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
Steven Marone,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in McKeesport, PA sell after 88 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in McKeesport, PA over the last 12 months is $118,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to your immaculately maintained custom build Tudor home on an expansive triple lot in Elizabeth Township/Boro's Mount Vernon neighborhood. Elizabeth Forward School District, situated a stone's throw from Youghiogheny Country Club and ten minutes from Elizabeth Forward High School. Perfectly private on more space on the lot than you could possibly imagine, positioned in a convenient
Life is too short to spend every weekend cutting grass and tackling home projects. Trade maintenance for free time in this rarely available 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath end unit condo in Elizabeth Township. Offering approximately 1,550 square feet within a small 3 unit association, this condo combines generous living space with the convenience you crave. Upper level parking just steps from the entry,
Welcome to 906 Summit St. Ready to move in. Single family home in McKeesport!!The property was renovated top to bottom, has 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and a third floor that offers two bonus rooms that can serve as a kids playroom or office space + storage.The roof is new, the kitchen comes with all new cabinets, granite countertops, new energy efficient stainless steel
Welcome to 2402 Grandview Ave. This will make a perfect future home for anyone looking to buy this summer, or a great addition to any investors portfolio for future cash flow. This is a great three-bedroom, one-bath home that has been beautifully updated with new flooring and fresh paint throughout. It offers a spacious living room, an updated eat-in kitchen, and a newly renovated full bathroom.
Step into this one-of-a-kind home filled with charm and character, designed for comfort and style you won’t find anywhereelse! The heart of the home showcases a stunning wood-beamed ceiling in the kitchen and dining area, creating a warm,inviting space for everyday living. The large living room is filled with natural light and opens to a huge, enclosed porch — theperfect place to
INVESTORS SPECIAL!!!! Welcome to 612 Center Street, this 3 bedroom 1 bathroom property with off street parking in the rear, would be perfect for any handyman or savvy investor looking for a cost-effective property. Needing upgrades, this blank canvas can be transformed into a personal oasis, a rental/BRRR or a flip. The possibilities are endless with this property!!!!
Looking to expand your portfolio or get started in the multi-family market? 322-324 Atlantic Ave presents a standout opportunity to own a solid duplex in the heart of McKeesport. This property is built for versatility, offering two distinct units that provide a clear path for steady rental income or a savvy "live-in-one, rent-the-other" arrangement.The layout is practical and maximizes the
This is a perfect home for anyone looking to buy this summer, or any investor looking to had a great single family home to their portfolio. This home has 3 bds 1 bath. Plenty of living space, with modern updates throughout. Enjoy the summer on your large covered front porch. Please schedule a showing today.
Some homes simply feel cared for the moment you arrive—and 2105 Ridge Road is one of them.From the attractive brick exterior and manicured landscaping to the spotless interior and expansive backyard, this home reflects years of pride in ownership. Inside, natural light fills the main living spaces, while the stone fireplace creates a welcoming centerpiece for everyday living.The
Looking to add to your investment portfolio or build? Opportunity awaits at 1223 Walnut Street! Situated between the Christy Park area and Downtown McKeesport and near the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail, this vacant lot offers frontage along a well-traveled street along with convenient rear alley access. The property offers a variety of possibilities, whether for residential development,
Welcome to 1812 Grandview Ave, McKeesport, PA — a great opportunity for investors looking for a property that is ready to generate rental income with minimal immediate work. The property features updated rooms and finishes throughout, providing a clean, move-in-ready feel for prospective tenants.The property offers separated utilities, helping simplify ownership and allowing for better
Deep, level residential lot with public utilities available and a convenient McKeesport location. Situated catty-corner from the hospital with easy access to area businesses, major roadways, and everyday amenities. Level terrain offers a great opportunity. Zoned residential. Buyer to verify permitted uses, utility connections, setbacks, and building requirements with the municipality.
CALLING all investors! This Turnkey 4 Plex with an additional single family home is waiting to be added to your rental portfolio. The Front 4 Unit building is fully updated and rent ready! Each unit has ample living space, with updated vinyl flooring, brand new kitchen and beautifully remolded tile baths. All the plumbing and electric have all been updated. All units have laundry hook ups, and
Welcome to 125 Delrose Avenue in Liberty Borough! This cozy 1-bedroom, 1-bath brick ranch offers convenient one-level living in a practical and comfortable layout. The home features a spacious living room with carpeting and ceiling fan, a functional kitchen with ample cabinet space, gas range and refrigerator, and a generously sized bedroom with built-in storage.The full bathroom includes a
Welcome to Center Grove Apartments, where exceptional living meets unbeatable convenience. Our community offers a variety of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments that cater to your lifestyle needs and preferences. Each apartment provides a cozy and functional living space, perfect for creating your own home in the city.At Center Grove, you'll enjoy the convenience of having grocery stores, shopping, and
Welcome to White Oak Village, residential community in the heart of White Oak, offering an exceptional blend of natural beauty, comfort, and convenience. Nestled on a scenic hilltop and surrounded by lush, expansive greenery, White Oak Village, offering both apartments and townhomes, provides a retreat from the bustle of everyday life.This thoughtfully designed community features spacious floor
Welcome to Mount Vernon Apartments, where comfort and convenience come together. Our spacious 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments are thoughtfully designed with private balconies or patios and ample closet space to cater to all your needs. Enjoy the ease of on-site laundry facilities, extra storage rooms, and free parking right on the property.Located just minutes from grocery stores,
Open house October 10th from 4-7.Spacious two bedroom apartment in Elizebeth Forward school district. The kitchen is equipped with a dishwasher, range and refrigerator. Unit offers plenty of closet space, fresh paint and bay window. All units have a private balcony or patio and central air. Laundry facility on site. Water, sewage, and trash included in rent! Only minutes
Property Id: 1050452 1-Bedroom unit in McKeesport - Perfect for You! Looking for a comfortable, budget-friendly living space. This charming 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit at 1101 Evans Ave, McKeesport, PA is exactly what you need. Water and sewer included - just pay for your electric! Affordable at just $800/month Welcoming Seniors 60+! We're senior-friendly — and we'd
Check out this newly upgraded 3-bedroom, 1-bath home on Versailles Ave.We are pet-friendly! Your dogs and cats are welcome at 2712 Versailles Avenue.Step into a refreshed interior with a contemporary vibe. This home comes equipped with modern essentials: a gas Stove, Oven, and refrigerator. Granite and quartz countertops grace the modernized kitchen, which also includes
House for Rent McKeesport!! Beautifully remodeled 2-story home2-bedroom, 1-bathroomA finish attic1,216 SqftFresh interior & exterior paintUpdated kitchen with appliances includedUpdated bathroomNew flooring throughoutChildren and pet friendly neighborhoodCharming Home lies about 14 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at the confluence of the
Spacious 3BR Apartment in Mckeesport, Section 8 Considered!!Available Now! Section 8 Considered!!This bright and airy 3-bedroom, 1-bath unit with brand new carpet throughout the second floor offers a comfortable living room, a functional kitchen, and generous bedrooms. Enjoy outdoor space with a porch and a deck, providing room for fresh air and relaxation. Located in Mckeesport,
Completely remodeled new kitchen bathroom flooring windows paint and deck. 12 steps to a 10 by 12 deck to the front door. Owner pays water sewage and garbage all other bill will need put into your name.
Spacious and convenient near Myer Park area of McKeesport. Garage + off street parking. Use of back yard. Newer furnace & central air . Hard wood floors and laundry hook-ups. Duplex apartment. If interested: Please respond to this listing with the following information: (1) Your Name (2) Employer & length of employment (3) NET monthly income (take-home pay needs to be at least $2400/month
Own this home today! No Bank Qualifying. Available on Rent-to-Own. To learn more visit w(w)w.412res.c(o)m/19-virginia-dr with additional photos and a video walk through tour!Welcome to 19 Virginia Dr in McKeesport, a fully remodeled 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offering approximately 915 square feet of efficient, updated living space on a spacious approximately .27-acre lot.This
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
Rental Home Trends
Number of Homes for Rent
38
Median Rent
$1,000
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,200
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$1,500
Median Townhouse Rent
$1,073
Median 2 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$1,073
Median Condo Rent
$799
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$825
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
$79,597
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
64.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
6''
Area Factors
Fairly bikeable
Bikeability®
40/ 100
Fairly walkable
Walkability®
50/ 100
Limited public transit
Transit®
30/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
