Overview & Orientation
Beechview is a Pittsburgh neighborhood in the city’s South Hills, along the Red Line light rail. It covers about 1.5 square miles of hillside streets. Beechview is known for its Broadway Avenue business district, six light rail stops, Canton Avenue’s steep grade, the 1908 Beechwood School, and its Carnegie Library branch.
Where Beechview Is
- City: Pittsburgh, in Allegheny County
- Neighborhood type: A City of Pittsburgh neighborhood. See Beechview on Wikipedia.
- Size: About 1.46 square miles
- ZIP code: 15216
- Bordering areas: Duquesne Heights (north), Mt. Washington (northeast), Brookline (south and southeast), Banksville (west), Ridgemont (northwest), and the borough of Dormont (southwest)
- Terrain: Hilly, with some brick and Belgian block streets
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 10–15 minutes |
| Oakland | 15–20 minutes |
| South Hills Village | 15–20 minutes |
| Robinson Town Centre | 20–25 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 25–35 minutes |
| Cranberry Township | 35–45 minutes |
A Brief History
The area was once known as Orvilla. Broadway Avenue was laid out in 1902 and 1903, and trolley lines soon connected the hilltop to Downtown. The Borough of Beechview was formed in 1905, and it was annexed to the City of Pittsburgh on January 4, 1909.
The trolley line through Beechview became part of today’s light rail system, and Broadway Avenue is still the neighborhood’s main street. Canton Avenue, with a grade of about 37 percent, is often called the steepest street in the United States, according to Wikipedia.
Notable Landmarks
- Broadway Avenue: The neighborhood’s main street, with shops, restaurants, and light rail stops
- Canton Avenue: A very steep brick street, known for its 37 percent grade
- Beechwood School: A 1908 Tudor Revival school at 810 Rockland Avenue, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986
- Light rail stations: Dawn, Westfield, Fallowfield, Hampshire, Belasco, and Shiras
- Seldom Seen Greenway: A wooded greenway along the neighborhood’s edge
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
- Early 1900s homes: Many homes date from the trolley era, including foursquares and white-brick duplexes. Father Pitt has photos of local architecture.
- 1930s homes: Bungalows and other homes from the 1920s and 1930s
- Hillside lots: Some homes sit on steep streets with stairs and terraced yards.
- Near transit: Many homes are close to a light rail stop.
Types of Homes
Beechview’s housing is mostly early 1900s homes, duplexes, and bungalows on hillside streets, many within a few blocks of the light rail.
Prices and availability change daily. That means the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Beechview.
Schools
Public Schools
Beechview is served by Pittsburgh Public Schools.
- Pittsburgh Beechwood PreK–5, 810 Rockland Avenue, (412) 529-7390
- Pittsburgh Brashear High School, 590 Crane Avenue, (412) 529-7300
School assignment depends on address. Check the district’s feeder information for a specific home.
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- Duquesne University and Point Park University (Downtown and the Bluff)
- University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and other Oakland campuses, about 15 to 20 minutes away
- Community College of Allegheny County South Campus (West Mifflin)
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
- West Liberty Avenue (U.S. Route 19 Truck): Along the neighborhood’s western edge, toward Dormont and the Liberty Tunnel
- Broadway Avenue: The main street through the neighborhood
- Banksville Road: Toward the Parkway and Downtown
Public Transit
The Red Line light rail runs along Broadway Avenue, with six stops in Beechview and a direct ride to Downtown. Pittsburgh Regional Transit buses also serve the area.
The six stops are Dawn, Westfield, Fallowfield, Hampshire, Belasco, and Shiras. Heading inbound, trains continue through the South Hills Junction and across the Panhandle Bridge to Station Square and Downtown. Heading outbound, they run through Dormont and Mt. Lebanon toward South Hills Village.
Walkability & Bikeability
Broadway Avenue is the most walkable part of the neighborhood, with shops and light rail stops close together. Hills make some walks steep. For ratings at a specific address, visit Walk Score.
Things to Do
Parks
Vanucci Field and Playground
A city park at 1295 Orangewood Avenue with a ball field, playground, and spray park.
Alton Playground
A neighborhood playground.
Seldom Seen Greenway
A wooded greenway with trails along the edge of the neighborhood.
Recreation
- Beechview Healthy Active Living Center: A city senior center at 1555 Broadway Avenue
- Neighborhood cleanups: Volunteer groups hold regular cleanup days
- Light rail: An easy ride to Downtown events, stadiums, and the riverfront
- South Hills parks: South Park and the Montour Trail are a short drive away
Annual Events
Community groups host cleanups, seasonal events, and gatherings along Broadway Avenue through the year. Check the library branch and City of Pittsburgh calendars for current dates.
Dining & Shopping
- Broadway Avenue: Restaurants, cafés, and shops along the light rail line
- West Liberty Avenue: More shops and services toward Dormont
- South Hills Village: A large shopping center 15 to 20 minutes away
Library
CLP–Beechview is at 1910 Broadway Avenue. The branch reopened in a new space in 2015.
Local Services & Resources
City Services
As a City of Pittsburgh neighborhood, Beechview is served by city departments. Call 311 or visit Pittsburgh 311 for city service requests.
Utilities
- Trash and recycling: City of Pittsburgh Environmental Services
- Water and sewer: Pittsburgh Water (PWSA)
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Police: Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Zone 6, 312 South Main Street, (412) 937-3051
- Fire and EMS: Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire and Pittsburgh EMS
Hospitals Nearby
- St. Clair Hospital (Mt. Lebanon)
- UPMC Mercy (Uptown)
Permits & Zoning
Permits and zoning go through the city’s Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections at OneStopPGH. Check before starting a renovation, fence, deck, or addition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beechview part of Pittsburgh?
Yes. Beechview has been a City of Pittsburgh neighborhood since 1909.
What ZIP code is Beechview?
15216.
Is there light rail in Beechview?
Yes. The Red Line runs along Broadway Avenue, with six stops in the neighborhood.
Is Canton Avenue really the steepest street?
Canton Avenue has a grade of about 37 percent and is often called the steepest street in the United States.
How long is the drive from Beechview to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 10 to 15 minutes. Traffic varies by time of day.
What kind of homes are in Beechview?
Mostly early 1900s homes, duplexes, and bungalows on hillside streets.
What school district serves Beechview?
Pittsburgh Public Schools. Pittsburgh Beechwood PreK–5 is in the neighborhood.
Where is the Beechview library?
CLP–Beechview is at 1910 Broadway Avenue.
What parks are in Beechview?
Vanucci Field and Playground with a spray park, Alton Playground, and the Seldom Seen Greenway.
Thinking About a Move to Beechview?
Whether you are buying in Beechview or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Beechview listings, or reach out to our team.
Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark
412-214-9494 | pittsburghhometeam.com
Explore Nearby Communities
- Dormont (homes for sale)
- Mt. Washington (homes for sale)
- Mt. Lebanon (homes for sale)
- Green Tree (homes for sale)
- Castle Shannon (homes for sale)
- Brentwood (homes for sale)
Written by Mike Pastor, Team Leader, Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark | PA License RS328638
120+ five-star client reviews.