-bullying program. Students can move on to Deer Lakes High School, which has a B-minus from Niche and offers a student-run coffee shop that teaches them how to run a business. The nearest private school is Cheswick Christian Academy, which receives a B-minus from Niche and is just 7 miles away. There are also many churches in the township, including Bull Creek Presbyterian Church and Forged in Faith.
Shop and dine at Pittsburgh Mills
Most people do grocery runs at the Walmart near Pittsburgh Mills. There is also an Aldi’s, Lowe’s and other retail options in the shopping center. For a tasty meal, diners can pick between many restaurants at Pittsburgh Mills, like Smokey Bones Tarentum, a laidback BBQ spot, or TJ Buffet Sushi and Grill, which serves Chinese food buffet-style. Stello's Pizzeria is a dining option that’s separate from the mall, where people can grab a quick bite to eat. As for nightlife, there are two popular bars in Frazer. Elwood’s Pub offers live music, while Blue Haven Lounge has pool tables for patrons.
Commute via Route 28
Due to the lack of public transportation, commuters have to hop on Pennsylvania Route 28 to reach downtown Pittsburgh. While the Pittsburgh Northeast Airport is nearby, frequent flyers have other options when it comes to traveling. This includes the Allegheny County Airport, just 30 miles away, and the Pittsburgh International Airport, which is 37 miles away.