Overview & Orientation
Baldwin is a borough in Pittsburgh’s South Hills, about 4 to 7 miles south of Downtown. It covers nearly 6 square miles and is mostly residential, with a narrow strip reaching north along Becks Run Road all the way to the Monongahela River. Baldwin is known for its residential neighborhoods, its Olympic-size community pool at Elm Leaf Park, its annual Community Day, and the Baldwin-Whitehall School District.
Where Baldwin Is
- County: Allegheny County
- Type: Borough, covering about 5.9 square miles, with about 1.6 miles of Monongahela River frontage. See Wikipedia’s Baldwin entry.
- ZIP code: Primarily 15227, with “Pittsburgh, PA” as the mailing city
- Neighbors: Eleven borders in all, including the Pittsburgh neighborhoods of Carrick, Hays, St. Clair, Arlington, and the South Side, plus West Mifflin, Pleasant Hills, South Park Township, Bethel Park, Whitehall, and Brentwood
Baldwin Borough or Baldwin Township?
There are two Baldwins. Baldwin Borough, covered on this page, is the larger one at nearly 6 square miles. Baldwin Township is a separate municipality of less than one square mile. Both are what remains of the original Baldwin Township, and both are in the Baldwin-Whitehall School District. To confirm which municipality a home is in, check the deed, the tax bill, or Allegheny County’s online real estate records.
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate and vary by where in Baldwin you start. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| South Side | 10–15 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 15–25 minutes |
| South Hills Village area | 15–20 minutes |
| The Waterfront (Homestead) | 15–20 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 30–40 minutes |
A Brief History
Baldwin is named for Henry Baldwin (1780–1844), a U.S. Congressman from Pennsylvania who later served as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Baldwin Township was formed in the early 1840s and originally covered about 16 square miles, from the Monongahela River south to the Washington County line.
In the early 1900s, parts of the township broke away to become Brentwood (1915), Castle Shannon (1919), and Whitehall (1948), and other sections joined the City of Pittsburgh. Baldwin Borough was incorporated from much of what remained in the early 1950s, during a decade when its population more than doubled. Read more on the borough’s history page and in “Why Two Baldwins?”
Notable Landmarks
- Elm Leaf Park and pool: Home of the borough’s Olympic-size seasonal pool
- Monongahela River frontage: About 1.6 miles, reached along Becks Run Road
- Wallace Building: Home of the Baldwin Historical Society in South Baldwin
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
According to the borough, more than 90 percent of Baldwin is zoned residential or agricultural. Much of the housing was built during the borough’s mid-20th-century growth, with single-family homes on hilly suburban streets, plus some older homes from the township era and newer construction in places.
Types of Homes
- Single-family homes (the majority)
- Townhomes and condominiums
- Apartments
Prices and availability change daily, so the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Baldwin.
Schools
Baldwin-Whitehall School District
Baldwin is served by the Baldwin-Whitehall School District, which covers Baldwin Borough, Whitehall Borough, and Baldwin Township. The district office is at 4900 Curry Road, Pittsburgh, (412) 884-6300.
- Elementary (K–5): McAnnulty Elementary, R.A. Lutz Elementary, and Whitehall Elementary
- Middle (6–8): J.E. Harrison Middle School
- High (9–12): Baldwin High School
Elementary assignment depends on address. Confirm with the district.
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- CCAC South Campus (West Mifflin)
- Duquesne University (Bluff) and Point Park University (Downtown)
- University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and other Oakland campuses
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 51 (Saw Mill Run Boulevard): Runs nearby to the west, connecting north to the Liberty Tunnel and Downtown and south toward Pleasant Hills
- PA Route 885: A north–south route through the South Hills toward the Glenwood Bridge and the Mon Valley
- Becks Run Road: Connects Baldwin north to the Monongahela River and Route 837
Public Transit
Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) provides bus service in parts of Baldwin and the South Hills. Check the PRT trip planner for current routes and schedules.
Walkability & Bikeability
Baldwin is car-oriented, and most errands need a car. See Walk Score for Baldwin, PA.
Things to Do
Parks and the Community Pool
Baldwin’s Olympic-size pool at Elm Leaf Park is open to residents and visitors from the end of May through the beginning of September. Elm Leaf Park also has a rentable pavilion with cornhole, and the Barbara Pavilion is free on a first-come basis. Field permits are available for sports groups. See the borough’s Parks & Recreation page for the full list of facilities.
Baldwin Community Day
Each year, usually in early June, Baldwin holds Community Day, with a craft show, a talent show, food, games, face painting, a petting zoo, and a dunk tank. Check the borough website for this year’s date.
Nearby Parks
South Park, one of Allegheny County’s largest parks, is a short drive south, with trails, a wave pool, a golf course, and fairgrounds.
Shopping & Dining
Baldwin has local shops and restaurants along its main roads. Larger retail is a short drive away along Route 51 and in Pleasant Hills, Whitehall, West Mifflin, and the Waterfront in Homestead.
Library
The Baldwin Borough Public Library is at 5230 Wolfe Drive, (412) 885-2255. It offers ebooks, online databases, 3D printing, and programs for all ages, and is a member of the Allegheny County Library Association.
Local Services & Resources
Baldwin Borough Municipal Building
3344 Churchview Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15227
Phone: (412) 882-9600
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Website: baldwinborough.org
Government: A Council-Manager form of government with seven council members and a mayor. Council meets on the second and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. at the borough building. See the Borough Council page.
Trash & Recycling
Waste Management collects trash and recycling. Schedules are on the borough website and at the municipal building. For missed pickups, call Waste Management at (800) 866-4460.
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Police (non-emergency): Baldwin Borough Police, (412) 881-1300, weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Fire: Volunteer fire companies, including South Baldwin VFC and Option VFC
Hospitals Nearby
- AHN Jefferson Hospital (Jefferson Hills)
- UPMC Mercy (Uptown) and other Pittsburgh hospitals
Permits & Zoning
Planning a renovation, addition, deck, fence, or pool? Building and zoning permit applications are available at the municipal building and on the borough website. Call (412) 882-9600 with questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Baldwin, PA?
In Pittsburgh’s South Hills, Allegheny County, about 4 to 7 miles south of Downtown, between Brentwood, Whitehall, Pleasant Hills, and West Mifflin.
Is Baldwin Borough the same as Baldwin Township?
No. They are separate municipalities. Baldwin Borough covers nearly 6 square miles, and Baldwin Township is less than one square mile. Both are in the Baldwin-Whitehall School District.
What school district serves Baldwin?
The Baldwin-Whitehall School District, with three elementary schools, J.E. Harrison Middle School, and Baldwin High School.
How did Baldwin get its name?
It is named for Henry Baldwin, a U.S. Congressman from Pennsylvania and Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Does Baldwin have a community pool?
Yes. The Olympic-size pool at Elm Leaf Park is open from the end of May through the beginning of September.
Who collects trash in Baldwin?
Waste Management. Schedules are on the borough website, and missed pickups can be reported to Waste Management at (800) 866-4460.
How long is the drive from Baldwin to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 15 to 25 minutes, usually by Route 51 through the Liberty Tunnel or by Route 885. Traffic varies by time of day.
When does Baldwin Borough Council meet?
On the second and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. at the borough building, 3344 Churchview Avenue.
Thinking About a Move to Baldwin?
Whether you are buying in Baldwin or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions, including whether a specific home is in Baldwin Borough or Baldwin Township. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Baldwin 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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