Franklin is a Wilkinsburg community attracting investors near Pittsburgh
In the center of Wilkinsburg, Franklin is an established neighborhood whose residential streets are just south of the borough’s growing downtown. Groups like the Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation (WCDC) are leading the charge to reinvent downtown, just as investors are looking to restore Franklin’s 20th-century homes. “Most of my clients looking in Wilkinsburg are investors doing fix-and-flip sales. That revitalization has been going on for a few years now, and we’re starting to see the fruits of that labor really come through,” says Ashley Pugliesi, a Realtor with Realty One Group Platinum. “Wilkinsburg is an older section of the city. There are a lot of Victorians, and the streets tend to be a bit narrower since they were made before cars were a thing.” While these streetscapes preserve some of Franklin’s original charm, the neighborhood is looking to the future as part of Wilkinsburg’s ongoing revitalization just outside Pittsburgh’s East End. “It’s quite centrally located. Traffic may not always make it time-efficient, but it’s easy to get into or out of the city,” Pugliesi says.
Renovated properties and historically high vacancy rates in Wilkinsburg
Most homes in Franklin were built from the late 19th through the early 20th centuries. American Foursquares, two-story cottages and Victorian-style homes are the norm, and some streets feature brick rowhomes. Several houses have been renovated or converted into multifamily properties, but others need repairs, as Wilkinsburg has historically struggled with high vacancy rates. The borough has received several state grants to help combat the issue, and spots like the Stone Soup Community Garden have brought new life to its vacant lots. Home prices typically range from $30,000 to $175,000, depending on the condition of the property. “Wilkinsburg offers more affordable housing, but it’s very renter-heavy,” Pugliesi says. Nearly 80% of residents are renters, and while Franklin’s overall CAP Index crime score of 5 is only slightly higher than the national average, scores for certain violent crimes are higher.
Franklin is an established neighborhood in the borough of Wilkinsburg.
Single family homes come in all shapes and sizes throughout the urban landscape in Franklin.
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Revitalization projects and local businesses in downtown Wilkinsburg
Downtown Wilkinsburg is reinventing itself with the help of the WCDC. Renovation projects include transforming the historic Wilkinsburg Train Station and Lohr Building into innovative mixed-use developments with leasable office spaces. The latter is also home to the Lohr Gallery, where the Art All Over series highlights local creatives. Local businesses range from longstanding institutions like Kenyon’s Jewelers to newer additions such as Lovett Sundries, a sustainable shop selling all-natural beauty and household products. For the essentials, there’s Dollar General, Save A Lot and Aldi.
The dining scene showcases a variety of flavors. Fireside Caribbean is a counter-serve spot serving up traditional dishes in takeout boxes. Salvatore’s Pizza House & Bar has been part of the community since 1984, and the neighborhood pizzeria proudly displays pictures of Wilkinsburg’s history on its walls. Nancy’s Revival is another standout with classic diner eats and an old-school look. There are more shops and restaurants in trendy East End neighborhoods like Regent Square, less than 2 miles from Franklin.
Friends meet for coffee and conversation at Biddle's Escape in Wilkinsburg.
The Lohr Building anchors downtown Wilkinsburg serves the area as a mixed-use building and home to the Lohr Gallery.
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The Wilkinsburg School District has a low student-teacher ratio
The Wilkinsburg School District earns an overall grade of C-plus from Niche and has an average student-teacher ratio of 10-to-1. It consists of the C-plus-rated Kelly Primary School and the C-rated Turner Intermediate School. The district partners with the B-minus-rated Pittsburgh Public Schools to send middle and high school students to Pittsburgh Westinghouse Academy 6-12, which scores a C-minus. In 2024, the two districts received $15.3 million from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Renew America’s Schools grant program to help fund renovations at 20 schools, including Kelly Primary, Turner Intermediate and Westinghouse Academy. Renovations are ongoing and aim to increase energy efficiency across both school districts. Franklin is also home to the Pittsburgh Urban Christian School, which earns an A from Niche and covers prekindergarten through eighth grade.
The Pittsburgh Urban Christian School inspires all its students.
Pittsburgh Westinghouse Academy has an overall rating of a C- according to Niche.
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Neighborhood green spaces and community centers near Frick Park
Ferguson Park is a neighborhood green space with two playgrounds, a basketball court and a picnic pavilion. Kids gather in the park each summer for Park It!, a free recreation program running from June through August. In Franklin’s northwestern corner is the Wilkinsburg Public Library, which offers educational and recreational programs for all ages. Two community centers, Hosanna House and Community Forge, also support residents with summer camps, after-school programs and professional development services.
The neighborhood is about 3 miles from Frick Park, Pittsburgh’s largest green space. It covers 644 acres and features everything from playgrounds and athletic facilities to nature trails and an environmental center that offers educational programming for all ages. Franklin also has several houses of worship that represent a variety of faiths, including two mosques and various Christian churches.
Enjoy the many trails that wind through Frick Park.
The Wilkinsburg Public Library is a great place to find a new book near Franklin.
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Summer festivities include the Wilkinsburg Thursday Market
Summer is a popular season for community events. In downtown, residents gather in the Harold Young Sr. Parklet for the borough’s summer concert series and the weekly Wilkinsburg Thursday Market. Wilkinsburg Community Day is another local favorite with live music, food and a bounce house in Hunter Park, less than a mile from Franklin.
The Wilkinsburg Thursday Market is here for everyone every Thursday in the summer.
Friends meet to shoot some hoops on the courts at Hunter Park.
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Access to PRT bus stops and downtown Pittsburgh
Sidewalks allow residents to easily access Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus stops. PRT buses make frequent stops in Franklin and along the Martin Luther King Jr. East Busway, a bus-only highway running along the neighborhood’s western edge. For those who prefer to drive, Interstate 376 is just outside of Franklin. Downtown Pittsburgh is less than a 10-mile drive away via I-376, and Pittsburgh International Airport is about 26 miles from the neighborhood.
GreatSchools:
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Opportunity awaits in this spacious 3-story, all-brick single-family home. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and spacious layout this solid property offers plenty of potential for the savvy investor or ambitious homeowner looking to make it their own. Bring your vision and tools to make this home shine again! Whether you’re looking for your next flip or rental investment, this handyman
Disregard listing price. Property will be sold at auction. Two Parcels - 0.15 +/- Acres (as assessed). Three Story Brick Home - 1,796 +/- Sqft. 3 Bedrooms, 1 Full Bath. Two Additional Rooms on Third Floor. Full Unfinished Basement. Hardwood Floors and Trim Throughout. Eat-In Kitchen, Dining Room, Family Room. Pantry Off Kitchen with Built-Ins. Pocket Doors & 9' Ceilings. Property will be sold by
Joe PyleJoe R. Pyle Complete Auction and Realty Service
Don't miss your chance to move right into this already furnished beautiful, conveniently located, 4 Bedroom 1.5 Bath brick home today- furniture, TVS, and appliances all included! The spacious attic is newly finished, perfect for a 4th bedroom or extra living space. Beautiful hardwood floors throughout and nice sized rooms! Enjoy peace of mind with its New Roof! There are many opportunities
Property Id: 1846045Now available for rent: a beautifully updated top-floor unit in a charming three-story Victorian triplex! Located in a prime area near Penn Ave, the Parkway, and major bus lines, this move-in ready apartment features:Bright and spacious layoutPrivate balconyAccess to a large shared yardHistoric details with modern finishesPerfect
A cozy space on the 3rd floor of 3-Story home w/Victorian charm.1 bedroom, updated bathrm w/tub & access to shared vibrant backyard/common area w/2 other units. Kitchen has refrigerator, gas stove\top. Charming windows thruout unit. Encompassing areas of Wilkinsburg & Regent Sq, 15221 zip offers renters unique charm & vibrant communities.Walking distance to Wood St local proprietors including
Cristina DamisBERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES THE PREFERRED REAL
Property Id: 2038922Welcome to 812 Ross Ave, a charming Victorian-era triplex located in the heart of Wilkinsburg. This spacious property features three separate units, two of which have been beautifully updated with modern finishes, while the third offers a great opportunity to add your personal touch. Each unit includes generous living space, private balconies, and access to a shared
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,664
Median Age
37
Population under 18
26%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$37,397
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$39,209
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
84.6%
College Graduates
19.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.6%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
6''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
63/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
82/ 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.
