Overview & Orientation
Irwin is a small borough in Westmoreland County, about 22 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. It grew up around coal mining and the railroad in the 1850s and became a borough in 1864. Today, Irwin is known for its walkable Main Street business district, its annual car cruise, and easy access to the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The borough was the Turnpike’s original western end when the road opened in 1940.
Where Irwin Is
- County: Westmoreland County
- Type: Borough, incorporated in 1864, covering about 0.84 square miles
- ZIP code: 15642
- Surroundings: Irwin is bordered mostly by North Huntingdon Township, with the separate borough of North Irwin just to the north
Borough or Mailing Address?
Many homes with an “Irwin, PA 15642” mailing address are actually in North Huntingdon Township, not Irwin Borough. The borough, North Huntingdon, and North Irwin all share the Norwin School District, but local taxes, services, and permits come from the municipality a home is in. To confirm, check the deed, the tax bill, or Westmoreland County’s property records.
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate and vary by where you start. Traffic varies by time of day, especially on Route 30.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Greensburg | 15–20 minutes |
| Monroeville | 15–20 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 35–45 minutes |
| Cranberry Township (via Turnpike) | 40–50 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 45–55 minutes |
A Brief History
Irwin is named for John Irwin, the original owner of the town site, who first ran a stagecoach business from his home at Pennsylvania Avenue and Main Street. As canals and railroads replaced stagecoaches, he turned to selling coal lands. In 1853, Irwin and five partners formed the Westmoreland Coal Company and opened the Larimer Colliery No. One. That same year, Grove Colliery opened nearby.
The settlement around the railroad stop was first known as “Irwin Station.” It was incorporated as a borough in the summer of 1864, and residents voted to name it for John Irwin. Over the years, the town was home to iron foundries, flour mills, railroad car shops, planing mills, and electrical and mirror factories. In October 1940, Irwin became the original western end of the newly opened Pennsylvania Turnpike. Read more on the borough’s history page and Wikipedia’s Irwin entry.
Notable Landmarks
- Main Street: Irwin’s historic downtown business district
- Norwin Historical Society: At 219 Main Street, preserving the history of Irwin, North Irwin, and North Huntingdon
- Brush Hill: A fieldstone, Federal-style home built in 1798 by Col. John Irwin on Brush Hill Road, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 (see Brush Hill)
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
Irwin is a compact borough with a street grid around Main Street. Much of its housing is older, from the town’s growth in the late 1800s and early 1900s, with sidewalks and smaller lots near downtown. Homes with Irwin mailing addresses in North Huntingdon range from mid-century neighborhoods to newer subdivisions.
Types of Homes
- Single-family homes (the majority)
- Duplexes and multi-unit homes
- Apartments, including units above Main Street storefronts
Prices and availability change daily, so the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Irwin, or browse North Huntingdon listings.
Schools
Norwin School District
Irwin is served by the Norwin School District, which also serves North Huntingdon and North Irwin. The name “Norwin” combines North Huntingdon, Irwin, and North Irwin. The district office is at 281 McMahon Drive, (724) 861-3000. See the district overview for background.
- Elementary (K–4): Hahntown, Sheridan Terrace, Stewartsville, and Sunset Valley
- Intermediate (5–6): Hillcrest Intermediate School
- Middle (7–8): Norwin Middle School
- High (9–12): Norwin High School
Elementary assignment depends on address. Confirm with the district.
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg and Seton Hill University (Greensburg)
- Westmoreland County Community College (Youngwood)
- CCAC Boyce Campus (Monroeville)
For school performance data, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Future Ready PA Index and the district’s own website. School assignments can change. Confirm directly with the district.
Getting Around
Major Roads
- Main Street: Irwin’s downtown corridor
- U.S. Route 30 (Lincoln Highway): The main regional road, running just outside the borough, west toward Pittsburgh and east toward Greensburg
- Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76): The Irwin interchange, Exit 67, is on Route 30, with a park-and-ride lot nearby. See the PA Turnpike for tolls and travel alerts.
Public Transit
Most trips are by car. Check Westmoreland Transit for current regional and commuter bus routes.
Walkability & Bikeability
Downtown Irwin is compact and easy to walk, with shops and restaurants along Main Street. Errands beyond downtown usually need a car. See Walk Score for Irwin, PA.
Things to Do
Main Street
Irwin’s Main Street has locally owned shops, restaurants, and services in a walkable downtown. Larger retail and grocery stores are along Route 30 in North Huntingdon.
Annual Events
- Irwin Car Cruise (last Saturday in April): Organized by the Irwin Business and Professional Association, it brings around 500 classic and custom cars to Main Street. It has run for more than 30 years. See WPXI’s coverage.
- Antiques on Main (September): Hosted by the Norwin Historical Society
- Holiday House Tour (December): Also hosted by the Norwin Historical Society
Parks
Irwin Park has an amphitheater, a playground, a rentable pavilion, ballfields, and restrooms, with parking off Pennsylvania Avenue and 10th Street. The borough has planned paving, lighting, and new walkways for the park. North Huntingdon’s larger parks, including Oak Hollow Park and Indian Lake Park, are a short drive away.
Library
The Norwin Public Library is at 100 Caruthers Lane, Irwin, (724) 863-4700.
Local Services & Resources
Irwin Borough Office
424 Main Street, Irwin, PA 15642
Phone: (724) 864-3100
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Website: irwinborough.org
Borough Council: Meets twice a month in the Council Chamber at 1 First Street. Meetings are also streamed live. See the council meetings page for dates and agendas.
For homes in North Huntingdon or North Irwin, contact that municipality instead.
Trash & Public Works
For trash and recycling schedules, snow removal, and street questions, call Irwin Public Works at (724) 864-3105.
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Police (non-emergency): Irwin Borough Police, (724) 864-3103
- Fire (non-emergency): (724) 864-3104
Hospitals Nearby
- Excela Westmoreland Hospital (Greensburg)
- AHN Forbes Hospital and UPMC East (Monroeville)
Permits & Zoning
Planning a renovation, addition, deck, fence, or pool? For homes in the borough, start with the borough office at (724) 864-3100 for building permits and zoning questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Irwin, PA in?
Irwin is in Westmoreland County, about 22 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.
Is Irwin the same as North Huntingdon?
No. Irwin is its own borough. Many North Huntingdon homes use an “Irwin, PA 15642” mailing address, so check the municipality on the deed or tax bill.
What school district serves Irwin?
The Norwin School District, which also serves North Huntingdon and North Irwin.
How did Irwin get its name?
It was named for John Irwin, the original owner of the town site. The settlement was first known as “Irwin Station.”
Which Turnpike exit serves Irwin?
The Irwin interchange, Exit 67, on Route 30. Irwin was the Turnpike’s original western end when it opened in 1940.
When is the Irwin Car Cruise?
It is held on Main Street on the last Saturday in April and usually draws around 500 cars.
How long is the drive from Irwin to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 35 to 45 minutes, by Route 30 or the Turnpike and I-376. Traffic varies by time of day.
Where does Irwin Borough Council meet?
In the Council Chamber at 1 First Street, twice a month. Dates and agendas are posted on the borough website.
Thinking About a Move to Irwin?
Whether you are buying in Irwin or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions, including whether a specific Irwin-address home is in the borough or North Huntingdon. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Irwin listings, or reach out to our team.
Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark
412-214-9494 | pittsburghhometeam.com
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Written by Mike Pastor, Team Leader, Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark | PA License RS328638
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