Monessen

Monessen, once a booming manufacturing hub, has struggled shifting from an industrial center to a predominantly residential one. But this resilient community isn't one to stay down for long, so if you're interested in being part of its revitalization, now is a good time to get in.

Monessen sits about 28 miles south of downtown Pittsburgh, hugging the bends of the Monongahela River, not too far from Route 51, which runs into the Steel City. Five other county seats are nearby, so Monessen's strategic location as a hub for commerce and industry has translated into it being rather convenient for commuting. Several of Mid Mon Valley Transit's local and commuter bus routes swing through the area, so folks don't necessarily need a car.

"It's a good, old American town," says William Brahler, a lifelong Monessen resident and 20-year Realtor with Costa Real Estate. "Everyone knows everyone, pretty much. We have our little parks and community festivals. There's a Polish festival and a Parish festival. There are bake sales all the time. We do fireworks every fourth of July, trick-or-treating and a haunted house every Halloween — something's always going on." Another popular annual event is the MVP Paws in the Park and Vendor Show, organized by a local non-profit, Mon Valley Paws. Folks and their four-legged friends gather at Monessen City Park for a fun-filled day of activities, contests, raffles and food trucks. Outside of this event, Monessens enjoy the park's green space, playground and athletic facilities.

The city is also an angler's delight. Public fishing docks and a boat launch are tucked into the community's northeast corner, making the waterway easily accessible. There's even a playground so the kids can burn energy while you drop a line.

Some of the homes in Monessen date back to the area's boom in the early 1900s, but you'll find plenty of midcentury charmers as well as houses built throughout the '70s, '80s and '90s. Ranch-style and raised ranch-style homes are popular builds, as are Craftsman-inspired foursquares, Colonial Revivals and bungalows. Listing prices range from $18,000 to $203,000, and the average listing price of $97,754 could afford you a three- to four-bedroom, one-bathroom home. Lot sizes range from just under 4,000 square feet to over 2 acres. Monessen's lush streets are laid out in a curved grid with a few cul-de-sacs. "I live at the end of a horseshoe-shaped street," Brahler says. "There's always people outside walking around, walking their dogs. Everyone talks to each other. Everyone looks out for each other. Neighbors get your mail for you when you're out of town. You don't have to worry about nobody taking anything off your porch. I like it here because it's safe and lowkey."

And while Monessen is no longer the manufacturing hub it once was, Brahler says its backbone is made of steel. "There's still one manufacturing plant left, and it's a major employer,” he says. The city’s history lives on in local titles, such as that of a family-owned restaurant, The Steel Plate. And Italian restaurants, La Eda's and Felicia's, have been turning locals into regulars for over 60 years with their homey atmospheres and rich entrees. As for grabbing groceries, there's a Foodland on the city's north side and the locally owned Duritza's Market on the south side.

Students living in Monessen are served by their city's school district, so both schools are right in the neighborhood, less than 5 miles away from most residences. After finishing up 5th grade at Monessen Elementary, rated with a C-minus on Niche, students can attend and eventually graduate from Monessen Middle/High School, rated with a C-plus on Niche. Students can add some fun to their day-to-day by joining one of the various sports offered here, including varsity baseball, wrestling, soccer, track and field, softball and basketball. Filled with beautiful scenery, history and small-town charm, Monessen is a quiet and safe community to call home.

Written By

Micaela Willoughby

Photography Contributed By

Alan Battles

Video By

Mark Barakat