$196,627Average Value$124Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes For Sale
Small suburban enclave known for its historic homes, rural landscape
Perry North, or Observatory Hill, is a neighborhood of many unique attributes, from its seemingly rural landscape despite being in Pittsburgh to its high volume of historic mansions and its designation as the home of the state-of-the-art Allegheny Observatory. The neighborhood was established in 1894 as part of the former Allegheny City but was annexed by Pittsburgh in 1907. Many of the community's original structures still stand today, including the observatory and a slew of Victorian and Colonial Revival homes, giving the neighborhood a historic small-town feel. Perry North's modest business district adds to that charm, with local businesses occupying two-story brick rowhomes.
The Allegheny Observatory stands on a hilltop at the center of Riverview Park.
Perry North is a quiet neighborhood in Observatory, PA.
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Historic homes on modest lots
Perry North is an established community filled with grand historic mansions and modest traditional homes built between the late 1800s and mid-1900s. Many are slowly being updated, and according to Mike Netzel, a Realtor and entrepreneur with Keller Williams – Pittsburgh North, "Investors are coming in because of the architectural flexibility and turning those mansions into multi-family homes." Most sit snuggly along winding streets, though occasionally, homebuyers can find more spacious plots. Popular home styles include Colonial Revivals with brick facades, Foursquares with American and Victorian influences, quaint cottages with Cape Cod and Tudor elements, and prominent renovated Victorians with decorative beam work and dramatic turrets. Small, single-family fixer-uppers start around $38,000, while large, well-maintained, or updated dwellings can go for over $345,000. There are several multi-family homes in the community as well. Many are in need of some TLC, which has allowed them to sell for the extremely affordable prices of $85,000 to $250,000.
The gothic revival in Perry North have bargeboards and pointed arches.
You will love the cozy look of Tudors which can be found in Perry North.
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Stargazing at the Allegheny Observatory in Riverview Park
Riverview Park is a prominent feature in Perry North, covering most of the community's southern half. This 259-acre space is like "an island of green in the center of housing," says Netzel. It features walking and equestrian trails, playgrounds and sports fields. Popular trails in the park include the Riverview Park Loop and the Snowflake Loop, both designated as "easy." Residents are welcome to bring their dogs and can find shelter areas perfect for breaks along the pathways. The park is also home to the state-of-the-art Allegheny Observatory, which was built between 1900 and 1912 in a neoclassical style. Under each of its three domes, folks can find the Fitz/Clark Refractor, the Thaw Memorial Refractor, and the Keeler Telescope, instruments operated by the University of Pittsburgh and sometimes used for public programming.
Perry North residents enjoy a stroll in Riverview Park.
You can also use the green space in Riverview Park as a great opportunity to sun bathe.
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Summer movie nights at Riverview Park
Riverview Park is Perry North's main event stage, hosting programs sponsored by the Friends of Riverview Park organization and the city. One annual event aimed at preserving the park's beauty is the Arbor Day Celebration, where residents can spend time in nature, and kids can learn the importance of taking care of trees. The Stars at Riverview concert series is a summer tradition running from early June to late August. Each Saturday evening, local jazz groups set up in the park and serenade residents as they enjoy time with friends and family. After the concert, folks can hang back to watch a film as a part of the city's summer Cinema in the Park events.
Residents can enjoy the scenic views at local parks in Perry North.
Perry North offers affordable housing compared to most of the city suburbs.
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Specialized educational opportunities at Perry High
The neighborhood is served by Pittsburgh Public School District, which includes Pittsburgh Morrow PreK-8, graded a C on Niche, and Pittsburgh Perry High School, graded a C-minus. Perry High is divided into three schools: one for Liberal Arts, one for Career & Technical Education, and one for Service & Military. Students must commit to one or more school(s) before the end of ninth grade to target their education.
Pittsburgh Morrow K-8 prepares students for the future.
Pittsburgh Perry High School was built in 1890.
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Shopping, dining along U.S. Route 19
Perry North is mainly residential, apart from a few small businesses and restaurants near U.S. Route 19, the neighborhood's main thoroughfare. Observatory Hill Deli is a popular carryout sandwich shop serving everything from traditional cold-cut sandwiches to personal pizzas. Ida's Sandwich Shop is another family-owned favorite, offering classics like grilled cheeses and Reubens or more unique options like the French toast sandwich. For daily shopping needs and additional dining options, folks often visit nearby communities like Brighton Heights and Bellevue, where there are a handful of cafes, local eateries and a Giant Eagle Supermarket. The community is also just 4 miles from North Shore, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers' Acrisure Stadium and the Pirates' PNC Park.
Ida's Sandwich Shop in Perry North is always bustling with hungry residents.
Observatory Hill Deli is a welcoming shop in Perry North.
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I-279 borders the neighborhood
The neighborhood is bordered by U.S. Interstate 279, which leads directly to downtown Pittsburgh, about 5 miles away. Commuters who prefer public transit can catch Pittsburgh Regional Transit buses, which stop throughout the neighborhood. To travel internationally, residents can head about 23 miles west to Pittsburgh International Airport. Perry North is also home to 21 flights of city steps, a publicly managed outdoor staircase system that connects city communities to public transit. These unassuming concrete staircases are easy to miss, but are well used for exercise and getting around town. There are also three houses of worship here, each belonging to a different Christian denomination.
A great way to get in and out of Perry North is by using the Port Authority bus.
Perry North's streets are dotted with homes placed on small lots.
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Risk of flooding
According to Risk Factor, Perry North faces a major risk of experiencing flooding in the next 30 years.
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.
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Big old 100 year old houses. Fantastic Park. New Soccer field. New restaurant. It is great place to raise a family.
5.0Niche User
7/11/2016Niche Review
Observatory Hill is a great neighborhood with great neighbors. We have new restaurants going in and a new turf soccer field. And Riverview Park is a great amenity. There are bike lanes being built into the neighborhood, too. It is also convenient to downtown and the North Shore, so you can decide to go to a ball game and be there in 10 minutes. The architecture is wonderful with many homes built around 1900.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Perry North
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Perry North Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Perry North, Observatory sell after 74 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Perry North, Observatory over the last 12 months is $207,500, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Have you ever dreamed of living right beside a 250+ acre city park? 67 Semicir in Observatory Hill offers a large back yard that abuts Riverview Park! This 3 bedroom 1.5 bath home boast newly refinished hardwood floors, an open dining/kitchen area, and a decorative fireplace flanked by accent windows in the living room. Upstairs you will find three bedrooms and the full bath, while the basement
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The Separate Exterior & Interior Stairways of this Building could easily allow for 3-4 MULTI-FAMILY Units or easy conversion into a nice B&B; The busy Commercial District @ Perrysville Ave, East St & Baytree St Intersection is within 200 ft, that could provide for a variety of Comm'l Uses; This Versatile 4-Lev Building was renovated approx 20 Yrs ago, specifically for PA Dept of Health Designated
Discover the potential in this charming 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home at 241 Watson Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15214. Perfect for DIY enthusiasts, investors, or first-time home buyers, this property offers a solid foundation and plenty of opportunity to make it your own. Inside, you’ll find spacious living areas with great natural light and a functional floor plan ready for your personal touch. The bedrooms
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Beautifully updated home on Bonvue Street, offering modern comfort with classic neighborhood charm. A welcoming front porch invites you inside to bright, refreshed living spaces that flow easily from room to room. The spacious owner’s suite features a private en-suite bath, creating a comfortable retreat. Additional bedrooms offer flexibility for family, guests, or a home office. Updated finishes
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Rachael SchaferBERKSHIRE HATHAWAY THE PREFERRED REALTY
Step inside this completely gutted and fully renovated 3-bedroom home where modern comfort blends with timeless charm. From the moment you enter, the open floor plan welcomes you with natural light, showcasing all-new flooring, windows, updated electric, new furnace, and hot water tank. The stunning kitchen has been completely redone with brand-new appliances, generous counter space, and stylish
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CUTE TWO STORY HOME WITH LOTS OF UPDATES! ENTER INTO A BRIGHT DEN THAT OPENS TO THE LIVINGROOM WHERE THERE IS A DECORATIVE STONE FIREPLACE, THE KITCHEN OFFERS NEW CABINETRY,A BRICK ACCENT WALL AND ACCESS TO A REAR DECK. THE 1ST FLOOR HAS GREY PLANK STYLE FLOORING THROUGHOUT! THE 2ND FLOOR INCLUDES NEW W/W CARPETING, LOFT/DRESSING AREA,FULL BATH AND NICELY SIZED BEDROOM! NEW ROOF IN 2020, 2 YEAR
Gregory HigbeeBERKSHIRE HATHAWAY THE PREFERRED REALTY
Step into this spacious and modern 2-bedroom, 2-bath apartment in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Northside. Ideal for traveling nurses or young professionals, this smoke-free and pet-free unit features vinyl flooring, fresh paint, and a stylishly updated kitchen and bathroom, offering a clean and allergy-friendly living environment. Located just six minutes from Allegheny General Hospital, seven
Welcome to 421 Watson Blvd, Pittsburgh 15214! This property is conveniently located with easy access to major roadways, downtown Pittsburgh, shopping, dining and public transportation.
Perfect 2 bedroom Home with DEDICATED PARKING available.Extremely Accessible- just minutes to Downtown and 279N.Greatly sized bedrooms (with tons of closet space!) and nice living room + big eat in kitchen. Two bathrooms available as well as a washer and dryer, refrigerator, and stove. Tenant pays utilities. Enjoy your nights on the private back patio or on sitting on the front
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