Overview & Orientation
Latrobe is a small city in Westmoreland County, east of Greensburg at the edge of the Laurel Highlands. It covers about 2.3 square miles. Latrobe is known as the birthplace of the banana split, the hometown of Fred Rogers and Arnold Palmer, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ summer training camp at nearby Saint Vincent College, and the Greater Latrobe School District.
Where Latrobe Is
- County: Westmoreland County
- Municipality type: City, incorporated as a borough in 1854. It became a city with home rule in 1999.
- Size: About 2.3 square miles
- ZIP code: 15650. Many addresses in surrounding Unity and Derry Townships also use a Latrobe mailing address.
- Bordering communities: Derry Township (on several sides) and Unity Township (west and southwest)
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Arnold Palmer Regional Airport | 5–10 minutes |
| Greensburg | 15–20 minutes |
| Ligonier | 15–20 minutes |
| Monroeville | 40–50 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 55–65 minutes |
| Oakland | 55–65 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | about 1.5 hours |
A Brief History
Pennsylvania Railroad engineer Oliver Barnes laid out the town in 1852 and named it for his friend and college classmate Benjamin Henry Latrobe II, chief engineer of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Latrobe became a borough in 1854 and a city in 1999.
In 1904, pharmacist David Strickler created the banana split at a Latrobe drugstore. The Latrobe Brewing Company introduced Rolling Rock beer in 1939. Fred Rogers, creator of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, was born and raised in Latrobe, and golfer Arnold Palmer grew up in the area. See the Fred Rogers Trail for related sites.
Notable Landmarks
- Fred Rogers statue: A statue of Fred Rogers seated on a bench in James H. Rogers Park, at Jefferson and Main Streets, with a state historical marker
- Saint Vincent College and Archabbey: Just outside the city in Unity Township. The campus hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers’ summer training camp and the Fred Rogers Center exhibit.
- Legion Keener Park and Memorial Stadium: The city’s main park, next to the stadium that hosts school sports and a Steelers preseason practice
- Latrobe Area Historical Society: A museum on local history, including Fred Rogers and Arnold Palmer, (724) 539-8889
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
- Railroad-era town: Latrobe grew around the Pennsylvania Railroad after 1852, so its core neighborhoods sit close to the downtown business district.
- Compact city: At about 2.3 square miles, the city itself is small. Many nearby homes with Latrobe addresses are in Unity or Derry Township.
- Check the municipality: City services, trash collection, and permits apply only inside city limits, so confirm whether an address is in the City of Latrobe or a surrounding township.
Types of Homes
Inside the city, housing is mostly older homes on streets near downtown. The surrounding townships, which share the Latrobe mailing address, add newer subdivisions and larger lots.
Prices and availability change daily. That means the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Latrobe.
Schools
Public Schools
Latrobe is served by the Greater Latrobe School District, with offices at 1816 Lincoln Avenue, Latrobe, (724) 539-4200. The district covers about 72 square miles.
- Baggaley Elementary School
- Latrobe Elementary School
- Mountain View Elementary School
- Greater Latrobe Junior High School
- Greater Latrobe Senior High School
Elementary assignment depends on address. Confirm with the district.
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- Saint Vincent College (Unity Township, just outside Latrobe)
- Seton Hill University and University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg (Greensburg area)
- Westmoreland County Community College (Youngwood)
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): Runs just south of the city, west to Greensburg and Pittsburgh and east to Ligonier
- PA Route 981: Runs through Latrobe, connecting with Route 30 and Arnold Palmer Regional Airport
- Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 76): Reached at New Stanton, southwest of Greensburg
Public Transit
Amtrak’s Pennsylvanian stops at Latrobe station. Westmoreland Transit runs local routes and a weekday Flyer commuter route between Latrobe and Pittsburgh. Arnold Palmer Regional Airport is just outside the city in Unity Township.
Walkability & Bikeability
See Walk Score for Latrobe, PA for walking, transit, and bike ratings.
Things to Do
Parks
Legion Keener Park
Off Chestnut Street, reached from Jefferson Street. Public swimming pool, ball fields, a dek hockey rink, a playground, a band shell, picnic areas, and a walking trail. See TribLIVE coverage.
James H. Rogers Park
Downtown at Jefferson and Main Streets, home of the Fred Rogers statue
Twin Lakes Park
A 467-acre Westmoreland County park west of the city, with two lakes, a 2.5-mile walking loop, boat rentals, pavilions, and a dog park
Recreation
- Steelers training camp: Summer practices at Saint Vincent College, just outside the city
- Fred Rogers Center: A public exhibit at Saint Vincent College with the Neighborhood Trolley, puppets, and Rogers’ sweaters and sneakers. Open weekdays.
- Latrobe Art Center: An arts venue that hosts the Banana Split Celebration’s Yellow Tie Gala
Annual Events
- Great American Banana Split Celebration (August): A downtown festival with banana split vendors, a 5K, a car show, live music, and children’s activities in Rogers Park. It draws about 20,000 visitors.
- Steelers training camp (summer): Practices at Saint Vincent College, plus a preseason practice at Memorial Stadium
- Ligonier Country Market (summer): Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon, along Ligonier Street in downtown Latrobe. The 50-year-old market moved to Latrobe in 2026.
Dining & Shopping
- Downtown Latrobe: Restaurants, shops, and services around Main Street and Ligonier Street
- Route 30 corridor: Larger retail along the Lincoln Highway
- Westmoreland Mall: 15 to 20 minutes west in Hempfield Township
Library
Adams Memorial Library is at 1112 Ligonier Street, Latrobe, (724) 539-1972.
Local Services & Resources
City of Latrobe
Website: cityoflatrobe.com
Sanitation Department: (724) 539-8548
Council meetings: See the city website for the current schedule.
Utilities
- Trash and recycling: The city’s Public Works Department took over trash and recycling collection on January 1, 2026. Trash and recycling are picked up weekly, and one large item can go out on the first collection of each month. See recycling and trash details.
- Recycling rules: Plastics #1 and #2, aluminum and tin cans, paper, and cardboard. Glass and plastics #3 through #7 are not accepted.
- Billing: Sanitation is billed quarterly.
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Police and fire: The City of Latrobe has its own police and fire departments. For non-emergencies, contact the city.
Hospitals Nearby
- Excela Latrobe Hospital (Latrobe)
- Excela Westmoreland Hospital (Greensburg)
Permits & Zoning
Building permits, inspections, and code enforcement for properties inside city limits go through the City of Latrobe. Start at cityoflatrobe.com or call the city before starting a renovation, fence, deck, or addition. Properties in Unity or Derry Township follow that township’s rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Latrobe, PA in?
Latrobe is in Westmoreland County, east of Greensburg.
Is Latrobe a city or a borough?
Latrobe is a city. It was a borough from 1854 until it became a home rule city in 1999.
What school district serves Latrobe?
The Greater Latrobe School District, which covers about 72 square miles around the city.
How long is the drive from Latrobe to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 55 to 65 minutes. Traffic varies by time of day. Amtrak and a Westmoreland Transit Flyer route are other options.
Was the banana split invented in Latrobe?
Yes. Pharmacist David Strickler created it in Latrobe in 1904. The city celebrates with the Great American Banana Split Celebration each August.
Where do the Steelers hold training camp?
At Saint Vincent College, just outside Latrobe in Unity Township.
Where is the Fred Rogers statue?
In James H. Rogers Park at Jefferson and Main Streets in downtown Latrobe.
Who collects trash in Latrobe?
The city’s Public Works Department has collected trash and recycling since January 1, 2026. Call the Sanitation Department at (724) 539-8548.
What parks are in Latrobe?
Legion Keener Park has a pool, ball fields, a dek hockey rink, and a walking trail. James H. Rogers Park is downtown, and Twin Lakes Park is a short drive west.
Thinking About a Move to Latrobe?
Whether you are buying in Latrobe or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Latrobe 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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