Vandergrift

Formed as a township in 1820, the Allegheny River fronts the neighborhood that borrows from its likeness. Like many of the far-reach townships outside of the urban atmosphere, Allegheny takes pride in the strict maintenance of its green space and historical sites. Comprised mainly of residential areas and parks, it's a peaceful settling place only 30 miles northeast of downtown Pittsburgh.<br><br>A bird's eye view of Allegheny will reveal oceans of green, from thick swatches of woodland to perfectly maintained lawns. The residential pockets are tucked away from the busiest main routes, and neighbors can chat at their mailboxes or take evening walks with relative peace and quiet. The streetscape atmosphere is as varied as the architecture – some properties sit along winding backroads while others line neatly up around the cul-de-sac. You can find a little taste of everything here, from classic split-levels and mixed-material Colonial Revivals to gorgeous contemporary French-inspired homes made from red brick. Most residents own their homes, and price ranges align with the diversity of architectural styles. A two-bedroom bungalow may only cost $180,000, while a five-bedroom modern estate could put you at $1 million. The higher prices tend to be outliers, considering that the median selling price for single-family homes is $210,000.<br><br>Public institutions for Allegheny are served by the Kiski Area School District. When students are ready to begin their educational journey, they'll start at Kiski Area North Primary School, which receives an overall B-plus from Niche, before moving on to Kiski Upper Elementary, which gets an overall B-minus. Both maintain a low student-teacher ratio for more personalized learning environments. Kiski Area Intermediate acts as the middle school, taking home an overall B-minus from Niche. The students run their own publication – the "Cavalier Chronicles" – that details events within the school district through student-written articles. The final step of primary education is Kiski Area High, graded with an overall B from Niche and cited in the top 5 best high schools in Westmoreland County. GreatSchools notes that the high school has a perfect 10 out of 10 for college readiness, seen through the numerous and diverse Advanced Placement programs and new partnership with the National Math & Science Initiative.<br><br>Following Route 356 north over the bridge, you can connect to the main artery of Interstate 28 and get to downtown Pittsburgh in just under 30 minutes. Allegheny is a car-dependent community, as most walkability is mainly within residential neighborhoods. Leechburg Road, which winds its way through the center of Allegheny, is lined with commercial businesses. Stop into Giant Eagle Supermarket for groceries, get your daily workout at Anytime Fitness or grab a fast bite on the way home. There are local businesses interspersed with big-name stores, and you'll often find residents sipping craft beers at Conny Creek Brewery or trying the famed fish in the Western-themed lounge of The Snyder's Bonfire.<br><br>Allegheny maintains several parks throughout the neighborhood, and its position right by the Allegheny River is a dream for those who love kayaking and exploring waterside trails. At 548 acres, the Northmoreland Park is the largest in Westmoreland County. It stays busy year-round, with kids enjoying the playground, people fishing at the lake and bike riders zooming around the dirt BMX tracks. The diverse selection of athletic options – everything from soccer and baseball fields to tennis and basketball courts – teem with energy. Allegheny has both the Willowbrook Country Club and River Forest Country Club for golf lovers. It's a great way to meet fellow locals at club-hosted events while enjoying the challenging courses and premium dining.<br><br>If you're looking for a laidback neighborhood that's still easily commutable to Pittsburgh, Allegheny is a worthy choice.