Overview & Orientation
Sewickley is a borough in Allegheny County on the north bank of the Ohio River, northwest of Pittsburgh. It covers about 1 square mile of land. Sewickley is known for its Beaver Street and Broad Street business district, Wolcott Park and Light Up Night, the Sewickley Public Library, the historic Sewickley Bridge, and the Quaker Valley School District.
Where Sewickley Is
- County: Allegheny County
- Municipality type: Borough, incorporated on July 6, 1853. It was known as Sewickleyville by 1840.
- Size: About 1.1 square miles, including about 1 square mile of land
- ZIP code: 15143
- Bordering communities: Edgeworth (northwest), Sewickley Heights (northeast), Aleppo Township (east), and Glen Osborne (southeast). Moon Township and Coraopolis sit across the Ohio River, reached by the Sewickley Bridge.
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 15–20 minutes |
| Robinson Town Centre | 15–20 minutes |
| Cranberry Township | 20–30 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 25–35 minutes |
| Oakland | 30–40 minutes |
A Brief History
The valley was surveyed in 1785 and sold to Revolutionary War veterans. Settlement grew after the 1794 Battle of Fallen Timbers, and river trade by flatboat, keelboat, and steamboat became a local industry. The name may come from Native American words meaning “raccoon town,” though some locals translate it as “sweet water.” See Sewickley history.
The Edgeworth Female Seminary moved to the area in 1837, and Sewickley Academy was founded in 1838. The Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago Railway brought growth before the borough incorporated in 1853. The Sewickley Bridge, completed in 1911, ended the local ferry business, and Ohio River Boulevard, completed in 1934, later became part of Route 65.
Notable Landmarks
- Beaver Street and Broad Street: The borough’s two main streets and business district
- Wolcott Park: A small park in the business district with a gazebo rebuilt in 2014 and lit for the holidays
- Sewickley Bridge: Completed in 1911 and crossing the Ohio River to Moon Township
- Sewickley Academy: A school founded in 1838
- Sewickley Public Library: A Library Journal Star Library at 500 Thorn Street
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
- Historic districts: Sewickley has three historic districts. Historic District #1 includes Beaver Street, Pine Road, Centennial Avenue, Woodland Road, and Academy Avenue, with homes by prominent local architects in a variety of styles.
- Historic review: The borough’s Historic Review Commission meets monthly. Exterior work on homes in a historic district may need its approval. See borough agendas.
- Riverfront location: Check flood zone status for properties near the Ohio River.
Types of Homes
Sewickley’s housing ranges from historic homes in its historic districts to houses and apartments closer to the Beaver Street business district.
Prices and availability change daily. That means the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Sewickley.
Schools
Public Schools
Sewickley is served by the Quaker Valley School District, with offices at 100 Leetsdale Industrial Drive, Leetsdale. The district also serves Leetsdale, Edgeworth, Glen Osborne, Sewickley Hills, Sewickley Heights, Bell Acres, Haysville, Glenfield, and Leet and Aleppo Townships.
- Edgeworth Elementary School (K–5)
- Osborne Elementary School (K–5)
- Quaker Valley Middle School (6–8)
- Quaker Valley High School (9–12)
Elementary assignment depends on address. Confirm with the district.
Private Schools in the Borough
- Sewickley Academy, founded in 1838
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- Robert Morris University (Moon Township)
- Community College of Allegheny County Allegheny Campus (North Side)
- 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
- Ohio River Boulevard (PA Route 65): The main route along the river to Pittsburgh’s North Side and Downtown
- Sewickley Bridge: Crosses the Ohio River to Moon Township, toward the airport and Interstate 376
- Beaver Street and Broad Street: The main streets through the business district
Public Transit
Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) buses connect Sewickley with Pittsburgh along the Route 65 corridor. Check the PRT trip planner for current routes and schedules.
Walkability & Bikeability
See Walk Score for Sewickley, PA for walking, transit, and bike ratings. The business district, library, and Wolcott Park sit close together in the center of town.
Things to Do
Parks
Wolcott Park
In the business district, with benches and a gazebo rebuilt in 2014. The gazebo hosts Santa photos during Light Up Night.
Nearby outdoor spaces
The Ohio River riverfront, the Montour Trail starting across the bridge in Moon Township, and Moon Park and Robin Hill Park
Recreation
- Sewickley Public Library: Programs, events, and community activities, including games and crafts during Light Up Night
- Shopping and dining: The Beaver Street and Broad Street business district
Annual Events
- Light Up Night (December): A downtown holiday celebration organized by a borough council committee, with a main stage on Broad Street, carriage rides, ice sculptures, food trucks, activities at the library, Santa at the Wolcott Park gazebo, and fireworks
See the borough website for current dates and other community events.
Dining & Shopping
- Beaver Street and Broad Street: Shops, restaurants, and services in the business district
- Robinson Township: Larger shopping centers 15 to 20 minutes away across the river
Library
The Sewickley Public Library is at 500 Thorn Street, (412) 741-6920. It is a Library Journal Star Library.
Local Services & Resources
Sewickley Borough Building
601 Thorn Street, Sewickley, PA 15143 (mailing: P.O. Box 428)
Phone: (412) 741-4015
Website: sewickleyborough.org
Council and board meetings: See the Agenda Center for schedules.
Utilities
- Trash, recycling, water, and sewer: Contact the borough office at (412) 741-4015 for current providers and schedules.
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Sewickley Police: Contact through the borough for non-emergencies.
Hospitals Nearby
- Heritage Valley Sewickley (Sewickley)
Permits & Zoning
Contact the borough at (412) 741-4015 before starting a renovation, fence, deck, or addition. Homes in one of Sewickley’s historic districts may also need approval from the Historic Review Commission for exterior changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Sewickley, PA in?
Sewickley is in Allegheny County, on the north bank of the Ohio River northwest of Pittsburgh.
Is Sewickley the same as Sewickley Heights?
No. Sewickley and Sewickley Heights are separate boroughs. Sewickley Heights borders Sewickley to the northeast, and both are in the Quaker Valley School District.
What school district serves Sewickley?
The Quaker Valley School District, which serves Sewickley and several neighboring boroughs and townships.
How long is the drive from Sewickley to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 25 to 35 minutes, usually by Ohio River Boulevard (Route 65). Traffic varies by time of day.
How close is Sewickley to the airport?
Pittsburgh International Airport is about 15 to 20 minutes away across the Sewickley Bridge.
Does Sewickley have historic districts?
Yes. Sewickley has three historic districts, and its Historic Review Commission reviews exterior changes in them.
When is Sewickley’s Light Up Night?
Each December, with events along Broad and Beaver Streets, at the library, and in Wolcott Park, ending with fireworks.
Where is the Sewickley Public Library?
At 500 Thorn Street, Sewickley, (412) 741-6920.
Where is the Sewickley borough building?
The borough building is at 601 Thorn Street, Sewickley, PA 15143. The phone number is (412) 741-4015.
Thinking About a Move to Sewickley?
Whether you are buying in Sewickley or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Sewickley 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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