Redeveloping South Hills arts and community life in Allentown
Allentown is a redeveloping neighborhood high in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. It's clear the community was a booming historic streetcar suburb thanks to the metal tracks and ornate commercial buildings that still line Warrington Avenue. The wear on homes and storefronts on that same strip also tells the story of later industrial and population decline. Thanks to lower-cost real estate and the hard work of members of the Hilltop Alliance, Allentown is developing an artsy and approachable modern reputation. Walking through the neighborhood today, you might hear a comedy show or hardcore music spilling out of local bars and witchy mom-and-pops. And from your own backyard or overlooks at one of the Steel City’s major parks, you can see how close Allentown is to the commuter and cultural hubs in downtown Pittsburgh.
Downtown Pittsburgh as seen from the Allentown neighborhood
Penguin sculptures welcome you to the neighborhood.
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Allentown is a quiet neighborhood in the South Hills.
Lower-cost historic homes in South Hills neighborhoods
Different styles of National and Victorian homes were built close together along Allentown’s hilly city blocks from the late 1800s through the early 1900s. You can find many properties with original historic details as well as newly updated houses. Move-in-ready homes can range from around $70,000 to the lower $300,000s, depending on size and renovation levels. Houses needing significant work can go for under $50,000. “A lot of people are coming in and fixing up homes in Allentown,” says Beth Nichols, a Realtor at Coldwell Banker with eight years of experience serving the Pittsburgh area. “Investors buy them, flip them and then another investor buys them to rent.” Most residents rent rather than own in Allentown, whether in single-family homes, small multifamily properties or larger apartment complexes.
Artsy, alternative businesses on Warrington and Arlington avenues
Streetcar wires hang overhead along Warrington Avenue, giving Allentown’s quirky, modern business district a unique look. “It’s artsy, you know, a lot of coffee shops and tattoo places. It definitely has the entrepreneur kind of vibe,” Nichols says. Many old-fashioned commercial buildings on Warrington and Arlington avenues are covered in colorful murals, hinting at the unusual businesses found inside first-floor storefronts. Some local favorites include:
Grim Wizard Coffee, a goth cafe to sip a latte and play pinball while listening to metal music
Alla Famiglia, an upscale eatery known for sit-down Italian fare
Death Comes Lifting, an alternative gym where you can lift weights or take a yoga class in the training crypt
The Weeping Glass, a curio shop full of antique oddities and taxidermy decor
Bottlerocket Social Hall, a neighborhood bar known for live music and comedy shows
The business district in Allentown has many things.
Stop into The Weeping Glass for some cool treasures.
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Bottlerocket Social Hall in has been voted one of the best bars in Pittsburgh.
Revitalization and quirky events through the Hilltop Alliance
The Hilltop Alliance represents a handful of South Hills neighborhoods, but Allentown is home to many of the group’s most successful community events and redevelopment initiatives. The Bi-Annual Allentown Night Market returns each spring and fall, drawing neighbors and visitors to browse creepy-cool market stalls, order from food trucks, listen to live music and watch circus acts. The Hilltop Alliance also champions support initiatives like Fresh Fridays on the Hilltop, a free produce distribution service, and connects residents to resources for everything from housing rehabilitation to new business grants.
Commuting to downtown and walkable PRT bus stops
Downtown Pittsburgh is about 2 miles away across the Monongahela River. Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s light rail, called the T, occasionally reroutes service to Allentown’s streetcar tracks, but PRT buses offer more consistent service between downtown and the South Hills. You can use sidewalks to reach bus stops on a few of the neighborhood’s busier streets, but it might be a hilly walk.
The T occasionally runs through the neighborhood.
Allentown is a great place to live, work and play.
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Magnet and neighborhood schools in PPS
Allentown is served by the Pittsburgh Public School District. Kids can attend neighborhood schools assigned by home address or apply to other schools with magnet academic programs. Pittsburgh Grandview PreK-5 is a neighborhood school in Allentown that’s walkable for many students.
Entrance to Pittsburgh Grandview PreK-5.
Pittsburgh Grandview PreK-5 serves Allentown.
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Emerald View Park’s sprawling amenities and downtown views
Emerald View Park is one of Pittsburgh’s five regional parks. It curves along the slopes of Mount Washington, connecting multiple smaller parks and recreation areas across more than 250 acres. Grandview Park, the eastern tip of the park system, is within Allentown. There, you can find a playground, sports court and bandstand event space with views of downtown Pittsburgh. Other scenic overlooks and recreation amenities are accessible via Emerald View Park’s forested hiking trails and paved walking paths.
Emerald View Park has some unique sculptures to look at while visiting.
Emerald View Park also features one of the best views of Downtown Pittsburgh.
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
Are you familiar with the Allentown neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Allentown
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Allentown Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Allentown, Pittsburgh sell after 71 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Allentown, Pittsburgh over the last 12 months is $135,000, up 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Lovable 3-bedroom, 1-bath Allentown abode with an integral garage and private yard places you in the heart of one of Pittsburgh’s most dynamic emerging neighborhoods. Located 500 feet from E Warrington Avenue shopping and dining - including local favorites Alla Famiglia, Bottle Rocket Social Hall, and Grim Wizard Coffee - the fully updated home presents an exciting city-living opportunity.
Ever wanted a slice of Pittsburgh's skyline view? Now's your opportunity! Welcome to 121 Brosville, a parcel of land just waiting for your imagination. Only minutes away from all that East Carson Street has to offer, this property on the South Side Slopes has stunning view potential for your future new build home! Don't miss your chance to build your dream house on a piece of land with incredible
Your next investment opportunity has arrived. Centrally located near public transit, shopping, dining, entertainment and easy access to downtown, this little home has serious potential. There are some projects here, and it needs some TLC for the next occupant, but the bones are good, and there's enough done here to get you on your way.
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Updated Apartment for Rent in Allentown, Pittsburgh | In-Unit Laundry | Leasing Specials AvailableWelcome to this updated apartment in Pittsburgh's Allentown neighborhood! Featuring a modernized kitchen and in-unit laundry, this well-located unit puts you within easy reach of Pittsburgh's top universities, major roadways, and most popular neighborhoods.Apartment FeaturesUpdated
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