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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1103 Dallas Ave is ready to impress with its stunning new look—featuring updates throughout and high-end finishes. This fully renovated home offers peace of mind with major improvements including a new metal roof, windows, HVAC system, electrical, appliances, and expanded exterior parking—making it feel practically brand new. The redesigned front porch showcases beautiful woodwork and new
Welcome to this beautifully updated 1-bedroom, 1-bath home featuring a brand new modern kitchen and bathroom, fresh paint, new flooring, and plush carpet throughout. Enjoy off-street parking in the back of the house. This home has been completely redone from the drywall to insulation, to electric, to plumbing, newer hot water tank, & furnace. Bedroom & Bathroom located on 2nd floor. Great back
This home features new siding, roof, and hot water tank for worry-free living. Enjoy a beautiful four-season roomoverlooking the back lot, with access to a spacious Trex deck—perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The large kitchen offersabundant cabinetry and an open dining area. The finished lower level includes sliding-door access to the parking area,providing both convenience and
Junni MendleowskiHOWARD HANNA REAL ESTATE SERVICES
Completely renovated 2-bedroom, 1-bath raised ranch in Natrona Heights showcasing high-quality craftsmanship and exceptional attention to detail throughout. The main living area offers a spacious, open layout that flows seamlessly into the eat-in kitchen, featuring beautifully finished cabinetry and a clean, modern design. The fully updated bathroom includes a tiled tub/shower and sharp,
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
1103 Dallas Ave is ready to impress with its stunning new look—featuring updates throughout and high-end finishes. This fully renovated home offers peace of mind with major improvements including a new metal roof, windows, HVAC system, electrical, appliances, and expanded exterior parking—making it feel practically brand new. The redesigned front porch showcases beautiful woodwork and new
This is a home built for entertaining and just good relaxation. Floor plan is flexible with 2 huge bedrooms on the 1st and 2nd levels. The lower finished level could be an in-law suite already with a full bath and mini kitchen. Pergo style floors, crown moldings added in the main level ensuite huge bedroom and larger bedroom on the second level. Walk in closets, custom accent tile in the kitchen
Staci RulloBERKSHIRE HATHAWAY THE PREFERRED REALTY
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
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Residential building lot. Completely level. Recently cleared for build. All utilities are available. Peoples Gas. West Penn Power Electric. Harrison Township Water Authority. Upper Allegheny Joint Sanitary Authority Sewage. Noble Environmental/County Hauling Refuse.
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Property Id: 1447822Bright and Fully Renovated 3-Bedroom Upper Unit in DuplexThis beautifully updated 3-bedroom upstairs unit offers modern living with a fresh touch. Every detail has been redone, from the floors to the ceilings, ensuring a pristine and comfortable home. The kitchen features all-new cabinets, providing ample storage, while the completely updated bathroom adds
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This property located at 1303 Lengel Ave offers 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms within a spacious 1,650 square feet. The living room provides ample space for relaxation and entertainment, while the kitchen is equipped with essential appliances, including a refrigerator. The bathrooms feature a combination of tub and shower facilities. Each bedroom is designed for comfort and privacy. Exterior
Spacious 2 bedroom, 1 bath duplex. Large kitchen, living room, and full bath on 1st floor, 2 bedrooms upstairs. Full basement with washer / dryer hookups. Central AC! Updated kitchen, new flooring and freshly painted throughout. Convenient to shopping and Rt. 28! Rent includes water, sewage, and trash.
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