Lincoln offers space and privacy as a small suburb of Pittsburgh
Lincoln is a hilly borough tucked between the Youghiogheny and Monongahela rivers, roughly 20 miles from Pittsburgh. It's a small community with wooded lots, quiet streets and a more rural feel than you'll find in most city neighborhoods. Buyers come here for space and privacy, with some homes selling below Pittsburgh's citywide median. Many also appreciate the quick access to trails in Dead Man's Hollow Conservation Area. Shops and restaurants are mostly a short drive away in neighboring boroughs, but nearby highways into Pittsburgh keep the city within reach for commuters.
Midcentury homes, larger lots and tight inventory across the borough
Most houses are raised ranch or bi-level styles, with a handful of Cape Cod- and Craftsman-style homes mixed in. They usually have two to four bedrooms and were built in the mid-1900s. Lot sizes really depend on the street. Some streets have homes sitting closer together on quarter-acre lots, while others feel more open, with tree-lined lots that stretch across several acres.
Inventory tends to be tight, so you won’t see a lot of homes for sale in Lincoln. When things are sold, they’re usually priced from the mid-$100,000s to the low $300,000s. Compared to nearby boroughs, Lincoln’s prices are right in line with what you'll see in Munhall and West Mifflin and a bit above Elizabeth's, but you generally get more space in return. “It’s acreage, farmland and nice residential lots,” says Dan Haeck, team manager of the Dan Haeck Team with Coldwell Banker Realty.
Residents use state Route 51 to commute from Lincoln to Pittsburgh
Lincoln is a car-dependent community, so residents rely on their own vehicles to get around. The roughly 20-mile drive to Downtown Pittsburgh usually takes 30 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic. Most commuters take state Route 51 into the city, and the highway also connects to Interstates 376 and 70. Public transit is limited this far south of the city. Pittsburgh Regional Transit doesn't run fixed routes through the borough itself, but riders can pick up bus service at the nearby McKeesport Transportation Center.
From Dead Man's Hollow trails to riverfront boat launches
Dead Man's Hollow Conservation Area is Lincoln's most popular green space. The 450-acre park has miles of wooded trails where you'll see people hiking and walking their dogs. Those trails also connect to the Great Allegheny Passage along the Youghiogheny River. Closer to home, Lincoln Borough Community Park has picnic benches and a ball field. Bellbridge Playground is another local favorite next to the borough's soccer fields and picnic pavilion. Events are held year-round at the Lincoln Borough Municipal Complex, including Light-Up Lincoln, National Night Out and an annual Easter egg hunt. And with the borough tucked between two rivers, getting on the water is easy. Public boat launches at Boston Park on the Youghiogheny and in Elizabeth along the Monongahela offer free access for kayaking, canoeing and fishing.
The South Allegheny School District serves Lincoln
Lincoln is part of the South Allegheny School District. South Allegheny Elementary School, South Allegheny Middle School and South Allegheny High School serve the community. The high school offers a variety of specialized electives, including aviation courses that prepare students for careers as pilots and aeronautical engineers. Private options include Serra Catholic High School in nearby Mckeesport, which holds a B-plus rating from Niche and offers a College in High School program that allows students to earn up to a year of college credits.
Most shops and restaurants are a short drive from Lincoln
Lincoln is a residential community, so most shops and restaurants are a short drive away in neighboring boroughs. Residents can run errands in Elizabeth, which has a Giant Eagle, Dollar General and DeCarlo’s Market for fresh produce. Popular restaurants within 5 miles of the borough include:
- Carriage Inn, an old-school spot serving classic comfort foods
- Creekside Tavern, for Mexican-American fusion and margaritas
- Rockwell’s Red Lion Restaurant, known for its seafood and homemade soups
- Wagner’s Restaurant, popular for homestyle breakfasts
- Mama Pepino’s Pizza & Pub, with brick-oven pizza made with fresh dough daily
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Written By
Sally Stimpson
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Photography Contributed By
Alan Battles
