Overview & Orientation
Peters Township is a township in northern Washington County, south of Pittsburgh along U.S. Route 19. It covers nearly 20 square miles and includes the communities of McMurray and Venetia. Peters Township is known for Peterswood Park, Peters Lake Park, the Arrowhead and Montour Trails, the Rolling Hills Aqua Park, its Community Recreation Center, and the Peters Township School District.
Where Peters Township Is
- County: Washington County
- Municipality type: Home rule township with a council-manager government, founded in 1781 as one of Washington County’s original 13 townships. See Peters Township on Wikipedia.
- Size: About 19.7 square miles
- ZIP codes: 15317 for McMurray (shared with Canonsburg) and 15367 for Venetia
- Communities: McMurray, Thompsonville, Venetia, and Hackett
- Bordering communities: Upper St. Clair and Bethel Park in Allegheny County (north), Union Township (east), Nottingham and North Strabane Townships (south and southwest), and Cecil Township (west)
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| South Hills Village | 15–20 minutes |
| Canonsburg | 15–20 minutes |
| Washington, PA | 25–30 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 30–40 minutes |
| Oakland | 35–45 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 40–50 minutes |
A Brief History
The land was once part of Virginia’s claimed Yohogania County, before the Pennsylvania-Virginia boundary dispute was settled. The township is named for William “Indian” Peters. Early settlers farmed the land, and the township stayed largely rural until the 1950s.
Donaldson’s Crossroads, at Route 19 and McMurray Road, was an early crossroads in the township. The Montour Railroad line through the township was built from 1912 to 1914 and abandoned in 1977. The township bought the right-of-way in 1985, and it is now the paved Arrowhead Trail.
Notable Landmarks
- Enoch Wright House: A Federal-style house built around 1815 at 815 Venetia Road, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007
- Donaldson’s Crossroads: The historic crossroads at Route 19 and McMurray Road
- Peterswood Park: A large township park of more than 133 acres
- Rolling Hills Park: The former Rolling Hills Country Club site, now home to the high school and the Rolling Hills Aqua Park
- Montour Trail: Including the Chartiers Creek High Bridge and the Greer Tunnel in the township
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
- Suburban growth: Peters Township was mostly farmland until the 1950s, and most of its neighborhoods developed after that.
- New construction: Newer neighborhoods continue to be added in the McMurray and Venetia areas. See the Planning Department for current plans.
- Historic homes: A few early homes remain, including the 1815 Enoch Wright House.
Types of Homes
Peters Township’s housing ranges from older homes from its farming days to neighborhoods built from the 1950s on and newer construction in McMurray and Venetia.
Prices and availability change daily. That means the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Peters Township.
Schools
Public Schools
Peters Township is served by the Peters Township School District, with offices at 631 East McMurray Road, McMurray, (724) 941-6251.
- Bower Hill Elementary School (K–3), 424 Bower Hill Road, Venetia
- Pleasant Valley Elementary School (K–3), 250 East McMurray Road
- McMurray Elementary School (4–5), 626 East McMurray Road
- Peters Township Middle School (6–8), 264 East McMurray Road
- Peters Township High School (9–12), 121 Rolling Hills Drive, in a building that opened in 2021
Elementary assignment depends on address. Confirm with the district.
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- Washington & Jefferson College (Washington, PA)
- University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and other Oakland campuses, about 35 to 45 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
- U.S. Route 19 (Washington Road): The main north-south route, toward the South Hills and Pittsburgh
- East McMurray Road: The main east-west route, home to the municipal building, library, and several schools
- Interstate 79: Reached in neighboring North Strabane Township
Public Transit
Washington County Transportation Authority (Freedom Transit) has served McMurray with commuter routes. The nearest light rail park-and-ride is South Hills Village station in Bethel Park.
Walkability & Bikeability
Walk Score rates the McMurray area 28 for walking and 42 for biking, so most trips are by car. The Arrowhead Trail and Montour Trail give walkers and cyclists long, paved routes.
Things to Do
Parks & Trails
Peterswood Park
More than 133 acres with the township recreation center nearby, football, baseball, softball, and soccer fields, an amphitheater, pavilions, and a skate park.
Rolling Hills Aqua Park
A splash pad at 110 Warriors Way that opened in 2025, with slides, a toddler area, and a pavilion.
Peters Lake Park
A 1.7-mile loop trail around the lake, with fishing and non-motorized boating.
Arrowhead Trail and Montour Trail
The paved 3.5-mile Arrowhead Trail follows the old railroad line, and about 2 miles of the Montour Trail run through the township.
Recreation
- Community Recreation Center: 700 Meredith Drive, Venetia, with two gyms, an elevated track, and a fitness room, (724) 942-5000
- Tennis Center: (724) 941-1330
- Trails: Walking, running, and biking on the Arrowhead and Montour Trails
Annual Events
The township’s community calendar includes:
- Community Day with fireworks
- Summer concerts and Friday Night Flicks at the Peterswood Park amphitheater
- Farmers market at Peterswood Park
- Food Truck Festival at Rolling Hills Park
- Haunted Trail, Trunk or Treat, and Holiday Kickoff
- Fishing Derby at Peters Lake
Dining & Shopping
- Route 19 (Washington Road): Restaurants, shops, and services through McMurray
- South Hills Village: A large shopping center 15 to 20 minutes away
Library
The Peters Township Public Library is at 616 East McMurray Road, (724) 941-9430. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Local Services & Resources
Peters Township Municipal Building
610 East McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317
Phone: (724) 941-4180
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Website: peterstownship.com
Council meetings: The second and fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. See council meetings.
Utilities
- Trash and recycling: Waste Management, 1-800-866-4460
- Water: Pennsylvania American Water
- Sewer: Peters Township Sanitary Authority, (724) 941-6709, or the Peters Creek Sanitary Authority in some areas
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Peters Township Police: 200 Municipal Drive, (724) 942-5030
- Fire: Peters Township Fire Department, 245 East McMurray Road, (724) 941-4176. See emergency services.
- EMS: Canonsburg Ambulance
Hospitals Nearby
- St. Clair Hospital, 1000 Bower Hill Road, Mt. Lebanon
- AHN Canonsburg Hospital (North Strabane Township), with an emergency department
Permits & Zoning
Permits and zoning go through the Planning Department on the ground floor of the municipal building, (724) 942-5005. Call before starting a renovation, fence, deck, or addition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Peters Township in?
Peters Township is in Washington County, south of Pittsburgh.
Are McMurray and Venetia part of Peters Township?
Yes. McMurray and Venetia are communities within Peters Township, with their own ZIP codes, 15317 and 15367.
What school district serves Peters Township?
The Peters Township School District. The high school is on Rolling Hills Drive.
How long is the drive from Peters Township to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 30 to 40 minutes, usually by Route 19. Traffic varies by time of day.
What parks are in Peters Township?
Peterswood Park, Peters Lake Park, Rolling Hills Park and its aqua park, plus the Arrowhead and Montour Trails.
Is there a recreation center in Peters Township?
Yes. The Community Recreation Center at 700 Meredith Drive has two gyms, an elevated track, and a fitness room.
Who collects trash in Peters Township?
Waste Management, 1-800-866-4460.
Where is the Peters Township library?
The Peters Township Public Library is at 616 East McMurray Road, (724) 941-9430.
Where is the Peters Township municipal building?
The municipal building is at 610 East McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317. The phone number is (724) 941-4180.
Thinking About a Move to Peters Township?
Whether you are buying in Peters Township or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Peters Township 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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