Overview & Orientation
Vandergrift is a borough in northern Westmoreland County, about 30 miles northeast of Pittsburgh along the Kiskiminetas River. Founded in 1895, it was one of the first planned industrial towns in the United States, laid out by the Olmsted landscape architecture firm with curving, tree-lined streets that follow the hills. Today much of the town is a National Register historic district, and Vandergrift is known for its historic Casino Theatre, the Victorian Vandergrift Museum, and its walkable Grant Avenue business district.
Where Vandergrift Is
- County: Westmoreland County
- Type: Borough, covering about 1.42 square miles. See Wikipedia’s Vandergrift entry.
- ZIP code: 15690
- Setting: On the south bank of the Kiskiminetas River, in the Alle-Kiski Valley, with Leechburg, Apollo, and New Kensington nearby
Borough or Mailing Address?
The “Vandergrift, PA 15690” mailing address also reaches into neighboring municipalities outside the borough. Local government, taxes, and services come from the municipality a home is in, not the mailing address. 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.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Apollo or Leechburg | 10 minutes |
| New Kensington | 15–20 minutes |
| Murrysville | 25–30 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 45–55 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 60–70 minutes |
A Brief History
In 1895, the Apollo Iron and Steel Company, led by George McMurtry, set out to build a new mill town along the Kiskiminetas River. The company hired Olmsted, Olmsted and Eliot, the country’s leading landscape architecture firm, and John Charles Olmsted led the town plan in 1896. The town was named for company director Captain J.J. Vandergrift.
The Olmsted plan put the mill and railroad on the flat land by the river and the homes on higher ground. It used curving streets that follow the hills, wide paved streets with good drainage, small parks throughout, and a commercial center on Grant Avenue. The company encouraged workers to buy their homes rather than rent. The plan won a gold medal at the St. Louis World’s Fair. In the early 20th century, Vandergrift’s mill was described as the largest sheet steel mill in the world. Read more from The Cultural Landscape Foundation.
Notable Landmarks
- Vandergrift Historic District: 88 acres and 625 contributing buildings from about 1895 to 1925, listed on the National Register in 1995
- Casino Theatre: A Greek Revival theater from 1900, one of the oldest operating theaters in Pennsylvania
- Victorian Vandergrift Museum: Local history in a 1911 school building
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
Much of Vandergrift’s housing dates from the town’s first decades, roughly 1895 to 1925. The historic district includes homes in Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and other styles of the era, set along curving, tree-lined streets with sidewalks. Homes outside the original plan, and in neighboring municipalities, include later 20th-century houses.
Older homes may have original features, so a careful inspection is worth the time. Homes in low-lying areas near the river should be checked on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
Types of Homes
- Single-family homes (the majority)
- Duplexes and multi-unit homes
- Apartments, including units above Grant Avenue storefronts
Prices and availability change daily, so the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Vandergrift.
Schools
Kiski Area School District
Vandergrift is served by the Kiski Area School District, which covers about 102 square miles and nine municipalities in Westmoreland and Armstrong Counties. See the district overview for background.
- Primary (K–4): Kiski Area East, North, and South Primary Schools
- Upper Elementary (5–6): Kiski Area Upper Elementary School
- Intermediate (7–8): Kiski Area Intermediate School
- High (9–12): Kiski Area High School
Primary school assignment depends on address. Confirm with the district.
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- Penn State New Kensington (Upper Burrell)
- Westmoreland County Community College’s New Kensington center
- University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
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
- PA Route 56: The main regional route, running west toward New Kensington and PA Route 28, and east toward Apollo
- PA Route 28 (Allegheny Valley Expressway): The main highway to Pittsburgh, reached to the west
- Grant Avenue and Washington Avenue: Local main streets through the borough
Public Transit
Most trips are by car. Check Westmoreland Transit for current regional and shared-ride options.
Walkability & Bikeability
The Olmsted plan made Vandergrift compact, with sidewalks and a central business district, so many errands in town can be done on foot. See Walk Score for Vandergrift, PA.
Things to Do
Casino Theatre
The Casino Theatre, at 145 Lincoln Avenue, opened in 1900 and is listed by the League of Historic American Theatres as the fourth-oldest operating theater in Pennsylvania. The Greek Revival building has about 680 seats, a balcony, and an orchestra pit. After closing in 1981, it reopened in 1995 and now hosts live performances, concerts, and films. Box office: (724) 567-5000.
Victorian Vandergrift Museum
The Victorian Vandergrift Museum & Historical Society is at 184 Sherman Avenue, in a 1911 school building. Exhibits cover the town’s businesses and mill history, and there is a genealogy library for Westmoreland and Armstrong Counties. It is generally open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., April through December, with shorter winter hours. Phone: (724) 568-1990.
Parks
From the borough’s Parks & Recreation page:
- Vandergrift Pool: 1639 LaBelle Vue Road
- Kennedy Park: 531 Jackson Avenue
- Franklin Park: 284 Franklin Avenue
- Davis Field: On Linden Street, for ballgames and field sports
The Olmsted plan also built small green spaces into the town’s original streets.
Shopping & Dining
Grant Avenue and the surrounding blocks are Vandergrift’s historic commercial center, with local shops, restaurants, and services. Larger retail is a short drive away in New Kensington, Lower Burrell, and along Route 28.
Library
The Vandergrift library is at 128C Washington Avenue, (724) 568-2212, and is part of Westmoreland County Libraries.
Local Services & Resources
Vandergrift Borough Office
109 Grant Avenue, Vandergrift, PA 15690
Phone: (724) 567-7818
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Website: vandergriftborough.com
Borough Council: First Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Council Room of the municipal building, also available by Zoom. See the council page.
For homes with Vandergrift addresses outside the borough, contact that municipality instead.
Trash & Public Works
Garbage is collected between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., and all trash must be in a can with a lid. For pickup schedules, street questions, permits, and parking passes, call the borough office at (724) 567-7818. Forms, zoning maps, and permits are on the borough website.
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Police: Vandergrift Police Department
- Fire: The borough’s volunteer fire departments
Hospitals Nearby
- AHN Allegheny Valley Hospital (Natrona Heights)
- Hospitals in the Pittsburgh area and Greensburg, a longer drive
Permits & Zoning
Planning a renovation, addition, deck, fence, or pool? Start with the borough office at (724) 567-7818. Permit forms and zoning maps are on the borough website. For homes in the historic district, ask about any local review before changing a home’s exterior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Vandergrift, PA in?
Vandergrift is in Westmoreland County, about 30 miles northeast of Pittsburgh along the Kiskiminetas River.
Who designed Vandergrift?
The Olmsted landscape architecture firm, Olmsted, Olmsted and Eliot. John Charles Olmsted led the 1896 town plan for the Apollo Iron and Steel Company.
How did Vandergrift get its name?
It is named for Captain J.J. Vandergrift, a director of the Apollo Iron and Steel Company, which built the town.
Is Vandergrift a historic district?
Yes. The Vandergrift Historic District, about 88 acres with 625 contributing buildings, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
What school district serves Vandergrift?
The Kiski Area School District. Kiski Area High School and the Intermediate School have Vandergrift addresses.
Is the Casino Theatre a casino?
No. It is a historic performing arts theater, built in 1900 and named after a Broadway theater in New York City. It hosts live shows, concerts, and films.
How long is the drive from Vandergrift to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 45 to 55 minutes, usually by Route 56 and Route 28. Traffic varies by time of day.
When does Vandergrift Borough Council meet?
On the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the municipal building, 109 Grant Avenue. Meetings are also available by Zoom.
Thinking About a Move to Vandergrift?
Whether you are buying in Vandergrift or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions, including whether a specific Vandergrift-address home is in the borough. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Vandergrift listings, or reach out to our team.
Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark
412-214-9494 | pittsburghhometeam.com
Explore Nearby Communities
- Apollo (homes for sale)
- Leechburg (homes for sale)
- New Kensington (homes for sale)
- Lower Burrell (homes for sale)
- Murrysville (homes for sale)
- Plum (homes for sale)
Written by Mike Pastor, Team Leader, Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark | PA License RS328638
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