Leetsdale

Invest in riverside property near one of the region's most upscale and amenity-rich areas. Leetsdale is an Allegheny County borough, roughly 15 miles northwest of central Pittsburgh, on the banks of the Ohio River. The Norfolk Southern Railroad carves through town alongside Pennsylvania Route 65, forging an active living environment. Leetsdale Borough is a small village; the east side lodges historical homes, and industrial parks form the west side with hundreds of businesses and manufacturing offices. "You're getting into a great school district at a lower cost here," says Ricki Paul, Realtor at Piatt Sotheby's International Realty and regular local seller.

Leetsdale homes pack in tight on streets that climb steep grassy hillsides. Residents walk along narrow sidewalks that run past stepped entries leading to quaint, historic homes. These aren't cookie-cutter subdivisions of contemporary new builds with wide-open layouts. Charming brick Colonials, iconic American Foursquares and Craftsman cottages hitch to Leetsdale's mountainous land, many with views of the woodsy valleys in the distance. Prices range from $100,000 to $900,000, suiting a broad spectrum of buyers. At the lower end, you can buy an early 20th-century fixer-upper with a smaller layout, and a budget of $600,000 or more will buy something fully renovated with more living space. These character-rich designs with turnkey updates can drive a competitive market, and most listings find new owners within six weeks.

Many Leetsdale Borough kids attend school within the top-rated Quaker Valley District, beginning at Edgeworth Elementary. Rising students continue to Quaker Valley Middle and earn their diplomas from Quaker Valley High. Each touts a prestigious overall A score from Niche and is conveniently within a 10-minute drive or under 5 miles away. Graduation rates are at a sky-high 92% here, and many high schoolers opt to enroll in at least one advanced placement course for the opportunity to earn college credit. Quaker Valley High is ranked number 18 in the state for its college prep courses.

Neighborhood playgrounds and creekside parks are common in this suburban spot. "Outdoor space is essential to these locals," Paul says. You'll run into your neighbors walking the dogs at Morrow-Pontefract Park, a small tree-covered getaway at the edge of town, and the kids can cool off at the splash pad at Henle Park during Pittsburgh's warmer months. Leetsdale locals can pack up their putters for a day on the fairways at Allegheny Country Club, less than 5 miles away. The Leetsdale Parks and Rec Board organizes many community gatherings, including the annual Halloween costume parade and Independence Day celebrations.

There is a shopping center in town with a Giant Eagle Supermarket, surrounded by pharmacies, ATMs and gas stations to cover your weekly necessities. You'll also find a walkable restaurant or two for a quick bite. Azul Bar Y Cantina is a stylish neighborhood spot serving Mexican staples. "Sewickley's high-end shops and restaurants are where you want to go in your free time," Pauls says. "The village is really beautiful and walkable." The community is a few miles away, which many active residents take on by bike. There's a wide selection of cafes, bars and restaurants that specialize in all kinds of cuisine.

Heritage Valley Hospital is nearby, a prominent local employer, along with government offices and higher education facilities, like Robert Morris University around the corner. Leetsdale locals can catch a bus at any stop along Beaver Street for a car-free ride into the city. The Pittsburgh International Airport is also conveniently 10 miles away for long-distance travel. An early 2000s archaeological dig unearthed evidence that people have lived in Leetsdale for 8,000 years. Invest in your own piece of history in Leetsdale Borough.

Written By

Caeleigh Griffin

Photography Contributed By

Danny Lambert

Video By

Mark Barakat