Overview & Orientation
Verona is a small borough in Allegheny County on the Allegheny River, about 13 miles northeast of Downtown Pittsburgh. It covers about half a square mile of land. Verona is known for its riverfront parks and public dock, Steel City Rowing, the Doughboy Statue, its railroad history, and the Riverview School District, which it shares with Oakmont.
Where Verona Is
- County: Allegheny County
- Municipality type: Borough, incorporated in 1871 from parts of Penn and Plum Townships
- Size: About 0.59 square miles, including about 0.51 square miles of land
- ZIP code: 15147, which Verona shares with parts of Penn Hills
- Bordering communities: Oakmont (north), Penn Hills (east and south), and O’Hara Township across the Allegheny River (west)
- Water: The Allegheny River forms the borough’s western edge, and Plum Creek flows through town.
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Monroeville | 20–25 minutes |
| Oakland | 20–30 minutes |
| Pittsburgh Mills (Frazer) | 20–30 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 25–35 minutes |
| Cranberry Township | 35–45 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 40–50 minutes |
A Brief History
The area was settled in 1769. Verona’s founder was James Verner, and the borough’s name blends the names of two Allegheny Valley Railroad stops, Verner and Iona. The railroad opened to Kittanning in 1856, and railroad shops were built in Verona soon after. See Verona history.
Verona Tool Works was founded in 1873 to make railway supplies, and a railroad roundhouse once stood beside Plum Creek. A beverage plant now stands on the roundhouse site. The borough says rail access and nearby steel mills made Verona an industrial center before it became mostly residential.
Notable Landmarks
- Doughboy Statue: A World War I memorial at Allegheny River Boulevard and Lamagna Drive, first displayed in 1943 and moved to its current spot in 1951
- Verona Roll of Honor: A war memorial at 915 Allegheny River Boulevard, erected in 1952
- Lehner Grain-and-Cider Mill and House: A mill built around 1895 on Penn Street and listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Steel City Rowing: A rowing center on Arch Street, with a boathouse built in 2009
- Public Dock: A canoe and kayak launch at the end of Arch Street
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
- Older homes: Much of Verona’s housing was built before World War II, and the borough describes its historic homes and tree-lined streets.
- Riverfront location: Verona has a floodplain management ordinance. Check flood zone status for properties near the river or Plum Creek.
- Sale and rental rules: The borough requires an occupancy inspection and a sewer dye test certification before a property changes hands, along with rental licenses and inspections. See the borough forms page.
Types of Homes
Verona’s housing is mostly older homes along the borough’s residential streets, from the riverfront and business district up toward the Penn Hills border.
Prices and availability change daily. That means the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Verona.
Schools
Public Schools
Verona is served by the Riverview School District, with offices at 701 Tenth Street, Oakmont, (412) 828-1800. The district also serves Oakmont.
- Verner Elementary School (K–6), 700 First Street, Verona
- Tenth Street Elementary School (K–6), 901 Pennsylvania Avenue, Oakmont
- Riverview Junior/Senior High School (7–12), 100 Hulton Road, Oakmont
Elementary assignment depends on address. Confirm with the district.
Other Schools With Verona Addresses
- St. Joseph School (K–8), 825 Second Street
- Redeemer Lutheran School, 700 Idaho Avenue
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and other Oakland campuses, about 20 to 30 minutes away
- Community College of Allegheny County Boyce Campus (Monroeville)
- Penn State New Kensington (Upper Burrell 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
- Allegheny River Boulevard: The main road through Verona, running along the river between Oakmont and Penn Hills
- East Railroad Avenue and Wildwood Avenue: Streets in the borough’s business district
- Hulton Bridge: The nearest Allegheny River crossing, in neighboring Oakmont, leading to Harmar Township and Route 28
Public Transit
Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) runs weekday Flyer service between Oakmont, Verona, and Downtown Pittsburgh. PRT has proposed route changes as part of its bus line redesign, so check the PRT trip planner for current routes and schedules.
Walkability & Bikeability
The borough is compact, and its parks, business district, and riverfront sit close together. For walking and bike ratings, enter a specific address at Walk Score. The planned VOPP Trail would run about 14 miles from the Verona riverfront to Boyce Park.
Things to Do
Parks & Riverfront
Cribbs Field
The borough’s largest park, with a playground, basketball courts, multi-sport fields, a pavilion with a concession stand, and restrooms.
Riverbank Park
A riverside park on Arch Street with a play area, a rentable shelter, and basketball and pickleball courts.
Railroad Park
A park with a gazebo and pavilion on East Railroad Avenue that hosts community events and a seasonal farmers market.
Public Dock
A launch for canoes and kayaks at the end of Arch Street, with access to Sycamore Island and spots for fishing.
Recreation
- Steel City Rowing: A rowing center on the Allegheny River at 101 Arch Street
- Paddling and fishing: River access from the Public Dock
- Boyce Park: A large Allegheny County park a short drive away in Plum
Annual Events
- Jolly Jamboree (November): A holiday kickoff at Railroad Park with a parade into Oakmont
- Easter Egg Hunt (spring): Held at Railroad Park
- Botany & Booze: A Verona Garden Club fundraiser at Railroad Park
- Farmers market (seasonal): At Railroad Park
Verona marked its 150th anniversary in 2021 with a community day, a parade, and a picnic. See the borough website for current dates.
Dining & Shopping
- Allegheny River Boulevard, East Railroad Avenue, and Wildwood Avenue: The borough’s business district, with shops, restaurants, and services
- Oakmont: A larger business district next door
- Monroeville: Larger shopping centers 20 to 25 minutes away
Library
The Oakmont Carnegie Library, 700 Allegheny River Boulevard, Oakmont, (412) 828-9532, serves Oakmont and Verona. The Verona Area Historical Society keeps a History Room in the Borough Building.
Local Services & Resources
Verona Borough Building
736 East Railroad Avenue, Verona, PA 15147
Phone: (412) 828-8080
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday; 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday; 9 a.m. to noon Friday
Website: veronaborough.org
Council meetings: Business meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. and workshop meetings on the third Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Utilities
- Trash and recycling: County Hauling, (724) 929-7694, ext. 2. Garbage is collected every Friday and recycling every other week.
- Water: Oakmont Water Authority, (412) 828-7220
- Sewer: Maintained by the borough’s Public Works department
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Verona Police: Non-emergency (412) 828-6034
- Fire: Verona Volunteer Fire Company
- EMS: Lower Valley EMS, (724) 274-4155
Hospitals Nearby
- UPMC St. Margaret (815 Freeport Road, near Aspinwall)
- UPMC East and AHN Forbes Hospital (Monroeville)
Permits & Zoning
Most projects start with a zoning permit application. Uses not allowed by right go to the Zoning Hearing Board. See the building and zoning page and the borough code on eCode360, or call (412) 828-8080 before starting a renovation, fence, deck, or addition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Verona, PA in?
Verona is in Allegheny County, on the Allegheny River northeast of Pittsburgh.
Is Verona part of Penn Hills?
No. Verona is a separate borough. It shares the 15147 ZIP code with parts of Penn Hills, so some Penn Hills homes also have Verona mailing addresses.
What school district serves Verona?
The Riverview School District, which also serves Oakmont. Verner Elementary School is in Verona.
How long is the drive from Verona to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 25 to 35 minutes. Traffic varies by time of day.
Is there river access in Verona?
Yes. The Public Dock at the end of Arch Street is a launch for canoes and kayaks, and Riverbank Park sits along the river.
What parks are in Verona?
Cribbs Field, Riverbank Park, Railroad Park, and the Public Dock.
Who collects trash in Verona?
County Hauling, (724) 929-7694, ext. 2. Garbage is picked up every Friday, with recycling every other week.
What library serves Verona?
The Oakmont Carnegie Library, 700 Allegheny River Boulevard, Oakmont, serves Oakmont and Verona.
Where is the Verona borough building?
The borough building is at 736 East Railroad Avenue, Verona, PA 15147. The phone number is (412) 828-8080.
Thinking About a Move to Verona?
Whether you are buying in Verona or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Verona 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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