Shaler

Located 7 miles from Pittsburgh, convenience brings many homebuyers to Shaler Township at first. Before long, though, they’re satisfied townsfolk. “It’s about location close to so many things, beautiful parks and recreation, highly sought after, stable housing,” says Sharon McRae, Director of Shaler North Hills Library. Some residents have discovered Shaler Township while home shopping in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, according to Matt Ohlsson of Coldwell Banker Realty, who has sold homes in the area for 18 years. “If you can’t buy in other parts of North Hills, Shaler is the place to go,” he says, citing lower property prices there. Even though Shaler Township is a quiet area, once residents settle in the area, they find that they’ve joined an active community. “The majority of the community tends to know each other,” Ohllson adds. “It’s the real middle class of the United States. Good People. Great School District. It's your middle class,” says Rob Strom, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Fox Chapel office. Strohm, who grew up around these parts, sees the nation’s backbone in this blue-collar Pittsburgh suburb. It’s where the people who serve people come when the day is done. “Your maintenance people for school districts, hospitals, the universities. You’re going to have administrators of school districts. Administrators of hospitals. You’ve got a lot of nurses.” Shaler Township’s homes are tucked into Pennsylvania’s rolling hills. Mid-century houses built in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s are everywhere. The average year homes were built is 1959. The median home size is 1,500 square feet. Most are moderate size, Strohm says, with neighbors close by. “I would say the average house is 1,800 square feet. You see Cape Cods and two-story Colonials, some contemporary houses mostly on half-acre lots.” Roughly 39% of structures in the area are commercial properties and 86% of the homes are owner-occupied. Historically, Shaler Township has attracted moderate-income homebuyers and others just starting. “You get young professionals because they can afford to purchase there,” Strom explains. “They can afford to be close to the city and purchase where they might not be able to purchase in the Fox Chapel School District.” A three or four-bedroom colonial revival can cost between $225,000 and $420,000, while a three-bedroom brick ranch can go for around $285,000. Those seeking a Victorian with 5 bedrooms can expect a price starting around $460,000. On Locust Ridge Drive, several new homes are being built and are selling for $450,000. Buyers willing to put in some work can find a renovation property with four bedrooms for $150,000. The median cost for a townhouse is $179,000. Lots can cost $22,350 per acre for those who want to build a custom home. The overall housing range stands at $151,000 to $497,000. Most homes are on the market for 53 days, which is higher than the national average of 44. The Cap Index crime score for the area is 2 out of 10, which is lower than the national average of 4. Public school students belong to the Shaler Area School District, which Niche rates a B. Students attend Shaler Area Elementary School, Shaler Area Middle School and Shaler Area High School. The high school has 32 sports teams, including women's flag football. The elementary school’s niche grade is a B-minus, while the middle and high schools have a B. Due to the proximity of Pittsburgh, there are several colleges and universities near the community, including the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University and Carnegie Mellon University. Besides schools, the township is home to a wealth of parks. Fall Run Park is one of its most celebrated. “It’s one of the only parks in the area with a waterfall,” McRae says. “It has a mile-long walking trail that ends at this beautiful waterfall.” This park along the Fall Run stream features beautiful pathways, cascading waterfalls, and a quaint covered bridge. It is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and photography. Those who love the water fun won’t have to far to travel — the Allegheny River is on the community's southern edge. McRae is as proud of the park as she is of her library, which has a 10G network, 37 machines for public use and a collection of 120,000 items. Among them is what they call a library of things, sports equipment like pickleball and tennis racquets, that members can borrow and use at local parks. Away from the parks, when folks get a taste for something to eat, there are several food options. Eat 'n Park, though, is an institution. “I would say that most people that live in the community have eaten at Eat 'n Park on Route Eight. It’s like Denny’s. Most of your workers go in, have their breakfast in the morning and go to work,” Strohm says. Pierogie lovers will want to check out Cop Out Pierogies — located next door in Etna. The eatery has 25 different versions on the menu. Nox’s On Eight is the local eatery that’s ideal for grabbing a Pittsburgh salad (a salad topped with French fries), some wings and a hoagie while taking in a Steelers game. More restaurants line Butler Street. Cooking at home is convenient, with Shop n’ Save, Giant Eagle and Aldi all close by. Retail shoppers can visit Ross Park Mall, 10 minutes away in Ross Township, to fill that need. Getting around has options in Shaler Township. Routes 8, north to south and Route 28, east to west. Both routes connect with major highways. There are also seven bus stops in the neighborhood, including six along Mt. Royal Boulevard. Shaler Township, it turns out, is a vibrant community with concerts in the park, a bike rodeo for kids and even a fall festival with games and pony rides for children. It’s an easy place to get hooked on McRae says, “They are very proactive in infrastructure, sewage water. It could be snowing everywhere, and you get to Shaler and the guys are out working their tails off. I can’t say enough about Shaler Township.”