Overview & Orientation
Natrona Heights is a community in Harrison Township, in the far northeast corner of Allegheny County, about 24 miles northeast of Pittsburgh along the Allegheny River. It is not its own municipality. Natrona Heights is a census-designated place, defined in 2023, and the name of the 15065 ZIP code. It is the home of Harrison Township’s municipal offices, AHN Allegheny Valley Hospital, and Harrison Hills Park, a 524-acre county park with river overlooks.
Where Natrona Heights Is
- County: Allegheny County
- Type: An unincorporated community in Harrison Township. See Wikipedia’s Natrona Heights entry.
- ZIP code: 15065
- Harrison Township at a glance: About 7.9 square miles, incorporated in 1900. It borders Buffalo Township (Butler County) to the north, the Allegheny River to the east, Brackenridge and Tarentum to the south and southwest, and Fawn Township to the west. The township also includes the riverside neighborhood of Natrona.
Local government, taxes, and services for Natrona Heights come from Harrison Township. To confirm a property’s municipality, check the deed, the tax bill, or Allegheny County’s online real estate records.
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate and vary by where you start. Traffic varies by time of day, especially on Route 28.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Tarentum / New Kensington | 5–15 minutes |
| Fox Chapel / Route 28 corridor | 20–25 minutes |
| Cranberry Township | 35–45 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 30–40 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 45–55 minutes |
A Brief History
The area’s first permanent building, the Burtner House, was built of stone by Phillip Burtner between 1818 and 1821. It served as a polling place and meeting spot, including for discussions that led to the Pennsylvania Canal, and it is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1850, the Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Company began drilling salt wells along the river and built a company town, first called East Tarentum. The town was renamed Natrona, after natron, a natural mineral of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. The company operated there until 1959 and grew into a worldwide chemical maker. Steelmaking also became a major industry along the river. Natrona Heights grew on the higher ground above the river town. Read more about Natrona’s history and Harrison Township.
Notable Landmarks
- Harrison Hills Park: A 524-acre Allegheny County park with the Watts Memorial Overlook above the Allegheny River
- Burtner House: A stone house from 1818–1821, listed on the National Register in 1972
- AHN Allegheny Valley Hospital: The area’s community hospital
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
Natrona Heights is largely residential, with homes from the early and mid-20th century on hilly streets above the river, plus later suburban neighborhoods toward the township’s northern areas. The riverside Natrona neighborhood has older homes from its company-town era.
Types of Homes
- Single-family homes (the majority)
- Duplexes and townhomes
- Apartments
Prices and availability change daily, so the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Harrison Township, including Natrona Heights.
Schools
Highlands School District
Natrona Heights is served by the Highlands School District, which covers Harrison and Fawn Townships and the boroughs of Brackenridge and Tarentum, about 22 square miles in all. The district’s administrative offices are in Natrona Heights, (724) 226-2400.
- Primary: Fairmount Primary Center
- Upper Elementary: Grandview Upper Elementary School
- Middle: Highlands Middle School, in Natrona Heights
- High: Highlands High School, in Natrona Heights
See the township’s area schools page for contact numbers, and confirm grade levels and assignment with the district.
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- Penn State New Kensington (Upper Burrell)
- Butler County Community College (Butler)
- 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 28 (Allegheny Valley Expressway): Runs through the township, connecting southwest to Pittsburgh and northeast toward Kittanning
- Freeport Road: The main local road, running past Harrison Hills Park
- Allegheny River crossings: The Tarentum Bridge, just to the southwest, connects to New Kensington and Westmoreland County
Public Transit
Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) serves parts of the Allegheny Valley. Check the PRT trip planner for current routes and park-and-ride options.
Walkability & Bikeability
Parts of Natrona Heights are walkable, and some errands can be done on foot. See Walk Score for Natrona Heights, PA. Harrison Hills Park has paved, accessible trails.
Things to Do
Harrison Hills Park
Harrison Hills Park, at 5200 Freeport Road, opened in 1971 and covers 524 acres along the Allegheny River. Highlights include:
- The Watts Memorial Overlook, with views over the Allegheny River
- Walking, hiking, and bridle trails, including accessible paved trails
- Ponds, a wildlife observation blind for birding, and an Environmental Learning Center
- Playgrounds, soccer fields, and an off-leash dog park
- Waterfalls along Rachel Carson Run, which flows entirely within Harrison Township
The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Burtner House Strawberry Festival
The historic Burtner House, on Burtner Road near Route 28, opens for an annual strawberry festival on the third Saturday in June and for other events through the year.
Shopping & Dining
Local shops, restaurants, and services are along Freeport Road and in nearby Tarentum and Brackenridge. Larger retail is a short drive away along Route 28 and in New Kensington and Lower Burrell.
Library
The Community Library of Allegheny Valley is at 1522 Broadview Boulevard, Natrona Heights, (724) 226-3491. Membership is free to all Pennsylvania residents.
Local Services & Resources
Harrison Township Municipal Building
1 Municipal Drive, Natrona Heights, PA 15065
Phone: (724) 226-1393
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Website: harrisontwp.com
Government: A First Class township with a Board of Commissioners and a professional township manager. Meeting agendas and minutes are posted on the township website.
Trash, Utilities & Public Works
- Trash and recycling: Noble Environmental, starting January 1, 2026. Trash is picked up weekly and recycling every other week, by street. See the township’s garbage and recycling page or call (724) 929-7694.
- Public Works: (724) 224-5540
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Police: Harrison Township Police, records and reports at (724) 224-3355 on weekdays. For non-emergency dispatch, call Allegheny County at (412) 473-3056.
- Fire: Three volunteer fire departments: Citizens Hose, Hilltop Hose, and Harrison Hills. See the township’s fire and emergency services page.
- EMS: Citizens Hose Ambulance Service
Hospitals
- AHN Allegheny Valley Hospital, in Natrona Heights
- Pittsburgh-area hospitals, a longer drive via Route 28
Permits & Zoning
Planning a renovation, addition, deck, fence, or pool? Contact the township’s zoning office at (724) 224-9540, or see the zoning and ordinance page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Natrona Heights its own town?
No. Natrona Heights is a census-designated place in Harrison Township, Allegheny County. Local government comes from Harrison Township.
How did Natrona get its name?
From natron, a natural mineral of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. The Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Company founded the town in the 1850s.
What school district serves Natrona Heights?
The Highlands School District, which also serves Fawn Township, Brackenridge, and Tarentum. Highlands High School and Highlands Middle School are in Natrona Heights.
What is there to do at Harrison Hills Park?
The 524-acre county park has river overlooks, hiking and bridle trails, ponds, birding, an environmental learning center, playgrounds, soccer fields, and a dog park.
Is there a hospital in Natrona Heights?
Yes. AHN Allegheny Valley Hospital is in Natrona Heights.
Who collects trash in Harrison Township?
Noble Environmental, as of January 1, 2026. Trash is picked up weekly and recycling every other week.
How long is the drive from Natrona Heights to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 30 to 40 minutes by Route 28. Traffic varies by time of day.
Where is the Harrison Township municipal building?
At 1 Municipal Drive, Natrona Heights, PA 15065. The main phone number is (724) 226-1393.
Thinking About a Move to Natrona Heights?
Whether you are buying in Natrona Heights or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Harrison Township 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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