Smaller neighborhoods like Birdville and Natrona built up over a century of Allegheny River-based industrialization, melding into the established township of Harrison. Far from stuck in the past, Harrison Township continues to support a community of small businesses, riverfront industries and generations of longtime residents. “Highland Tire, Anchor Inn, Czekalski Real Estate – some of us have been in business for around 60 years. There’s a lot of shopping, restaurants, we have access to doctors and the ATI Steel Mill still open down in Brackenridge,” says Christine Spece, an associate broker at Czekalski Real Estate who has lived in Harrison her entire life. “It’s very much a community – everyone seems to know each other.” Under the lights at Highlands football games, on riverfront hiking trails and in a 20th-century steel mill filled with 21st-century steelworkers, Harrison doubles as an economic and community center within the Alle Kiski Valley and as a bedroom community to Pittsburgh.
Tightly packed homes sit along tree‑lined neighborhood streets in Harrison.
Inside at the Natrona Heights Fall Festival, there are more activities for families to enjoy.
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Single-family homes from $60,000
Since the mid-20th century, Harrison Township has developed a colorful mix of small, simple single-family homes along grassy blocks. Prewar homes like National gable fronts and American Foursquares blend with Minimal Traditional designs and bungalows, selling for $60,000 to $280,000 depending on square footage and renovation levels. Homes built in the 1950s through 1970s take similar forms and introduce other popular vernacular styles, including ranch-style homes, Cape Cods and Colonial Revival homes with higher square footage and two floors of living space, selling for $70,000 to $390,000, depending on square footage, lot size and upkeep. Homes in need of serious rehabilitation sell for under $60,000. While some streets are lined with extensive, tree-shaded sidewalks, others have only spotty, disappearing stretches or no sidewalk at all.
In Harrison, a colonial home is great for a growing family.
American Foursquare and bungalow style houses line the streets in Harrison.
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Route 28 and PRT buses into Pittsburgh
Commuters have a 23-mile drive into downtown Pittsburgh on Route 28. The Allegheny County Flyer PRT bus runs along Freeport Road from Harrison to the city on weekday mornings and evenings. Health care services and employment are closer to home at Allegheny Valley Hospital and several smaller UPMC medical centers.
Shopping and dining along Freeport Road
Running parallel to the Allegheny River, Freeport Road is Harrison Township’s main commercial thoroughfare. Strip malls like Heights Plaza and Highlands Mall connect shoppers to larger retailers such as Community Supermarket, Walmart, and Tractor Supply, as well as smaller specialty stores and banks. Regional chains like Pittsburgh’s smiley cookie supplier, Eat‘n Park, and smaller franchises like Freedom Square Diner serve familiar diner ambiance and menus, while locally owned gems like J & S Pizza cultivate loyal customer bases with family recipes. Anchor Inn has been in business since 1953 and is well-loved for its broad, homestyle menu and sea-faring window paintings and decor. Several fast food chains and gas stations like Sheetz have locations throughout the township.
Anchor Inn is a naturally lit restaurant with a warm atmosphere.
Freedom Square Diner is a great spot to take the family for breakfast.
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Harrison Hills Park and Allegheny River Access
Harrison Hills Park is a destination park for both township residents and Rachel Carson Trail hikers making their way to the path’s eastern terminus. Shorter hiking trails running through the woods to a scenic overlook of the Allegheny River and a wooden boardwalk observation deck over wetlands are popular with park-goers, as are the playgrounds, soccer fields and fishing lake. Smaller parks are peppered throughout the township, including Bushman Field, home of the Rams Youth Football Organization and Natrona Community Park, which added new mosaics of native birds, fish and other wildlife to its playground and green space. Several blocks away, the Three Rivers Water Trail Natrona Access launches boaters into the Allegheny River. The Sylvan Park Pool is open to members during the warmer months.
Enjoy a hike or run at Rachel Carson Trail in Fawn Township.
Grab a friend and hike the hill of Rachel Carson Trail.
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Golden Rams football games
Highlands Early Childhood Center serves prekindergarten through kindergarten and earns a C-plus from Niche. Highlands Elementary School, formerly called Grandview, serves first through fourth grades and earns a C. Highlands Middle School and Highland High School each earn a C-plus. While high schoolers enjoy diverse extracurriculars, Golden Ram pride is especially great during football season. “Everybody loves football. You can hear cheering from the stadium pretty much throughout the community on Friday nights,” Spece says.
Highlands Elementary School serves students in grades K-5.
Highlands Senior High School has a C-plus rating on Niche.
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Harrison Hills Park and Guardian Angels Parish events
Rotating Allegheny County Parks events take over the lawns and pavilions of Harrison Hills Park, including lawn chair concerts during the Acoustics Series and pop-up Movies in the Park viewings. The Guardian Angels Parish hosts popular annual events, such as the festival that takes over the grounds at Most Blessed Sacrament Church for four nights each July. Hot summer breezes carry the sounds of live music and the smell of powdered sugar-topped funnel cakes through rows of carnival rides and game booths.
All performances are free at the Acoustics Series event at Harrison Hill Park.
The Natrona Heights Fall Festival is a great way for the community to come together.
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Natrona flooding
During unusually heavy rain, areas of Natrona that lie low along the Allegheny River can be prone to storm surge and flooding. Away from the river, Little Bull Creek creates another flood plain.
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Move right into this Beautifully maintained Brick Ranch offering Far More Space than meets the Eye! Nestled in a quaint Harrison Township neighborhood surrounded by mature landscaping, this inviting home features 2 Spacious Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths, and Quality Updates throughout. Step inside to a Welcoming Entry with two closets and Gleaming Hardwood Floors that flow throughout the main level. The
Beautifully Maintained 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Brick Multi-Level on a Nearly 1⁄2-Acre Level Lot! Nestled on a picturesque .47-acre lot surrounded by mature trees, this inviting home offers Generous Living Space, thoughtful Updates including a New Roof/Gutters/Downspouts and Exceptional Outdoor Amenities. A welcoming entry with coat closet opens to a Bright and Spacious Living Room and adjoining Dining
Classic Stone Two-Story Home with Endless Potential! Opportunity awaits in this 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home featuring timeless character and excellent bones. With a durable slate roof and completely replaced sewage line system, this property is ready for its next owner to add their personal touch. Original hardwood floors are throughout much of the living space. The kitchen features brand-new
Welcome to this Beautifully Updated ALL NEW 1-bedroom, 1-bath Home featuring a brand NEW modern kitchen and bathroom, fresh paint, new flooring, and plush carpet throughout. ALL NEW off-street parking area in the back of the house. Great size lot, plenty of room for gardening and summer fun! This home has been completely redone from the drywall to insulation, to electric, to plumbing, newer hot
Move right in and start making memories! Featuring a new heating and cooling system, new vinyl flooring throughout, and a new basement staircase, this beautifully maintained home offers the perfect blend of modern updates, generous living space, and everyday comfort. The bright and welcoming main level flows seamlessly from the living room to the dining area and spacious kitchen. At the heart of
Lovely Residential Building Lot in a community of custom homes and varied architecture. Large Corner Lot. Nice elevation Ideal for Walk out Basement. Public Utilities available at the curb and all underground. Some mature trees. Bring your builder or we can recommend one. Easy access to 28 and all that Pittsburgh has to offer for business, medical, education, sports, cultural, art and
Lovely Residential Building in Lot Tara Estates -- a community of custom homes and varied architecture. Nice elevation Ideal for Walk out Basement. Public Utilities available for tap in-- all underground. Some mature trees. Bring your builder or we can recommend one. Easy access to 28 and all that Pittsburgh has to offer for business, medical, education, sports, cultural, art and entertainment.
This beautifully renovated home is move-in ready and features brand new bathrooms and a completely updated kitchen. Enjoy stylish new flooring throughout and freshly painted walls that create a bright, inviting atmosphere. The formal dining room offers convenient access to the back deck and a private backyard, perfect for entertaining or relaxing outdoors. The spacious living room and large
Tucked away in a private and secluded setting, this three bedroom two full bath home offers the perfect combination of comfort, space and peaceful surroundings. Nestled on a picturesque property, the home provides a serene retreat while still offering convenient access to nearby amenities. Inside you will find an inviting layout featuring an equipped kitchen with plenty of cabinetry and
WELCOME HOME to a UNIQUE and VERSATILE property offering SPACE, and FLEXIBILITY in a HIGHLY WALKABLE LOCATION. This HOME is ideal for a FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER, INVESTOR, or anyone looking for MULTI FUNCTIONAL LIVING. Step inside to a LIVING ROOM featuring a LARGE PICTURE WINDOW that adds character and charm, while the FRONT PORCH provides additional COVERED OUTDOOR SPACE. The home offers a LARGE
31-33 Wood Street is a fully occupied, turn key brick duplex in the village of Natrona! These are side by side, 2 bedroom 1 bath units both of which have covered porches front and rear with one off street parking spot per unit in the alley, along with plenty of street parking out front. This could be a great first investment property, or an addition to your current rental portfolio! Walking
Built in 1953, this 2 story, mostly brick home features 3 or 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths and 1 half bath. 1 car integral garage. Beautiful hardwood floors in living room. New flooring on first floor. 2 wood burning fireplaces. One in living room and one in game room in lower level. Updated bath on main floor. One half bath on upper level. Lower level has a second full bath with stand up shower.
Beautiful, fully renovated 5 unit brick apartment building available as a turn-key investment! All 5 units have brand new kitchens with soft close cabinetry and formica countertops with tile backsplash, all new flooring throughout consisting of carpeted bedrooms and LVT living areas, all brand new bathrooms with tile tub / shower surrounds, LED lighting throughout all units and common areas, all
Move right into this Beautifully maintained Brick Ranch offering Far More Space than meets the Eye! Nestled in a quaint Harrison Township neighborhood surrounded by mature landscaping, this inviting home features 2 Spacious Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths, and Quality Updates throughout. Step inside to a Welcoming Entry with two closets and Gleaming Hardwood Floors that flow throughout the main level. The
Beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 1-bath brick ranch home available for lease in a quiet, established neighborhood. The mainfloor offers a bright and inviting living room, dining area, and an updated kitchen complete with all appliances. You’ll also find afull bathroom and three generously sized bedrooms, providing a comfortable one-level living. The lower level boasts a
Pacific Highlands Apartments are superbly situated in the heart of Natrona Heights, within walking distance of convenience shopping, restaurants and Highlands Schools. Convenient to the area's top employers, RIDC Park and the area's largest hospital, Pacific Highlands is close to everything. There is easy access to Route 28 to Downtown Pittsburgh and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Our 1 & 2 bedroom
AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY! One bedroom duplex for rent in Tarentum. This second floor unit features one large bedroom, a nice sized living room, spacious kitchen and a full bath. This is conveniently located near parks, shopping and access to the highways for an easy commute. This property features one off street parking spot in the rear of the residence. Street parking is available in
For Rent – 1,600 Sq Ft Commercial Space in a Prime Brackenridge Location! Position your business for success along highly visible Freeport Road in Brackenridge. Most recently used as a medical office, this versatile 1,600 square foot commercial space offers a functional layout with endless potential for a variety of professional or service-based uses. The space features 5 exam rooms or private
1525 Freeport Rd is over 2000 square feet of office space. Located in the heart of Natrona Heights this two story office building sees over 16k cars per day drive by. The building is split into ten rooms between the two floors. Parking in the front on Freeport Rd. and a huge parking lot in the rear.
Prime commercial office along Freeport Road. Zoned B-1 Business District. Numerous uses allowed. 750 square feet. Huge main room formerly used as retail. 2nd large room was formerly a private office with sliding windows. New powder room. Additional room has tons of electrical outlets, used as kitchen/storage. Rent is $850 and security $850, due at signing of lease. 1 to 3 year lease preferred.
Well maintained 2 bedroom, 2 bath single family home with den/office. $1,300/Mo + $1,300 security deposit. Tenant pays all utilities. 1-2 year lease. Living room (13x13). Dining Rm (13x12). Kitchen (12x10). Bedroom (11x10). Bedroom (10x10). Office/Den (11x10). New central air. Freshly painted kitchen cabinets with new counters/sink. Nice double electric stove & refrigerator. One year old
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