Small historic enclave
The small historic borough of Wall was built out of necessity after Wall Station – a prominent Pennsylvania Railroad depot – was erected in the late 1800s, attracting rail workers to the area. While the industry has since cleared out, many homes built during that time remain. The community is only about half a square mile and is mainly filled with small residential streets and undeveloped wooded lands. "It's like rural living but in the heart of a little tiny borough," says Jayne Kohnen, the owner of the local pet grooming shop Aunt Jayne's Groom Room. That small-town charm can also be felt through the people who live here. "This community is tight," Kohnen says. "It's like a family community. Everyone knows everyone. The Mayor brings his pets to my shop. The President brings his dog." While Wall is a secluded enclave, it's not far from amenities like parks, shopping centers or downtown Pittsburgh.
Foursquares with classic American and Victorian farmhouse influences
Homes often sit on midsized lots along narrow, hilly streets. Homebuyers can mostly expect to find Foursquares with classic American or Victorian farmhouse influences, though a few brick Cape Cods and bungalows are sprinkled throughout. Most were built between the late-1800s and mid-1900s, meaning they come in various conditions. Smaller fixer-uppers can start as low as $39,000, while larger, well-maintained homes can go for more than $140,000. The median home price here is just over $82,000, putting the neighborhood well below the national average of $417,700.
About 14 miles from downtown Pittsburgh
Wall is about 14 miles east of downtown Pittsburgh, making it a viable option for city commuters looking for a more rural place to call home. The neighborhood is not served by public transit, but Pittsburgh Regional Transit buses pick up along Patton and Station Streets, just outside of town. To travel internationally, residents can head about 33 miles west to Pittsburgh International Airport.
East Allegheny schools receive high marks for diversity
Students in Wall may belong to the East Allegheny School District, which includes Logan Elementary School, graded a C-minus on Niche, and East Allegheny Junior/Senior High School, graded a C. The school district has a student body of approximately 1,430 students from both urban and rural backgrounds, earning it an A in diversity on Niche.
Shopping and dining along Wall Avenue
Wall is primarily residential, apart from a handful of small businesses along Wall Avenue like Aunt Jayne's Groom Room and Eddie's Restaurant & Lounge, the only eatery in town. Residents often head to this small, family-owned bar after work for drinks with friends over a Steelers game or round of pool. It serves classic pub food but is particularly known for its "pterodactyl-sized wings," says Kohnen. For additional shopping and dining needs, residents need only head just outside of town to neighboring communities like Trafford, where there is a small shopping center with a SHOP 'n Save grocery store, Advance Auto Parts and Papa Rocks Pizza Pub.
A war memorial and walking trails at Wilmerding Park
Wall is close to several outdoor spaces, including Wilmerding Park, a small grassy knoll with paved walking paths centered around the Wilmerding Great War Monument. Pitcairn Park is another nearby spot where kids can play little league baseball, join a pickup basketball game, or climb on the playground.
Written By
Kayla Koslosky
