Why Live in Swissvale
Swissvale is an east Pittsburgh borough characterized by its industrial town ambiance and a mix of well-worn homes, industrial buildings, and commercial strips. Located 7 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, Swissvale offers an affordable alternative to nearby neighborhoods. The community features a blend of early 1900s single-family homes, including two-story gable-front, American Foursquare, and Craftsman styles, with some homes requiring significant rehabilitation. Swissvale's commercial areas are dotted with mom-and-pop businesses, such as Quality Cutz barber shop and Swissvale Dari Delite ice cream shop. The Triangle Bar & Grill, famous for its Battleship hoagies, has been a local staple since the 1940s.
Residents enjoy various community programs and events, including the annual Community Day Festival and Easter egg hunts. The defunct Carrie Blast Furnaces along the Monongahela River now host the Festival of Combustion, celebrating Pittsburgh's creativity with modern metalworkers, musicians, and artists. Recreational options include Les Getz Memorial Park, known for its playground, pavilion, and baseball fields, and the indoor Switch and Signal Skatepark.
Swissvale is bisected by I-376, providing a 7-mile commute to downtown Pittsburgh through the Squirrel Hill Tunnels. Public transit is accessible via several Port Authority bus routes, including a stop on the Martin Luther King Jr. East Busway. The borough's crime rate is comparable to the national average, contributing to its appeal for families and individuals seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Swissvale a good place to live?
Swissvale is a good place to live, receiving 3.7 stars from its residents. Swissvale is considered fairly walkable and very bikeable with some transit options. Swissvale is a suburban neighborhood. Swissvale has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 9.8 people per acre and a median age of 41. The average household income is $77,361 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 44% of residents. A majority of residents in Swissvale are renters, with 52% of residents renting and 48% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Swissvale can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Swissvale neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Swissvale?
The median home price in Swissvale is $419,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $83,800 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.63%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,150 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $92K a year to afford the median home price in Swissvale. The average household income in Swissvale is $77K.
What are the best public schools in Swissvale?
The best public schools that serve Swissvale are:
What are the best private schools in Swissvale?
The best private schools that serve Swissvale are:
- Community Day School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 5:1 and an average review score of 5.0.
- St. Edmund's Academy has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 7:1 and an average review score of 4.9.
- The Ellis School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 5:1 and an average review score of 4.2.
What are the most popular zip codes in Swissvale, Swissvale, PA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Swissvale, Swissvale, PA?
Home Trends in Swissvale, PA
On average, homes in Swissvale, PA sell after 72 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Swissvale, PA over the last 12 months is $352,385, down 24% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$352,385
Median Single Family Sale Price
$340,455
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$525,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$258,950
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$196
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Last 12 months Home Sales
70
Median List Price
$419,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-24%