Located 25 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, Monaca, Pennsylvania, is a riverfront community at the meeting point of the Ohio and Beaver Rivers. Originally incorporated as Phillipsburg in 1840, the borough was renamed Monaca in 1892 to honor Monacatootha, a Native American representative of the Iroquois Confederacy. Monaca has a strong industrial heritage, with significant employers like Pennsylvania Shell's ethylene cracker plant and Stoelzle Glass USA contributing to the local economy. Despite its industrial roots, Monaca maintains a close-knit community atmosphere, with children frequently seen playing outdoors and neighbors engaging in communal activities. Local establishments such as Chick's Dutch Bar, Nichol's Market, and Monaca Market are popular among residents. The borough features a commercial corridor along Brodhead Road, home to retailers like Walmart, Lowe's, and Kohl's, as well as chain eateries. Beaver Valley Mall offers additional shopping and dining options nearby.
Monaca's housing stock primarily consists of homes built in the first half of the 20th century, with some midcentury and newer constructions. Architectural styles include Minimal Traditional, American Foursquares, ranch-style homes, split-level houses, and eclectic colonials. The average lot size is around 6,098 square feet, providing ample space for outdoor enjoyment.
Education in Monaca is highly rated, with students attending Central Valley High, which offers a STEM-focused robotics program and a variety of varsity sports. Monaca Riverfront Park provides a scenic green space along the Ohio River, ideal for picnics and playdates. The borough's proximity to Beaver and the Beaver County Transit Authority's bus route ensures residents have convenient access to additional amenities without needing a car.
