Kennedy

Kennedy Township is a quiet community about 7 miles from Downtown Pittsburgh, bordering the Ohio River’s flowing waters to the north, and the region's largest shopping destination, Robinson Township, to the west. “Kennedy is one of those places full of lifelong residents,” says Diane McConaghy, Realtor with Re/Max Select Realty, who has over 10 years of experience in the industry. “It’s a close-knit community, and it’s common for families to help their children find their own house to buy in town.” In addition to its proximity to major amenities and the highly rated Montour School District, Kennedy Township attracts those looking for the comforts of suburbia and a community with deep roots. The Montour School District serves Kennedy Township, scoring an overall A on Niche. Kindergarten through fourth-grade students may attend Montour Elementary School, which offers hands-on experiences in design, engineering, arts and science through its open-resource lab that includes 3D printers and design software. In addition to earning an A on Niche, Montour Elementary also offers small class sizes with a 16-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. The A-rated David E. Williams Middle School serves fifth through eighth graders, and ninth through 12th graders may attend Montour High School, which also boasts an A rating on Niche, along with offering various Advanced Placement courses. Kennedy residents are also just 10 miles from the University of Pittsburgh, a renowned research institution. Subdivisions are scattered amongst gently rolling hills. Most neighborhoods consist of ranch- and raised ranch-style homes, “which makes it a great area for seniors looking for one-level living,” McConaghy says. Other streets feature bi-levels and the occasional Tudor, with prices ranging from the upper $100,000s to the low $300,000s. Spacious colonial-inspired homes, New Traditionals and new Craftsman-style builds sell on the higher end, ranging from the mid $300,000s to the mid $600,000s. "The mayor is working hard to increase development here,” says Realtor Jaime Chesney of Realty One Group Horizon, who has been in the industry for decades. There aren’t a lot of sidewalks here, but quiet roads dotted with tall oaks and Japanese maples offer a place for peaceful afternoon strolls. Townhouse communities with paved sidewalks sell from the upper $100,000s to just under $400,000, and condominiums are another option for those looking for less maintenance, ranging from the low $100,000s to the upper $200,000s. Prospective buyers should be aware that nearby winding streams like Chartiers Creek may pose flooding risks. Residents are just minutes from all Downtown Pittsburgh offers, from jam-packed Steelers games to the iconic Picklesburgh, which attracts pickle lovers from across the country. Closer to home, Kennedy Township hosts its fair share of events at Fairhaven Park. Seasonal festivities range from Easter Egg Hunts and Breakfast with Santa Claus to Truck-or-Treating, where residents deck out their cars, and kids walk from vehicle to vehicle collecting candy. “Kennedy’s Community Day is held every August and is by far the largest and most popular event,” McConaghy says. This multi-day fair includes everything from carnival rides and games to food vendors, live music, firework displays and a fireman’s parade. Festivities don’t end there. As a tight-knit community, locals often celebrate their accomplishments together. “Sophia’s Event Venue is another well-known establishment,” McConaghy says. “It’s a popular spot for weddings, birthdays, graduations and more.” Locally owned restaurants and nearby chains cater to a large community. “Kennedy is super close to Robinson, which has tons of chain stores and restaurants,” McConaghy says. “But Kennedy is where you go if you want family-owned businesses.” Kennedy Lanes bowling alley has been around for decades, and Mickey’s Place is next door. With menu items ranging from Philly style subs to buffalo chicken pizza, Mickeys has a consistent roster of regulars and families dining out after an evening of bowling. “And everyone knows about Rockefeller’s Grille,” McConaghy says, but for those who might not know, Rockerfeller’s is known for its seafood and eclectic mix of American and Italian cuisine. Bob’s Diner is another beloved favorite for classic American brunch fare. Giant Eagle Supermarket along McKees Rocks Road is the closest grocery store, though, McConaghy notes that it’s common for residents to drive a bit farther to Market District Supermarket in Settlers Ridge for its extensive and upscale grocery selections. The shopping center also features a movie theater and popular retailers, while a mile up the road are big-box stores like the always-busy Ikea and The Mall at Robinson, which boasts over 100 retailers. Fairhaven Park is the community’s largest public space. Multiple baseball and softball fields cater to Little League players, and kids can run around one of two small playgrounds after their game. The park also features a range of sports courts, including bocce ball and a deck hockey rink. There’s also a fitness trail; however, joggers often head about 2 miles north to Kenmawr Conservation Area for wooded paths. More trails await at Montour Woods Conservation Area, about 3 miles away. Locals can swap rugged terrain for pristine greens at Vietmeier Golf Center, a player development and practice facility founded by longtime PGA professional Ed Vietmeier. Clever Park is another popular green space with an ADA-accessible playground and the expansive Robinson Township Pool. The pool features a double-sided waterslide, an assortment of food trucks, and hosts community events throughout the year. In a sea of residential streets, St. Malachy Church, operating under the Archangel Gabriel Parish, stands out with its contemporary architecture, showcasing a roof reminiscent of wind-blown sails. The parish runs a preschool next door and an elementary and middle school in neighboring Robinson. Due to the region’s history, which traces back to the 17th and 18th centuries, Alleghany County has been ranked the No. 3 in the nation with the most Catholic and Mainline Protestant congregations. The Diocese of Pittsburgh was one of the first in the country founded by the Vatican. Bus routes run throughout town, with stops scattered along main roads like Forest Grove, Pine Hollow and Coraopolis. However, many residents rely on personal vehicles to get around. Pennsylvania State Route 51 is a two-lane road that leads to Downtown Pittsburgh, about 7 miles away, and lets residents avoid busy highways. “Kennedy is in a great location,” McConaghy says. “You’re about 8 miles from downtown and 11 miles from Pittsburgh International Airport.” The Township is also home to Heritage Valley Kennedy and offers proximity to Interstates 79 and 376.