Overview & Orientation
Greensburg is a city in Westmoreland County and the county seat, east of Pittsburgh. It covers about 4 square miles. Greensburg is known for the domed Westmoreland County Courthouse, the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, the Palace Theatre, Seton Hill University, its Amtrak station, and the Greensburg Salem School District.
Where Greensburg Is
- County: Westmoreland County (county seat)
- Municipality type: City, incorporated as a borough in 1799 and as a city in 1928. It has operated under a home rule charter since 1988, with a mayor and four council members.
- Size: About 4 square miles
- ZIP code: 15601
- Surrounding communities: Hempfield Township surrounds most of the city. South Greensburg and Southwest Greensburg boroughs adjoin it to the south.
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Westmoreland Mall area (Route 30) | 5–10 minutes |
| Latrobe | 15–20 minutes |
| Arnold Palmer Regional Airport | 15–20 minutes |
| Monroeville | 30–40 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 45–55 minutes |
| Oakland | 45–55 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 65–75 minutes |
A Brief History
Greensburg is named for Nathanael Greene, a major general in the Continental Army. The town grew around the courthouse built after the Westmoreland County seat moved from Hannastown in 1785. Court first met here on January 7, 1787.
Greensburg incorporated as a borough on February 9, 1799, and became a third-class city on January 2, 1928. Voters adopted a home rule charter in 1988.
Notable Landmarks
- Westmoreland County Courthouse: Built in 1908, with a dome that recalls the U.S. Capitol. It anchors the Greensburg Downtown Historic District.
- Westmoreland Museum of American Art: Opened in 1959 and devoted to American art, especially art of southwestern Pennsylvania. It reopened in 2015 after a major expansion.
- The Palace Theatre: Opened on September 2, 1926, as the Manos Theatre. The 1,367-seat theater at 21 West Otterman Street now hosts concerts and live shows.
- Greensburg Train Station: Built by the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1912 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
- Academy Hill Historic District: A 63.5-acre district along North Main Street with 252 buildings, most notable ones from 1880 to 1949. Styles include Queen Anne, Georgian Revival, Tudor Revival, Craftsman, Prairie School, and Mission. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. See Academy Hill details.
- Downtown Historic District: 62 buildings, mostly from 1872 to 1930, listed on the National Register in 1995. It includes the courthouse, the Palace Theatre, and the former Penn-Albert Hotel.
Types of Homes
Greensburg’s housing ranges from late-1800s and early-1900s homes in neighborhoods like Academy Hill to newer houses and apartment buildings elsewhere in the city.
Prices and availability change daily. That means the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Greensburg.
Schools
Public Schools
Greensburg is served by the Greensburg Salem School District, with offices at 1 Academy Hill Place. The district also serves South Greensburg, Southwest Greensburg, and Salem Township.
- Amos K. Hutchinson Elementary School (K–5), Greensburg
- Robert F. Nicely Elementary School (K–5), Greensburg
- James H. Metzger Elementary School (K–5), New Alexandria
- Greensburg Salem Middle School (6–8), 301 North Main Street
- Greensburg Salem High School (9–12), 65 Mennel Drive
Elementary assignment depends on address. Confirm with the district.
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- Seton Hill University (Greensburg)
- University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg (in neighboring Hempfield Township)
- Westmoreland County Community College (Youngwood)
- Saint Vincent College (Latrobe area)
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
- U.S. Route 30 (Lincoln Highway): The main east–west route, toward Irwin and Pittsburgh to the west and Latrobe and Ligonier to the east
- U.S. Route 119: The main north–south route through the area
- Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 76): Reached at the New Stanton interchange south of the city
Public Transit
Westmoreland Transit is based in Greensburg, and its transit center downtown connects with every Westmoreland Transit route, including commuter Flyer service toward Pittsburgh. Greyhound also stops at the transit center. Amtrak’s Pennsylvanian stops once daily in each direction at the Greensburg station, at Harrison Avenue and Seton Hill Drive.
Walkability & Bikeability
See Walk Score for Greensburg, PA for walking, transit, and bike ratings. The Five Star Trail starts in the city at Lynch Field.
Things to Do
Parks & Trails
St. Clair Park
A downtown park and the home of the Summer Sounds concert series.
Lynch Field
The city’s main recreation complex, home to Veterans’ Memorial Pool and the start of the Five Star Trail.
Five Star Trail
A rail-trail of nearly 8 miles from Lynch Field in Greensburg to Youngwood, with a spur to Armbrust. It is named for its five partner communities: Greensburg, South Greensburg, Southwest Greensburg, Youngwood, and Hempfield.
Recreation
- Mount Odin Golf Course: A city golf course with a driving range and pro shop
- Kirk S. Nevin Arena: The city’s ice rink for skating and hockey
- Veterans’ Memorial Pool: At Lynch Field
- Pavilions and playgrounds: Several city playgrounds, with pavilion rentals through the city
Annual Events
- Greensburg Night Market (April to December): Evening markets on three blocks of South Pennsylvania Avenue with farmers, bakers, food trucks, artists, and crafters. Organized by the Downtown Greensburg Project since 2019.
- Summer Sounds (summer): A concert series in St. Clair Park
- Farmers market: A seasonal farmers market, listed on the city website
See Downtown Greensburg for current dates.
Dining & Shopping
- Downtown Greensburg: Restaurants, shops, and services around Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
- Route 30 corridor: Westmoreland Mall and larger retail centers, 5 to 10 minutes east in Hempfield
Library
The Greensburg-Hempfield Area Library is downtown at 237 South Pennsylvania Avenue, (724) 837-5620.
Local Services & Resources
Greensburg City Hall
416 South Main Street, Greensburg, PA 15601
Phone: (724) 838-4324
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday
Website: greensburgpa.org
Council meetings: Held in Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall. See the city website for the schedule.
Utilities
- Water: Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County. Confirm the provider for a specific address.
- Public Works: The city handles leaf collection, snow and ice removal, and recycling and household hazardous waste programs. Call City Hall for trash and recycling schedules.
- Alerts: The city sends emergency notices through Nixle.
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Greensburg Police Department: Contact through City Hall, (724) 838-4324
- Fire: Greensburg’s volunteer fire department
Hospitals Nearby
- Excela Westmoreland Hospital (West Pittsburgh Street, Greensburg), (724) 689-0100
Permits & Zoning
Permits and zoning go through the city’s Planning & Development department, which offers an online planning and zoning portal. Start at the city website or call City Hall before starting a renovation, fence, deck, or addition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Greensburg, PA in?
Greensburg is in Westmoreland County and is the county seat.
Is Greensburg a city or a borough?
Greensburg is a city. It was a borough from 1799 until 1928 and has operated under a home rule charter since 1988.
What school district serves Greensburg?
The Greensburg Salem School District, which also serves South Greensburg, Southwest Greensburg, and Salem Township.
How long is the drive from Greensburg to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 45 to 55 minutes. Traffic varies by time of day. Westmoreland Transit Flyer buses and Amtrak’s Pennsylvanian are other options.
Does Greensburg have a train station?
Yes. Amtrak’s Pennsylvanian stops once daily in each direction at the Greensburg station, built in 1912.
What parks and trails are in Greensburg?
St. Clair Park downtown, Lynch Field with Veterans’ Memorial Pool, Mount Odin Golf Course, and the Five Star Trail to Youngwood.
What is the Greensburg Night Market?
An evening market on South Pennsylvania Avenue held from April through December, with farmers, food trucks, artists, and crafters.
What historic districts are in Greensburg?
The Greensburg Downtown Historic District and the Academy Hill Historic District are both on the National Register of Historic Places.
Where is Greensburg City Hall?
City Hall is at 416 South Main Street, Greensburg, PA 15601. The phone number is (724) 838-4324.
Thinking About a Move to Greensburg?
Whether you are buying in Greensburg or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Greensburg 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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