Hilltop organizations and homes in South Pittsburgh
Once centered around the demolished St. Clair Village housing development, St. Clair is a Hilltop neighborhood reinvesting in community organizations and resources in South Pittsburgh. “After the last buildings came down in 2010, the Mt. Oliver/St. Clair Community Group, Lighthouse Cathedral Church and Hilltop Alliance organized to find a productive use for this land,” says John Bixler, executive director of the Hilltop Urban Farm. “The youth farm was a priority because it’s what the community wanted. Addressing food insecurity and education inform a lot of the programming here.” Specialized St. Clair groups and regional Hilltop connectors preserve established ties and bolster new green spaces, bonds and events among forested hills 3 miles south of downtown Pittsburgh.
Single family homes sit close the street through out the neighborhood of St. Clair.
The St. Clair community has a beautiful view of the city of Pittsburgh.
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Pre-war and midcentury single-family homes
Familiar industrial suburb vistas characterize St. Clair’s narrow residential streets, from rows of mismatched brick and vinyl pre-war and midcentury homes to teal-toned fences guarding drop-offs overgrown with brambles and thickets of trees. Locals live in Dutch Colonial or simple gable-front two-story homes and smaller bungalows on quiet side streets or more isolated properties perched atop steep hills along Parkwood Road, selling for $70,000 to $150,000.
Vacant lots and boarded-up homes stand down the street from cheerful planting and careful porch decor. Narrow sidewalks line some of the neighborhood, but maintenance and continuity are spotty. St. Clair has a CAP Index crime score of 8 out of 10 compared to the national average of 4. “Community groups and the district councilman talk about crime when they meet,” Bixler says. “The Brashear Organization, Abiding Missions – we're all very engaged. Increasing programs for education, food insecurity and deepening connections with families might not change the whole world, but it adds up.”
American Foursquare style homes are scattered throughout the neighborhood of St. Clair.
Ranch-style homes are located In St. Clair with a lower level garage and clean landscaping.
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Driving into Pittsburgh and the Port Authority bus line
Steep connective roads across the Hilltop region make for meandering routes for many commuters. “On some roads it looks like you’re driving off the edge of the Earth,” Bixler says. Residents can drive 3 miles into downtown Pittsburgh or catch the Knoxville Port Authority bus at stops on Mountain Avenue.
Residents are a short 13min from downtown Pittsburgh.
St Clair has PRT bus stops all through the area.
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Nearby Pittsburgh Public Schools
Kids start school across Mountain Avenue at Pittsburgh Arlington PreK-8 which earns a C from Niche, followed by Carrick High School which earns a B-minus. “Post-COVID we’ve had the Arlington principal over to talk about reestablishing programs to have all those kids learning about where their food comes from, tasting what’s growing and just digging in the dirt, getting the chance to be a kid in the great outdoors,” Bixler says.
Arlington Elementary serves its community with outstanding staff and education.
Carrick High School is a public school in Pittsburgh and offers a Business Technology program.
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Shopping and dining in Mt. Oliver, Carrick and Knoxville
While Lighthouse Cathedral Church stands on a lot which was once a Giant Eagle, business and commercial life are nonexistent in St. Clair today. Half a mile away in Mt. Oliver, Ormsby Avenue Cafe serves classic bar fare and is a popular venue for community meetings and casual get-togethers alike. For groceries and essentials, locals can navigate through 2 miles of winding roads to the Shop ‘n Save in Carrick. In neighboring Knoxville, residents pop into small thrift and beauty supply stores or the Family Dollar off Brownsville Road and savor authentic cuisine at Flavor of Puerto Rico.
Page's Dairy Mart is a near by favorite spot for ice cream for St. Clair residents.
Ormsby Avenue Cafe is where St. Clair residents go to enjoy a drink.
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The Corner, Phillip Murray Playground and Hilltop Urban Farm
On vast acres of repurposed land and infrastructure from St. Clair Village, Hilltop Urban Farm’s fields, greenhouses, garden plots and burgeoning fruit tree orchards are enclosed by thick, hilly forests and chain-link entrance gates. “Because of lease restrictions we have to keep the entrances locked, but we’re working to open the gates and hopefully add community gardens so the community can just walk in and tend to plots,” Bixler says. “You can hardly believe you’re in city limits up here, it’s so open, calm and quiet.” For now, adults gain regional agricultural education through the Farmer Incubation Program, while school-age children get their hands dirty in specific youth farm garden beds and orchards through Hilltop schools and childcare groups.
Downhill from Arlington, the colorful jungle gyms at Phillip Murray Park stand beside a long, grassy field growing over the neighboring baseball field. Cornhole enthusiasts and chess players can bring their own pieces and bean bags to the permanent boards at The Corner pocket park.
On The Corner in central St. Clair you will find a community library for residents to enjoy.
Kids get together to play soccer at Phillip Murray Park.
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Mt. Oliver City/St. Clair Community Group, The Lighthouse and Hilltop Alliance
The Mt. Oliver City/St. Clair Community Group invites neighbors to get together at events throughout the year, ranging from competitive neighborhood clean-ups to laidback First Night block parties at The Corner. Religious services are held at Lighthouse Cathedral Church, as are free summer programs for children. Put on by a coalition of community organizations and the Hilltop Alliance, the annual Harvest Festival invites locals from all around to gather for an afternoon of live music, Urban Farm produce vendors and family activities on the outdoor deck beside the Mt. Oliver Municipal Building.
Lighthouse Church is where St. Clair community members meet on Sunday.
Lighthouse Church in St Clair offers an after school program for young students.
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Two unit property for sale. Property consist of 2 parcels in Carrick. Two car detached garage with apartment is on one parcel and cape code house with 4? bedrooms on main parcel. Both spaces are rented.
Welcome to 826 Parkwood Road! Consisting of a spacious 2.5 stories on a dead-end street that needs love, but has a lot of love to give through it's immense amount of character. Venture up the steps to the 2 decks on the front of the home that overlook the valley before entering the front door. As you make your way inside, you will find A blank slate room to your right with a tray ceiling and
Experience total privacy in this beautifully maintained 3-BR ranch-style home, tucked away on a peaceful dead-end street just minutes from the city. The inviting living area is filled with natural light, creating a warm & welcoming atmosphere, two generously sized bedrooms complement a versatile third bedroom, ideal for a home office or nursery. Enjoy the modern updates in the kitchen and
Lori AltmeyerBERKSHIRE HATHAWAY THE PREFERRED REALTY
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has Equal Renters and Owners
Demographics
Total Population
220
Median Age
38
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$44,999
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$65,646
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.1%
College Graduates
18.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.6%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
70.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
40''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
13/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
8/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
30/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
