Overview & Orientation
Saxonburg is a small borough in southern Butler County, north of Pittsburgh. It covers less than 1 square mile. Saxonburg is known as the town where John A. Roebling, later the designer of the Brooklyn Bridge, developed wire rope, as well as for its historic Main Street, Roebling Park and the Saxonburg Museum, the Saxonburg Artisan Market, and the Knoch School District.
Where Saxonburg Is
- County: Butler County
- Municipality type: Borough, settled in 1832 and incorporated in 1846
- Size: About 0.9 square miles
- ZIP code: 16056
- Surrounding area: Saxonburg sits in southern Butler County, near Clinton, Jefferson, Penn, and Winfield Townships, which share the Knoch School District.
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Butler | 15–20 minutes |
| Pittsburgh Mills (Frazer) | 20–25 minutes |
| Cranberry Township | 30–40 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 45–55 minutes |
| Oakland | 45–55 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 60–70 minutes |
A Brief History
Brothers Friedrich Carl Roebling and John A. Roebling founded Saxonburg in 1832 as a German farming colony, first called “Germania.” John Roebling developed wire rope in a workshop here and went on to design suspension bridges, including the Brooklyn Bridge. See Saxonburg history.
The borough incorporated in 1846. In the 1940s, a nuclear physics research center operated near Saxonburg, and KDKA’s transmitter was later moved to nearby Clinton Township.
Notable Landmarks
- John Roebling House: The home of the wire rope inventor and Brooklyn Bridge engineer, at Rebecca and Main Streets
- Saxonburg Museum and Roebling Park: The museum, which holds KDKA transmitter artifacts and Roebling history, shares a site with Roebling Park.
- Roebling Museum: Keeps artifacts from Roebling’s career
- Main Street: The borough’s historic main street, with shops and restaurants
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
- Historic town: Saxonburg dates to 1832, and its older homes line Main Street and the streets around it.
- Historic review: The borough has a Historic Architecture Review Board, so exterior changes to some properties may need its review. Ask the borough whether a property falls under that review before planning exterior work.
- Small borough: At under 1 square mile, the borough is compact. Many nearby homes with Saxonburg addresses are in the surrounding townships.
Types of Homes
Inside the borough, homes include historic houses on and near Main Street along with other homes on its residential streets. The surrounding townships add subdivisions and rural properties with larger lots.
Prices and availability change daily. That means the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Saxonburg.
Schools
Public Schools
Saxonburg is served by the Knoch School District, with offices at 328 Knoch Road, Saxonburg. The district also serves Clinton, Jefferson, Penn, and Winfield Townships.
- Knoch Primary School (K–3)
- Knoch Intermediate Elementary School (4–5)
- Knoch Middle School (6–8)
- Knoch High School (9–12)
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- Butler County Community College (Butler)
- Slippery Rock University (Slippery Rock)
- 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
- Main Street: The borough’s central street
- State routes: Connect the borough with Butler, Cranberry Township, and Pittsburgh. Check a live map for the fastest route at your time of day.
Public Transit
Pittsburgh Regional Transit serves Allegheny County, so there is no PRT service in Saxonburg. Most trips are by car.
Walkability & Bikeability
For walking and bike ratings, enter a specific address at Walk Score. Main Street, Roebling Park, and the museum are close together in the center of town.
Things to Do
Parks
Roebling Park
The borough park next to the Saxonburg Museum, with facilities available to rent through the borough. It also hosts festival vendors.
Recreation
- Saxonburg Museum: Local history, Roebling history, and KDKA transmitter artifacts
- John Roebling House: The historic Roebling home at Rebecca and Main Streets
- Todd Nature Reserve: Audubon trails in nearby Sarver
Annual Events
- Saxonburg Artisan Market (September): Artisans, makers, and performers along West Main Street. The town’s September arts festival, run by volunteers, has long drawn tens of thousands of visitors, with proceeds supporting the Saxonburg Museum and Roebling Park.
- Mingle on Main: A borough community event on Main Street
See the borough website for current dates.
Dining & Shopping
- Main Street: Shops, restaurants, and services in the historic town center
- Cranberry Township and Butler: Larger shopping 15 to 40 minutes away
Library
The South Butler Community Library is at 240 West Main Street, Saxonburg. Library cards are free to Butler County residents.
Local Services & Resources
Saxonburg Borough Building
420 West Main Street, Saxonburg, PA 16056
Phone: (724) 352-1400
Website: saxonburgpa.com
Council meetings: Usually the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Borough Building
Utilities
- Trash, water, and sewer: Contact the borough office at (724) 352-1400 for current providers and schedules.
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Saxonburg Police: (724) 352-6255
- EMS: Saxonburg EMS, which covers about 75 square miles, including Saxonburg and Jefferson, Clinton, Winfield, and Buffalo Townships
Hospitals Nearby
- Butler Memorial Hospital (Butler)
- AHN Allegheny Valley Hospital (Natrona Heights)
Permits & Zoning
Permits go through the borough. The borough website has a permits page, and the Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, and Historic Architecture Review Board handle reviews. Call (724) 352-1400 before starting a renovation, fence, deck, or addition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Saxonburg, PA in?
Saxonburg is in Butler County, north of Pittsburgh.
Who founded Saxonburg?
Brothers Friedrich Carl Roebling and John A. Roebling founded it in 1832 as a German farming colony. John Roebling later designed the Brooklyn Bridge.
What school district serves Saxonburg?
The Knoch School District, which also serves Clinton, Jefferson, Penn, and Winfield Townships.
How long is the drive from Saxonburg to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 45 to 55 minutes. Traffic varies by time of day.
What is there to see in Saxonburg?
The John Roebling House, the Saxonburg Museum and Roebling Park, and the shops and restaurants along Main Street.
When is the Saxonburg Artisan Market?
In September, along West Main Street. Check the borough website for the current date.
Does Saxonburg have historic review?
Yes. The borough has a Historic Architecture Review Board that reviews certain exterior changes.
Where is the library in Saxonburg?
The South Butler Community Library is at 240 West Main Street.
Where is the Saxonburg borough building?
The borough building is at 420 West Main Street, Saxonburg, PA 16056. The phone number is (724) 352-1400.
Thinking About a Move to Saxonburg?
Whether you are buying in Saxonburg or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Saxonburg 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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