At the confluence of the Monongahela and Youghiogheny rivers, McKeesport has a rich industrial history dating back to the late 19th century. National Tube Works opened its doors in 1872 along the shores of the Monongahela River, eventually becoming a subsidiary of the United States Steel Corporation in 1901. This resulted in record-breaking growth in the first half of the 20th century as McKeesport became the fastest-growing municipality in the country and produced more steel pipes than any other city in the world. Its population peaked at around 55,355 in 1940, but the city underwent rapid deindustrialization and depopulation in the 1970s and ‘80s as the steel industry declined. McKeesport also faced hardship in 1976 when a fire started in the Famous Department Store, spreading through downtown and causing over $5 million in damage. While some businesses never reopened their doors after the Famous Fire, others continue to serve the resilient community today as McKeesport looks to a future like many other Rust Belt cities before.
Today, the place where steel mills once stood tall along the shores of the Monongahela River is occupied by the 133-acre Industrial Center of McKeesport. The business park features eight companies that employ more than 200 people, with plans to keep expanding. The city is also home to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, which employs over 100,000 people across its award-winning hospitals and outpatient centers, making it the largest employer in the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area. Despite attempts to revitalize McKeesport’s industrial centers, the city’s population continues to decrease by just over 1% each year, with its population estimated to be just over 17,100 as of 2023. This trend is consistent across the Mon Valley, which refers to a group of Rust Belt municipalities that border the Monongahela River and are working to rebuild after deindustrialization. “The Mon Valley is going to come back,” says Chris Ivory, a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty with more than 35 years of experience in the industry.
McKeesport is situated at the convergence of the Monongahela and Youghiogheny rivers.
National Tube is a huge part of the history of McKeesport.
UPMC McKeesport is a pillar of the McKeesport area.
McKeesport Hospital sits downtown and serves many people in the McKeesport area.
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Home prices are less than half of the national median
Most homes in McKeesport were built from the turn of the 20th century through the mid-1900s to accommodate its growing population. While the city features a variety of architectural styles, two-story cottages and American Foursquares are the norm. Split-level and ranch-style homes are more common in the city's southern half and typically sit further apart on quarter-acre lots. With the median price of single-family homes hovering at just over $100,000, McKeesport tends to be more affordable than the rest of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area. “Homes are priced fairly similar to areas around it, but it’s more affordable than Pittsburgh, which makes it a popular option for city commuters,” Ivory says. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median sales price for single-family homes in the Pittsburgh Metro Area was just under $240,000 in the third quarter of 2024, meaning that home prices in McKeesport are about 82% lower than they are across the rest of the metro area. Home prices are also less than half of the national median, which sits at just below $419,000 as of the third quarter of 2024.
Classic American Foursquare homes a found all around and line the streets of McKeesport.
Cottage style homes can be found throughout the McKeesport area.
McKeesport Foursquare homes often feature front yards and a small driveway.
This Colonial Style home in McKeesport features columns on the front porch.
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McKeesport Area School District and nearby private schools
The McKeesport Area School District earns an overall grade of C-plus from Niche and has a student-teacher ratio of 13-to-1. The district consists of two elementary schools, a middle school and a high school, all of which receive a C or C-plus from Niche. Private school options include B-rated Serra Catholic High School, which has been serving the community since 1961.
The 52-acre Penn State Greater Allegheny campus is located between McKeesport and White Oak Borough. As a commonwealth campus of Pennsylvania State University, it offers various associate and baccalaureate degree programs. The college has a total enrollment of just under 400, and Penn State’s 2+2 program allows students to begin their studies at PSUGA before transferring to another campus to finish their degree.
McKeesport Area High School helps prepare students for their future.
Once a Tiger always a Tiger at Founder's Hall Middle School in McKeesport.
Twin Rivers Elementary School is the beginning of your Tiger adventure in McKeesport.
Serra Catholic High School is the best kept secret in McKeesport.
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Renziehausen Park, McKees Point Marina and riverfront trails
With small playgrounds and neighborhood parks scattered throughout McKeesport, Renziehausen Park stands out as the city’s largest green space. Locally known as Renzie, the park covers 205 acres and has various sports courts, ballfields and a playground. It also features amenities like the Renzie Spray Ground, the Renzie Park Senior Center and Lake Emilie, a popular fishing spot for bass, trout and catfish. The Garden Club of McKeesport manages the Renziehausen Park Rose Garden and Arboretum, which includes an herb garden, butterfly garden and more than 1,800 roses, making it the second-largest rose garden in the state. The park also hosts the annual McKeesport’s Summer Concert Series, which features weekly performances at the Lions Bandshell.
Waterfront attractions include McKees Point Marina, which sits along the shores of the Youghiogheny River and offers over 200 boat slips, a fishing pier and a small café known for its all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. Smaller trails like McKee’s Point Trail run parallel to the waterfront and connect with the Greater Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile rail trail between Pittsburgh and Cumberland, Maryland. The section of the GAP in McKeesport, known as the Steel Valley Trail, travels past the former National Tube Works plant before crossing over the Monongahela River. Residents also have access to the Carnegie Library of McKeesport and the Eden Park Roller Rink. Houses of Worships include First United Methodist Church, which has been serving the community for over a century and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as an example of Late Gothic Revival architecture.
Enjoy Lake Emily in Renziehausen Park, known as “Renzie” to McKeesport residents.
Enjoy time outside at Versailles Coursin Parklet in McKeesport.
The Great Allegheny Passage joins with McKees Point Trail for great biking in McKeesport.
The First United Methodist Church in McKeesport is a Historic Landmark.
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Events include a cultural festival and tree-decorating competition
The city hosts various events throughout the year that bring the community together. Popular festivities include International Village, an annual cultural heritage festival that celebrates the city’s diverse community with food, music and dance from around the world. The event takes place each August and brings more than 20,000 people to Renziehausen Park over three days. In December, the Festival of Trees celebrates the start of the holiday season with a tree-decorating competition that highlights the creativity of local businesses, schools and community groups. The annual Salute to Santa parade also spreads holiday cheer throughout McKeesport, while the Renzie Rib Fest closes out the McKeesport’s Summer Concert Series with barbeque, live music and a car cruise in the park. Good Neighbor Day celebrates downtown McKeesport with a street festival along 5th Avenue, with local vendors, food trucks and community groups lining the thoroughfare.
The McKeesport International Village is an ethnic heritage festival with food, music and dance.
The big guy himself is at the end of the Salute To Santa Parade in McKeesport.
The McKeesport International Village was founded in 1960 and is a three day celebration.
Meet up with old friends at the Festival Of Trees at Renziehausen Park in McKeesport.
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Downtown McKeesport, local restaurants and theater group
Before the Famous Fire of 1976, 5th Avenue was a vibrant commercial corridor known as downtown McKeesport. While many of its storefronts are now vacant, local businesses like Minerva Bakery and the McKeesport Beer Barrel continue to serve the community. There are more shops and restaurants along Pennsylvania Route 148, also known as Walnut Street. Rite Aid, Dollar General and Aldi offer essentials. The wood-paneled bar at Hoot’s Again is a go-to spot for drinks and pub grub, while Tillie’s Restaurant is known for its homemade Italian food. For dessert, Christy Park Cones has a walk-up ice cream window.
The arts scene in McKeesport revolves around local groups like the McKeesport Little Theater, which attracts over 5,000 people each year with its plays and musicals. The nonprofit group also offers educational programming for middle and high schoolers through the McKeesport Little Theater Juniors program from September through June. In Renzie Park, the McKeesport Regional History and Heritage Center documents the history of the Mon Valley with seven rooms of historic artifacts and memorabilia. Visitors can learn more about the region through the museum's living history tours and lectures.
The staff at Tillie's Restaurant work on classic Italian entrees in McKeesport.
The McKeesport Little Theater is in the heart of the McKeesport Cultural District.
Head to Hoot's Again on Walnut Street in McKeesport for great food and atmosphere.
Learn about the history of the region at the McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center.
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Mobility plan, Pittsburgh commutes and PRT bus service
Some of McKeesport’s residential streets lack sidewalks, and the city earns an overall Walk Score of 41 out of 100. The Walk Bike Ride McKeesport Mobility Plan, unveiled in April 2024, aims to improve pedestrian infrastructure along busy corridors like Lysle Boulevard, Jenny Lind Street and Versailles Avenue. As of late 2024, work on the project had not yet begun, although the plan proposes pedestrian and cyclist safety as a priority over the next several years.
The main thoroughfares in McKeesport are Pennsylvania routes 148 and 48, both of which give residents access to U.S. Route 30. Pittsburgh is about a 15-mile drive across the Monongahela River, while Pittsburgh International Airport is around 30 miles from McKeesport. Pittsburgh Regional Transit provides local bus service throughout McKeesport, and the McKeesport Transportation Center has a park-and-ride lot.
Four-season climate, flood risk and high crime rates
Residents should expect to see all four seasons, with summer temperatures climbing into the 80s and winter temperatures dropping into the low 20s. The city sees an average of around 38 inches of rain each year, with the wettest months being May, June and July. Due to its proximity to the Monongahela and Youghiogheny rivers, low-lying areas in McKeesport have been historically susceptible to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. In the 1980s, the city collaborated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete a flood protection project that has prevented major floods in the area, although homes near the water remain at risk of smaller-scale flood events.
According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, crime rates are above average in McKeesport. The city’s violent crime rate is about 19% higher than the national rate, while the property-related crime rate is 37% higher. A 2019 study from the National Council for Home Safety and Security ranks McKeesport as the fourth-most dangerous city in the United States.
Written By
Sally Stimpson
Photography Contributed By
Alan Battles
Video By
GL Moses
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jeffrey Johnson,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in McKeesport, PA sell after 85 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in McKeesport, PA over the last 12 months is $112,250, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 1120 Portsmouth Drive in Port Vue. This beautifully renovated three-bedroom home offers all the amenities you desire. The kitchen features brand-new appliances, complemented by a spacious family room that benefits from abundant natural light on the main floor. Additional highlights include an integral garage, a brick patio in the backyard, and the potential for extra living space in
This charming and cozy 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home is a true gem, perfectly situated on a dead-end street just steps from the Black Oak Trail Head with 8 miles of tails and the neighborhood school. The large living room features brand new carpeting, while the bedrooms retain their original hardwood floors, and a separate dining room provides an ideal entertaining space. The kitchen boasts
Tucked on a quiet cul-de-sac & move-in ready, this split-entry cutie makes easy living the default. Warm hardwood floors set the tone throughout (yes—there’s hardwood under dining floors, too). Upstairs flows effortlessly from a sunny living room into a dining area made for weekend gatherings & game nights. The kitchen keeps you in the mix w/a peek-through breakfast bar—perfect for quick bites or
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Looking for cozy, quiet, and totally convenient? Welcome to 1310 Beverly! This cute vinyl ranch home offers easy one level living, two comfy and spacious bedrooms, an updated bath, and a sun drenched heated sunroom that just might become your favorite spot. The generous sized yard has a shed and is great for pets, playtime, or gardening dreams. Inside, you'll love the big room sizes, move in
Cozy 2 bedroom home located in the Christy Park area of McKeesport. The home is close to shopping, Renzie Park, schools and the bike trail. Enter the home from the covered front porch into the living room. The dining room leads to the kitchen and staircase to the second floor. The kitchen is spacious and has additional storage. The first floor has a full bathroom with shower. The second floor has
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A community room, playground, beautiful community room and swimming pool add to the joy of living at Mt. Vernon Apartments. You will also have all your maintenance taken care of by our dedicated staff. Mt. Vernon offers spacious 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments with private balconies or patios with large floor plans. Enjoy a summer dip at the pool or relax in our beautiful clubhouse. Enjoy living in
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Just 15 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, Versailles hugs a bend of the Youghiogheny River with century-old homes, peace and quiet. This borough is the epitome of small-town living, but it’s also within arm’s reach of the Pittsburgh area and all its attractions.
Lining the hilly streets of Versailles are historic century-old houses, some built as early as 1900. These properties display classic styles, including Colonial Revivals, American Foursquares and Folk Victorian Revivals. Quaint ranch-style homes, bungalows and split-level residences began cropping up throughout the 1950s, bringing midcentury charm to the community. Similar to many other riverside boroughs and townships in Mon Valley, lot sizes here are smaller — typically around or less than a tenth of an acre — so it’s not difficult to get to know one’s neighbors. List prices range between $48,000 and $130,000. The median single-family home price, $107,000, could afford a three-bedroom, one-bathroom house.
Versailles is served by the McKeesport Area School District, so resident students can start school about 3 miles from home at Twin Rivers Elementary School, rated C on Niche. From there, they can attend Founders’ Hall Middle, also rated C on Niche, before graduating from McKeesport Area High, rated B-minus on Niche. This high school features vocational education curricula alongside its academic curriculum. These vocational/technical programs include cosmetology, culinary arts, auto mechanics and building construction.
There are no parks in Versailles proper, but access to recreational amenities and the great outdoors isn’t far at all. Less than a mile outside the neighborhood, just across the bridge, Boston Memorial Ballfield is a good spot for practicing pitches. Tucked behind the park, residents can park and access the Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile trail that runs from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland. Pet-, bike- and hike-friendly, this trail is ideal for getting active. It’s also an entry point to the scenic forests of the Dead Man’s Hollow Conservation Area, which spans 450 acres with 8 miles of its own trails. More than 100 species of birds live in the trees of this verdant green space, making it a favorite for local birding communities.
Typically, life in a small borough would mean folks have to venture to another area for day-to-day shopping, but this isn’t the case in Versailles. The borough’s shopping plaza sits at the intersection of Walnut Street and Long Run Road with an Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, Dollar Tree and other convenient stores. Several doctor’s offices are also located around this shopping strip. Farther up Walnut Street are more options for retail as well as tried-and-true eateries. Tillie’s Restaurant is a popular family-owned Italian spot with a menu of rich cuisine and a warm atmosphere that draws in customers throughout Mon Valley. Mellon’s Pub is a more low-key joint, home to cold pints and hearty portions. Residents can come here to play pool and enjoy a cold one.
UPMC McKeesport is Versailles’ nearest hospital, just between a 3- and 4-mile drive from the heart of the borough in McKeesport. North-south thoroughfare, Walnut Street, is one of the main modes of getting in and out of Versailles; it runs north to McKeesport and south to the Boston Bridge. Long Run Road is another main thoroughfare in Versailles; it intersects Walnut Street on the west side and turns into Jacks Run Road, providing a direct route to U.S. Highway 30. While Versailles is largely car-dependent, PRT bus stops can be found on Walnut Street.
Property Mix - Square Feet
McKeesport Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
20,427
Median Age
42
Population under 18
24.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$32,276
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$49,651
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
88.6%
College Graduates
14.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.4%
% Population in Labor Force
56.3%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
6''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®®
29/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®®
47/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®®
29/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
