Overview & Orientation
Brighton Heights is a neighborhood on Pittsburgh’s North Side, on hilltop bluffs above the Ohio River at the northwest edge of the city. It covers a little over 1 square mile. Brighton Heights is known for its early 20th-century brick and stone homes, its tree-lined streets, Legion Memorial Park, Jack Stack Pool and Marmaduke Park, the rebuilt Davis Avenue Bridge to Riverview Park, and its annual House & Garden Tour.
Where Brighton Heights Is
- City and county: A City of Pittsburgh neighborhood in Allegheny County, in City Council District 1
- Size: About 1.1 square miles
- ZIP code: 15212
- Bordering areas: Ross Township (north), Bellevue (northwest), Perry North (east), and Marshall-Shadeland (south and west). See Brighton Heights on Wikipedia.
- Terrain: Hillsides and bluffs above the Ohio River, with 11 flights of city steps
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 15–20 minutes |
| Ross Park Mall | 15–20 minutes |
| Oakland | 20–25 minutes |
| Robinson Town Centre | 20–30 minutes |
| Cranberry Township | 25–35 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 25–35 minutes |
A Brief History
The area was originally known as Davisville. It takes its current name from Brighton Road, which appeared as “New Brighton Road” on an 1872 atlas because it led to New Brighton in Beaver County. Allegheny City renamed it Brighton Road in 1897. See the history of Brighton Road.
The area was part of Allegheny City, which Pittsburgh annexed in 1907. The original Davis Avenue Bridge to Riverview Park was built in 1898 and 1899, closed to cars in 2001, and taken down in 2009. A new bridge for people walking and biking opened in June 2025.
St. John’s Green occupies the former campus of St. John’s Lutheran Home, which began in 1893. The buildings were removed in the early 2000s, and the site is now a community green space.
Notable Landmarks
- Legion Memorial Park: At Brighton Road, Shadeland Avenue, and Davis Avenue, with a 1922 bronze monument by Allen George Newman. See Visit Pittsburgh.
- Davis Avenue Bridge: The rebuilt walking and biking link to Riverview Park
- St. John’s Green: A 3.7-acre green space at 3334 Fleming Avenue
- Tom Friday’s Market: A butcher shop open since 1955. See City Cast Pittsburgh.
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
- Early 20th-century homes: Many houses are built of brick and stone, with stained glass, ornamental woodwork, and fireplaces.
- House tours: The neighborhood’s homes are regularly featured on Pittsburgh house tours, including the Brighton Heights House & Garden Tour.
- Tree-lined streets: Many streets are lined with maples maintained by the city.
- Hillside lots: Some streets sit on steep hillsides and are connected by city steps.
Types of Homes
Brighton Heights’ housing is mostly older houses, including Queen Anne homes and brick and stone houses from the early 20th century.
Prices and availability change daily. That means the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Brighton Heights.
Schools
Public Schools
Brighton Heights is part of Pittsburgh Public Schools, with central offices at 341 South Bellefield Avenue, (412) 529-4357.
- Pittsburgh Morrow PreK–8, with a primary campus at 1611 Davis Avenue and an intermediate campus at 3530 Fleming Avenue. A district facilities plan approved in 2026 will change Morrow to a K–5 school in a later phase.
- Pittsburgh Perry High School, 3875 Perrysville Avenue
School assignments in Pittsburgh Public Schools depend on address and are changing under the district’s facilities plan. Use the district’s school finder to confirm.
Other Schools
- Saint Cyril of Alexandria Academy, a Catholic school that opened in September 2026 on the Christ Our Savior Parish campus in Brighton Heights
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- Community College of Allegheny County Allegheny Campus (North Side)
- University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and other Oakland campuses, about 20 to 25 minutes away
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
- Brighton Road: The main road through the neighborhood, with one of its business districts at Termon Avenue
- California Avenue: A second business district near Orchlee Street
- Ohio River Boulevard (PA Route 65): Reached from Brighton Heights Boulevard, across from the McKees Rocks Bridge
Public Transit
Pittsburgh Regional Transit routes 13 Bellevue, 16 Brighton, and 17 Shadeland serve the area. Route 16 runs between Downtown and Avalon, mainly along Brighton Road. Check the PRT trip planner for current schedules.
Walkability & Bikeability
Walk Score rates Brighton Heights 47 for walking, 43 for transit, and 37 for biking. The Davis Avenue Bridge gives people walking and biking a direct route to Riverview Park.
Things to Do
Parks
See things to do in Brighton Heights for more.
Jack Stack Park and Pool
A city pool with sun decks at 600 Brighton Woods Road.
Marmaduke Park
On Bonaventure Street, with a playground and a dek hockey rink. A playground and spray feature rebuild is planned for fall 2026 through spring 2027.
St. John’s Green
A 3.7-acre green space with a rain garden, a trail, community garden beds, and a bike repair station.
Riverview Park
A 251-acre city park next door in Perry North, with the Allegheny Observatory, a pool, and the city’s only bridle path. It is reached by the Davis Avenue Bridge.
Recreation
- Jack Stack Pool: Summer swimming at a city pool
- Dek hockey: At Marmaduke Park
- Brighton Heights Healthy Active Living Center: A city center for people 60 and older at 3515 McClure Avenue
Annual Events
The Brighton Heights Citizens Federation, an all-volunteer nonprofit, organizes community events.
- Spring Plant Sale
- Memorial Day Celebration
- Summer Series: A monthly event from May to October
- House & Garden Tour (fall): Based at Legion Memorial Park
- Halloween Parade and Bright the Night
Dining & Shopping
- Brighton Road at Termon Avenue: A neighborhood business district
- California Avenue near Orchlee Street: A second business district
- Bellevue and Ross Township: Lincoln Avenue shops nearby and larger shopping centers 15 to 20 minutes away
Library
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Woods Run is at 1201 Woods Run Avenue, (412) 761-3730. It opened in 1916 as the first municipally owned Carnegie library and is served by bus routes 13, 16, and 17.
Local Services & Resources
City of Pittsburgh Services
Brighton Heights residents use City of Pittsburgh services.
Phone: 311, or (412) 255-2621
Website: Pittsburgh 311
City Council: District 1. See the District 1 page.
Utilities
- Trash and recycling: City Environmental Services. Trash is collected weekly and recycling every other week. Look up your day at Trash & Recycling.
- Water and sewer: Pittsburgh Water, (412) 255-2423
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Police: Pittsburgh Police Zone 1, 1501 Brighton Road, (412) 323-7201
- Fire: Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire, Station 35, 1519 Orchlee Street
- EMS: Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS
Hospitals Nearby
- AHN Allegheny General Hospital, 320 East North Avenue, North Side, a Level I trauma center
Permits & Zoning
Building permits and zoning go through the City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections, 414 Grant Street. Applications are filed through OneStopPGH. Check before starting a renovation, fence, deck, or addition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brighton Heights part of Pittsburgh?
Yes. Brighton Heights is a City of Pittsburgh neighborhood on the North Side, in Allegheny County.
What ZIP code is Brighton Heights?
15212.
What school district serves Brighton Heights?
Pittsburgh Public Schools. Pittsburgh Morrow PreK–8 has campuses on Davis Avenue and Fleming Avenue. Confirm assignments with the district.
How long is the drive from Brighton Heights to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 15 to 20 minutes. Traffic varies by time of day.
What parks are in Brighton Heights?
Jack Stack Park and Pool, Marmaduke Park, St. John’s Green, and Legion Memorial Park. Riverview Park is next door across the Davis Avenue Bridge.
What bus routes serve Brighton Heights?
Pittsburgh Regional Transit routes 13 Bellevue, 16 Brighton, and 17 Shadeland.
What library serves Brighton Heights?
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Woods Run, 1201 Woods Run Avenue, (412) 761-3730.
When is the Brighton Heights House & Garden Tour?
Each fall, organized by the Brighton Heights Citizens Federation. Check its website for dates.
Who do I call for city services in Brighton Heights?
Call Pittsburgh 311 at 311 or (412) 255-2621. For water and sewer, call Pittsburgh Water at (412) 255-2423.
Thinking About a Move to Brighton Heights?
Whether you are buying in Brighton Heights or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Brighton Heights 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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