$194,316Average Value$129Average Price per Sq Ft13Homes For Sale
Small suburban enclave known for its historic homes, rural landscape
Perry North, or Observatory Hill, is a neighborhood of many unique attributes, from its seemingly rural landscape despite being in Pittsburgh to its high volume of historic mansions and its designation as the home of the state-of-the-art Allegheny Observatory. The neighborhood was established in 1894 as part of the former Allegheny City but was annexed by Pittsburgh in 1907. Many of the community's original structures still stand today, including the observatory and a slew of Victorian and Colonial Revival homes, giving the neighborhood a historic small-town feel. Perry North's modest business district adds to that charm, with local businesses occupying two-story brick rowhomes.
The Allegheny Observatory stands on a hilltop at the center of Riverview Park.
Perry North is a quiet neighborhood in Observatory, PA.
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Historic homes on modest lots
Perry North is an established community filled with grand historic mansions and modest traditional homes built between the late 1800s and mid-1900s. Many are slowly being updated, and according to Mike Netzel, a Realtor and entrepreneur with Keller Williams – Pittsburgh North, "Investors are coming in because of the architectural flexibility and turning those mansions into multi-family homes." Most sit snuggly along winding streets, though occasionally, homebuyers can find more spacious plots. Popular home styles include Colonial Revivals with brick facades, Foursquares with American and Victorian influences, quaint cottages with Cape Cod and Tudor elements, and prominent renovated Victorians with decorative beam work and dramatic turrets. Small, single-family fixer-uppers start around $38,000, while large, well-maintained, or updated dwellings can go for over $345,000. There are several multi-family homes in the community as well. Many are in need of some TLC, which has allowed them to sell for the extremely affordable prices of $85,000 to $250,000.
The gothic revival in Perry North have bargeboards and pointed arches.
You will love the cozy look of Tudors which can be found in Perry North.
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Stargazing at the Allegheny Observatory in Riverview Park
Riverview Park is a prominent feature in Perry North, covering most of the community's southern half. This 259-acre space is like "an island of green in the center of housing," says Netzel. It features walking and equestrian trails, playgrounds and sports fields. Popular trails in the park include the Riverview Park Loop and the Snowflake Loop, both designated as "easy." Residents are welcome to bring their dogs and can find shelter areas perfect for breaks along the pathways. The park is also home to the state-of-the-art Allegheny Observatory, which was built between 1900 and 1912 in a neoclassical style. Under each of its three domes, folks can find the Fitz/Clark Refractor, the Thaw Memorial Refractor, and the Keeler Telescope, instruments operated by the University of Pittsburgh and sometimes used for public programming.
Perry North residents enjoy a stroll in Riverview Park.
You can also use the green space in Riverview Park as a great opportunity to sun bathe.
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Summer movie nights at Riverview Park
Riverview Park is Perry North's main event stage, hosting programs sponsored by the Friends of Riverview Park organization and the city. One annual event aimed at preserving the park's beauty is the Arbor Day Celebration, where residents can spend time in nature, and kids can learn the importance of taking care of trees. The Stars at Riverview concert series is a summer tradition running from early June to late August. Each Saturday evening, local jazz groups set up in the park and serenade residents as they enjoy time with friends and family. After the concert, folks can hang back to watch a film as a part of the city's summer Cinema in the Park events.
Residents can enjoy the scenic views at local parks in Perry North.
Perry North offers affordable housing compared to most of the city suburbs.
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Specialized educational opportunities at Perry High
The neighborhood is served by Pittsburgh Public School District, which includes Pittsburgh Morrow PreK-8, graded a C on Niche, and Pittsburgh Perry High School, graded a C-minus. Perry High is divided into three schools: one for Liberal Arts, one for Career & Technical Education, and one for Service & Military. Students must commit to one or more school(s) before the end of ninth grade to target their education.
Pittsburgh Morrow K-8 prepares students for the future.
Pittsburgh Perry High School was built in 1890.
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Shopping, dining along U.S. Route 19
Perry North is mainly residential, apart from a few small businesses and restaurants near U.S. Route 19, the neighborhood's main thoroughfare. Observatory Hill Deli is a popular carryout sandwich shop serving everything from traditional cold-cut sandwiches to personal pizzas. Ida's Sandwich Shop is another family-owned favorite, offering classics like grilled cheeses and Reubens or more unique options like the French toast sandwich. For daily shopping needs and additional dining options, folks often visit nearby communities like Brighton Heights and Bellevue, where there are a handful of cafes, local eateries and a Giant Eagle Supermarket. The community is also just 4 miles from North Shore, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers' Acrisure Stadium and the Pirates' PNC Park.
Ida's Sandwich Shop in Perry North is always bustling with hungry residents.
Observatory Hill Deli is a welcoming shop in Perry North.
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I-279 borders the neighborhood
The neighborhood is bordered by U.S. Interstate 279, which leads directly to downtown Pittsburgh, about 5 miles away. Commuters who prefer public transit can catch Pittsburgh Regional Transit buses, which stop throughout the neighborhood. To travel internationally, residents can head about 23 miles west to Pittsburgh International Airport. Perry North is also home to 21 flights of city steps, a publicly managed outdoor staircase system that connects city communities to public transit. These unassuming concrete staircases are easy to miss, but are well used for exercise and getting around town. There are also three houses of worship here, each belonging to a different Christian denomination.
A great way to get in and out of Perry North is by using the Port Authority bus.
Perry North's streets are dotted with homes placed on small lots.
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Risk of flooding
According to Risk Factor, Perry North faces a major risk of experiencing flooding in the next 30 years.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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Big old 100 year old houses. Fantastic Park. New Soccer field. New restaurant. It is great place to raise a family.
5.0Niche User
7/11/2016Niche Review
Observatory Hill is a great neighborhood with great neighbors. We have new restaurants going in and a new turf soccer field. And Riverview Park is a great amenity. There are bike lanes being built into the neighborhood, too. It is also convenient to downtown and the North Shore, so you can decide to go to a ball game and be there in 10 minutes. The architecture is wonderful with many homes built around 1900.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Perry North
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Perry North Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Perry North, Observatory sell after 86 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Perry North, Observatory over the last 12 months is $210,000, up 27% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 133 Ivory Avenue! This wonderful home is located in a convenient location, just minutes from Downtown Pittsburgh and McKnight Road shops & restaurants. Beautiful hardwood floors grace both the main and upper floors, and an abundance of windows bathe the home in tons of natural light. The main floor features a spacious living room, separate dining room, kitchen and fabulous sunroom. The
Welcome to 135 Ivory Avenue! This wonderful home is located in a convenient location, just minutes from Downtown Pittsburgh and McKnight Road shops & restaurants. Beautiful hardwood floors grace both the main and upper floors, and an abundance of windows bathe the home in tons of natural light. The main floor features a spacious living room, separate dining room, kitchen and fabulous sunroom. The
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CUTE TWO STORY HOME WITH LOTS OF UPDATES! ENTER INTO A BRIGHT DEN THAT OPENS TO THE LIVINGROOM WHERE THERE IS A DECORATIVE STONE FIREPLACE, THE KITCHEN OFFERS NEW CABINETRY,A BRICK ACCENT WALL AND ACCESS TO A REAR DECK. THE 1ST FLOOR HAS GREY PLANK STYLE FLOORING THROUGHOUT! THE 2ND FLOOR INCLUDES NEW W/W CARPETING, LOFT/DRESSING AREA,FULL BATH AND NICELY SIZED BEDROOM! NEW ROOF IN 2020, 2 YEAR
Gregory HigbeeBERKSHIRE HATHAWAY THE PREFERRED REALTY
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