Hills and valleys of homes above the Allegheny River
Hanging off hillsides crowned with aged industrial-era homes, time-worn cemeteries and midcentury suburbs further north of Pittsburgh’s city limits, Reserve Township is a long-established gateway to the North Hills. “It's a very small community where people are keyed into what’s going on in their neighborhoods,” says Jan Kowalski, manager of Reserve Township. “We have fantastic views of the city skyline.” Within 5 miles of downtown Pittsburgh, Reserve Township balances suburban schools and shopping centers with connection to the green spaces and local businesses enriching post-industrial communities along the Allegheny River.
Well-kept homes line the streets of Reserve Township.
Reserve Township offers cozy living amid prewar charm along the Allegheny River.
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Prewar homes and hilly midcentury suburbs
Jutting over hillsides above Troy Hill and Millvale on the southern edge of the township and standing along the Spring Garden Avenue valley, a mix of late 19th-century and prewar single-family homes sell for $100,000 to $300,000 depending on square footage and renovation levels. Further north, side streets and subdivisions on rolling hills become wider and more suburban, lined by small ranch-style, Minimal Traditional and simple two-story homes built in the 1940s through 1970s which sell for $170,000 to $300,000. Townhouses built in pairs on grassy subdivisions in the 1990s sell for $230,000 to $290,000. A few churches pop up between homes throughout the township.
You can find many bungalow style houses in Reserve Township.
Some streets in Reserve Township feature prewar brick paving.
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Downtown Pittsburgh commutes and Pittsburgh Regional Transit
To get downtown, residents have a 5-mile commute heading west to merge onto Interstate 279 or braving the infamously steep and narrow Rialto Street, also called Pig Hill, to merge onto Route 28. PRT buses run along Mt. Troy Road and Spring Garden Road.
If you need a fast way to travel to downtown from Reserve Township you can take Route 28.
Bus stops are scattered throughout Reserve Township, about 20 minutes from downtown.
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Small businesses and North Hills commercial hubs
While Reserve Township does not have much commercial life, a few locally owned businesses sit off Mount Troy Road and Spring Garden Avenue. One mainstay for bar food and a drink is Hog’s Head Bar & Grill, also called The Pig Bar after the area’s historic role in Pittsburgh’s pork and tanning industries. “It’s a neighborhood watering hole. Our fire chief is the owner,” Kowalski says. Gardeners take their green thumbs to Brenckle’s Greenhouses to peruse fragrant rows of flowers, vegetables and hanging baskets accompanied by the operating family’s greenhouse cat and dog. For groceries, locals can head down to the Shop ‘n Save off Babcock Boulevard. Big box retailers like Target and Best Buy line McKnight Road all the way to Ross Park Mall 5 miles north of the township.
Hog's Head Bar and Grill is the only popular food spot in Reserve Township.
Spring time means buying flowers at Brenckles Greenhouses in Reserve Township.
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Girty’s Woods, community parks and nearby river trails
From an access point down Irwin Lane, hikers venture through deep woods extending down into Millvale on steep, narrow trails through Girty’s Woods. Locals can find an unnamed pocket playground and basketball court fenced between houses on Spring Garden Avenue or shoot some hoops below the tiny, grassy baseball field at William R. Prom Memorial Park. Outside the township, residents have access to even more green spaces. “People can piggyback off a lot of the city of Pittsburgh’s parks. Right down Rialto Street you can bike on Herr's Island and the river trails that connect all the way to Washington D.C.,” Kowalski says.
Residents walk their dogs at Girty's Woods in central Reserve Township.
Girty's Woods is a large plot of green space in Reserve Township.
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Attending Shaler Area School District
Kids attend kindergarten through third grade at Reserve Primary School which earns a B from Niche, followed by fourth through sixth grade at Shaler Area Elementary School which earns a B-minus. Students finish up at Shaler Area Middle School which earns a B and Shaler Area High School which earns a B and provides areas of concentration to help students choose courses that align with specific interests in STEAM careers.
Shaler Area Middle School is on Mt Royal Blvd in Shaler Township.
Shaler Area High School is a public school for grades 9-12 and is rated B by Niche.
See dreams take flight and knowledge find its roots within Reserve Primary School.
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Annual Reserve Township Light Up Night
Among holiday celebrations throughout the year, Light Up Night on the Thursday after Thanksgiving is one of the Reserve Township’s best loved and attended. “We get a few hundred people which is a big deal for our small community. We try to do a pretty spectacular event,” Kowalski says. Festivities include rides around the Reserve Township Office’s parking lot, which is decked out in Christmas lights, in horse-drawn carriages, visits from Santa, tree lighting and performances by carolers.
Rialto Street a.k.a. "Pig Hill" takes you up a 24% grade from Pittsburgh to Reserve Township.
Reserve Township is only 15 minutes outside downtown Pittsburgh.
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Photography Contributed By
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Video By
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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Nestled in the heart of Reserve Township, this charming 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home was thoughtfully designed for entertaining and living alike. 10 minutes from Downtown Pittsburgh, the residence is private retreat with incredible convenience. Spacious front porch overlooks an in-ground pool, a large patio, and a level front yard—perfect for summer gatherings or quiet evenings outdoors. The main
Welcome to 3318 Spring Garden Rd, where you are instantly greeted by a beautiful Japanese Maple and lovely fenced in front yard. This three bedroom, two full bathroom home is move-in ready, and perfect for someone who wants quick access to the city but wants privacy as well. This home also boasts a recently remodeled kitchen! Had a hard day? Take a nice relaxing soak in the large bathtub in the
Investment opportunity! This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home has been partially gutted. Will need a complete rehab. Many possibilities for a custom remodel. Located within Reserve Township in the Shaler Area School District.
Just outside of Pittsburgh's city limits, this well-maintained Reserve Township brick home features 3 beds, 1 bath, ample yard space, and plenty of parking both in the integral garage and large driveway. Inside you'll find a recently renovated, modern kitchen, spacious living room, and formal dining room with beautiful hardwood floors throughout. Upstairs features a lovely stained glass window, 3
Nestled in the heart of Reserve Township, this charming 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home was thoughtfully designed for entertaining and living alike. 10 minutes from Downtown Pittsburgh, the residence is private retreat with incredible convenience. Spacious front porch overlooks an in-ground pool, a large patio, and a level front yard—perfect for summer gatherings or quiet evenings outdoors. The main
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home perched atop the hills of Reserve Township, where timeless charm meets modern versatility. Previously operated as a successful Airbnb, this exceptional property offers endless possibilities as a primary residence, investment opportunity, or multi-generational home. Step inside to discover original hardwood floors that add warmth
Solid, brick ranch featuring 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and 1,614 square feet. The property has a main level bedroom and bathroom and off-street parking and is being sold as-is.
Welcome home to this bright and airy 3-bedroom, 2-full-bath ranch, tucked away on a peaceful dead-end street in Reserve Township. Totally renovated from top to bottom, this gem features brand-new windows that flood the home with natural light and frame lush green views from almost every room. Completely updated with modern finishes and a bright, open feel. State-of-the-art kitchen equipped with
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Welcome to 2129 Straubs Lane, a beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 2-bath home designed for those who value flexibility, comfort, and room to grow. The main level features a bright living room, an updated kitchen with stainless appliances, and a bedroom that works well as a home office, nursery, or guest room. Upstairs are two more generously sized bedrooms. Downstairs, a private walk-out lower level
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Available for move in August 1st. Looking for a long-term tenant who will enjoy the space and take good care of it. Showings can begin July 20th. Any specific questions can be answered before that via email through this portal.First floor: Two large communal rooms, built in closet and shelving space. Kitchen with dishwasher, gas range and oven, and insinkerator. Brand new cabinets and
Top floor one-bedroom apartment located in Millvale in a secured building. Walk into the dining room/kitchen area. Kitchen includes fridge and electric range. Electric heat. Spacious bedroom. Bathroom is connected to bedroom. Rent plus gas/electric. Shared front porch. Available for immediate move in. Lease term can be negotiated. No pets. Applicant must pass credit check.
Brad NaedeleBERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES THE PREFERRED PROP
Great Location! Updated First Floor 2 Bedroom apartment in Millvale.Lovely Oak hardwood flooring in the front bedroom w ceiliing fan, Oak flooring in Living Room w ceiling fan, Open Kitchen with Granite counter top, Microwave, Electric Range, Refrigerator. Rear bedroom with ceiling fan, Separate entrance and walk in closet w laminate flooring. Step in Shower in the full bath adjacent to the
Welcome home to 2460 Pittview Avenue. This rental is completely updated throughout and offers one level living with an amazing view of the city. You'll notice the glistening hardwood floors as you enter the home, a fantastic open floor plan that brings the unobstructed view of the city right in to the home. Check out the built-in China cabinets and other built-ins. The master bedroom has an
Well-maintained 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home located in Millvale. Please note that the third bedroom is captive and is accessed through one of the other second-floor bedrooms.This home features all new luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring throughout the main living areas, brand-new carpet on the third floor, and fresh paint throughout. A stove and refrigerator are included.Additional
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