Overview & Orientation
Cheswick is a small borough in Allegheny County on the north bank of the Allegheny River, about 14 miles upriver from Downtown Pittsburgh. Covering just over half a square mile, it sits between Harmar Township and Springdale, with Freeport Road running through town and quick access to Route 28 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Cheswick is home to Rachel Carson Park on the riverfront, MacLean Parklet, Acmetonia Elementary School, and the Allegheny Valley School District offices.
Where Cheswick Is
- County: Allegheny County
- Type: Borough, incorporated March 4, 1902. It covers about 0.55 square miles, part of it river. See Wikipedia’s Cheswick entry.
- ZIP code: 15024
- Neighbors: Harmar Township to the west, Springdale Township to the north, Springdale Borough to the east, and Plum across the Allegheny River
Borough or Mailing Address?
The “Cheswick, PA 15024” mailing address also covers parts of neighboring townships, which have their own services and taxes:
| Municipality | School District |
|---|---|
| Cheswick Borough | Allegheny Valley |
| Harmar Township (part) | Allegheny Valley |
| Springdale Township (part) | Allegheny Valley |
To confirm a property’s municipality and school district, check the deed, the tax bill, or the Allegheny County 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 / Natrona Heights | 10 minutes |
| Oakmont (via the Hulton Bridge) | 10–15 minutes |
| Pittsburgh Mills (Frazer) | 10–15 minutes |
| Fox Chapel / Aspinwall | 15 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 20–30 minutes |
A Brief History
Cheswick’s riverside land was farmland in the 1800s, when the Pennsylvania Canal ran along the Allegheny and local farmers sold produce in Pittsburgh. After the canal was abandoned in the early 1860s, the West Penn branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad was running through the area by 1866. Railroad men later laid out lots along Highland Avenue, and steady growth followed, according to the Allegheny County PAGenWeb history.
The borough was incorporated in 1902. It was first to be called Lincoln, but because other towns already used that name, the new council adopted the name Cheswick, after a town in England, at its first meeting. Early local industries included a distillery and coal, sand, and gravel operations, and Pittsburgh Street grew into a small business district. Many streets are named for trees, such as Beech, Pine, and Spruce. Today the borough calls itself a “Community of Homes.”
Notable Landmarks
- Rachel Carson Park: A riverfront park with a paved loop and Allegheny River views
- MacLean Parklet: Playground and three public tennis courts
- Acmetonia Elementary School: An Allegheny Valley School District building on Pearl Avenue
- Pittsburgh Street: The borough’s historic business street
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
Cheswick is compact and mostly residential, with homes on a grid of short streets between the river and the hillside. Much of the housing dates from the early 1900s through the mid-1900s, with frame and brick single-family homes on modest lots, along with some duplexes and small apartment buildings. Sidewalks connect most streets to Pittsburgh Street, Freeport Road, and the riverfront park.
Types of Homes
- Single-family homes (the majority)
- Duplexes and two-unit homes
- Small apartment buildings
Prices and availability change daily, so the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Cheswick.
Schools
Allegheny Valley School District
Cheswick is served by the Allegheny Valley School District, which also covers Harmar Township, Springdale Borough, and Springdale Township, about 9.6 square miles in all. The district office is at 300 Pearl Avenue in Cheswick. See the district overview for background.
- Elementary: Acmetonia Elementary School, 300 Pearl Avenue, Cheswick
- Upper Elementary: Colfax Upper Elementary School
- Junior-Senior High (7–12): Springdale Jr-Sr High School, 501 Butler Road, Springdale
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- Penn State New Kensington (Upper Burrell)
- CCAC Boyce Campus (Monroeville)
- Chatham University Eden Hall Campus (Richland Township)
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 just north of the borough, southwest to Downtown Pittsburgh and northeast toward Tarentum and Kittanning
- Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76): The Allegheny Valley interchange in Harmar Township is a few minutes away
- Freeport Road: The local road through the river towns, west toward Harmarville and east toward Springdale
- Hulton Bridge: Crosses the Allegheny from Harmar Township to Oakmont
Public Transit
Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) runs bus service through the Allegheny Valley toward Downtown. Check the PRT trip planner for current routes and schedules.
Walkability & Bikeability
Cheswick’s small size and flat riverside streets make it easy to walk to the park, the school, and a few businesses. Most errands beyond the borough are easier by car. See Walk Score for Cheswick, PA.
Things to Do
Parks & Recreation
The borough lists these parks on its Parks & Recreation page:
Rachel Carson Park
Along the Allegheny River, between the borough’s homes and the water
A paved walking loop, a pavilion with picnic tables, open green space, and river views. The pavilion can be reserved through the borough. See MyHikes for a map of the loop.
MacLean Parklet
Cheswick
A playground, three tennis courts open to the public from dawn to dusk (unless a scheduled match is underway), a small pavilion, picnic tables, and restrooms.
Agan Park
Riddle Run Road, Springdale
Jointly owned and managed by Cheswick and Springdale Borough.
On the River
Rachel Carson Park offers fishing access along the Allegheny. In 2024, Cheswick and Tarentum each received state boating grants to plan a regional riverfront park with fishing and boating access points, according to State Rep. Mandy Steele’s office. For now, the nearest boat launch is at Bull Creek in Tarentum.
Shopping & Dining
A few local businesses sit along Pittsburgh Street and Freeport Road. Larger shopping and dining are a short drive away at the Waterworks area in O’Hara Township, along Freeport Road in Harmarville, and at Pittsburgh Mills in Frazer.
Library
The nearby Springdale Free Public Library is at 331 School Street, Springdale, (724) 274-9729. Allegheny County Library Association cards work at member libraries across the county.
Local Services & Resources
Cheswick Borough Office
220 South Atlantic Avenue, Cheswick, PA 15024
Phone: (724) 274-5125 or (724) 274-8772
Hours: Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; closed Friday
Website: cheswick.us
Borough Council: Meetings are generally held on a Tuesday each month. Check the borough calendar or call the office for the date, time, and location.
Trash & Recycling
Noble Environmental (County Hauling) collects trash on Wednesdays under a borough contract through 2027. Set trash out the night before or by 6 a.m., within five feet of the curb. All trash must be bagged, with containers no larger than 40 gallons and bags no heavier than 40 pounds. One bulky item per household is collected each week. Residents can also schedule electronics and household hazardous waste pickups up to four times a year by appointment. See the borough’s Waste & Recycling page, or call County Hauling at (724) 929-7694.
Utilities
- Water, sewer, and refuse billing: Borough of Cheswick, (724) 274-5125
- Electric: West Penn Power
- Gas: Peoples Gas
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Police: Allegheny Valley Regional Police Department, Cheswick station at 220 South Atlantic Avenue, non-emergency (724) 274-2843
- Fire: Allegheny Valley Volunteer Fire Department, 851 Parkway Drive, Harwick, (724) 274-4250
- Ambulance: See Allegheny County’s EMS agencies by municipality
Hospitals Nearby
- AHN Allegheny Valley Hospital (Natrona Heights)
- UPMC St. Margaret (Aspinwall)
Permits & Zoning
Planning a renovation, addition, deck, fence, or pool? Contact the borough office at (724) 274-5125 for building and zoning permits. Forms are posted on the borough website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Cheswick in?
Cheswick is in Allegheny County, on the Allegheny River about 14 miles upriver from Downtown Pittsburgh.
How did Cheswick get its name?
The town was first to be called Lincoln, but other towns already used that name. The borough council adopted the name Cheswick, after a town in England, at its first meeting in 1902.
What school district serves Cheswick?
The Allegheny Valley School District, which also serves Harmar Township, Springdale Borough, and Springdale Township. Acmetonia Elementary and the district office are in Cheswick.
When is trash collected in Cheswick?
On Wednesdays, by Noble Environmental (County Hauling). Trash goes out the night before or by 6 a.m.
Who provides police and fire service in Cheswick?
The Allegheny Valley Regional Police Department and the Allegheny Valley Volunteer Fire Department.
Who provides water and sewer service?
The borough bills for water, sewer, and refuse. Call (724) 274-5125 with questions.
Is there a riverfront park in Cheswick?
Yes. Rachel Carson Park sits along the Allegheny River, with a paved loop, a pavilion, and fishing access.
How long is the drive from Cheswick to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 20 to 30 minutes by Route 28, depending on traffic.
Thinking About a Move to Cheswick?
Whether you are buying in Cheswick or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions, including whether a specific 15024 home is in the borough or a neighboring township. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Cheswick listings, or reach out to our team.
Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark
412-214-9494 | pittsburghhometeam.com
Explore Nearby Communities
- Harmar Township (homes for sale)
- Oakmont (homes for sale)
- Fox Chapel (homes for sale)
- Tarentum (homes for sale)
- Natrona Heights / Harrison Township (homes for sale)
Written by Mike Pastor, Team Leader, Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark | PA License RS328638
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