Overview & Orientation
Aspinwall is a small borough in Allegheny County, on the Allegheny River across from Pittsburgh’s Highland Park neighborhood. It covers about 0.4 square miles. Aspinwall is known for the Allegheny RiverTrail Park, its Brilliant Avenue and Commercial Avenue business districts, its brick streets and Victorian homes, and the Fox Chapel Area School District.
Where Aspinwall Is
- County: Allegheny County
- Municipality type: Borough, incorporated on December 28, 1892, from part of O’Hara Township. See Aspinwall on Wikipedia.
- Size: About 0.39 square miles
- ZIP code: 15215
- Bordering communities: Sharpsburg (west) and O’Hara Township (north and east). Pittsburgh’s Highland Park is across the Allegheny River.
- Motto: “The Town That Pride Built”
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Oakland | 15–20 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 15–20 minutes |
| Monroeville | 25–30 minutes |
| Pittsburgh Mills (Frazer) | 25–30 minutes |
| Cranberry Township | 35–45 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 35–45 minutes |
A Brief History
In 1890, Henry Warner bought 155 acres from Annie Aspinwall and laid out the town. Aspinwall became a borough in 1892. A streetcar line, later Route 94, connected the town to Pittsburgh until 1960. In 1903, residents staged what became known as the “Midnight Rebellion” in a dispute with the railroad.
The Highland Park Bridge opened in 1939, linking Aspinwall to the city across the river. The Sauer Buildings Historic District, at 607 to 717 Center Avenue, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
Notable Landmarks
- Allegheny RiverTrail Park: A riverfront park at 285 River Avenue, formerly known as Riverfront Park
- Sauer Buildings Historic District: A group of buildings on Center Avenue listed on the National Register
- Brilliant Avenue and Commercial Avenue: The borough’s two business districts
- Highland Park Bridge: The 1939 bridge across the Allegheny River
- Brick streets: Several of the borough’s streets are still paved in brick.
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
- Victorian homes: Many homes date from the borough’s early years in the 1890s and early 1900s.
- Brick streets: Older homes line several brick-paved streets.
- Compact grid: Homes sit on a walkable grid close to the business districts and the riverfront.
- Riverfront areas: Check flood zone status for properties near the river.
Types of Homes
Aspinwall’s housing is mostly older homes from the late 1800s and early 1900s, along with some duplexes and apartments near the business districts.
Prices and availability change daily. That means the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Aspinwall.
Schools
Public Schools
Aspinwall is served by the Fox Chapel Area School District, with offices at 611 Field Club Road, (412) 963-9600. The district also serves Fox Chapel, O’Hara, Sharpsburg, Blawnox, and Indiana Township.
Elementary assignment depends on address. Confirm with the district.
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- Chatham University (Shadyside and Eden Hall in Richland Township)
- University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and other Oakland campuses, about 15 to 20 minutes away
- Community College of Allegheny County Boyce Campus (Monroeville)
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
- PA Route 28: Along the borough, with exits 7 and 8 nearby, toward Downtown and north along the Allegheny
- Highland Park Bridge: Across the river to Highland Park and Pittsburgh’s East End
- Freeport Road: East toward Fox Chapel, Blawnox, and Harmar
Public Transit
Pittsburgh Regional Transit buses serve Aspinwall, including routes 1, 75, and 91.
Walkability & Bikeability
Aspinwall’s small size and grid of streets make many errands walkable, and the riverfront trail is popular for walking and biking. For ratings at a specific address, visit Walk Score.
Things to Do
Parks
Allegheny RiverTrail Park
A riverfront park with a 1.5-mile trail, a dog park, a kayak launch, a marina, a fishing dock, and a playground.
The riverfront trail connects to the borough’s streets along River Avenue, close to the business districts. Check the park’s website for current hours and rules before visiting.
Borough parks
Aspinwall’s borough parks include Firemen’s Memorial Park, The Playground with a splash pad, and the Aspinwall Recreational Area.
Recreation
- Paddling: Kayak launch on the Allegheny River
- Trail: Walking and biking at Allegheny RiverTrail Park
- Fishing: The park’s fishing dock
Annual Events
- Light Up the Wall (December): A holiday celebration with fireworks
- Memorial Day parade
- History walking tours
See the Aspinwall Chamber of Commerce and the borough website for current dates.
Dining & Shopping
- Brilliant Avenue and Commercial Avenue: Cafés, restaurants, and shops
- Freeport Road: More shops and services toward Fox Chapel and Blawnox
- Lawrenceville and the East End: More restaurants and shopping across the Highland Park Bridge
Library
Aspinwall residents can use the Cooper-Siegel Community Library, 403 Fox Chapel Road, (412) 828-9520.
Local Services & Resources
Aspinwall Borough Office
217 Commercial Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15215
Phone: (412) 781-0213
Website: aspinwallpa.gov
Council meetings: Held on the first two Wednesdays of each month. Check the borough website for times.
Utilities
- Water: Aspinwall Water Authority
- Trash and sewer: Contact the borough office. See borough services.
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Police: Aspinwall Police Department, through the borough office
- Fire: Aspinwall Volunteer Fire Department
- EMS: Foxwall EMS, (412) 963-6611
Hospitals Nearby
- UPMC St. Margaret, 815 Freeport Road, (412) 784-4000
- UPMC Shadyside and AHN West Penn Hospital, across the river in the East End
Permits & Zoning
Permits and zoning go through the borough office at (412) 781-0213, extension 108. Call before starting a renovation, fence, deck, or addition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Aspinwall in?
Aspinwall is in Allegheny County, on the Allegheny River northeast of Pittsburgh.
Is Aspinwall part of Pittsburgh?
No. Aspinwall is its own borough, across the river from Pittsburgh’s Highland Park neighborhood.
What school district serves Aspinwall?
The Fox Chapel Area School District. Confirm elementary assignment with the district.
How long is the drive from Aspinwall to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 15 to 20 minutes, usually by Route 28. Traffic varies by time of day.
What is the Allegheny RiverTrail Park?
A riverfront park at 285 River Avenue with a 1.5-mile trail, a dog park, a kayak launch, a marina, and a playground.
Who provides water in Aspinwall?
The Aspinwall Water Authority.
What hospital is closest to Aspinwall?
UPMC St. Margaret at 815 Freeport Road.
What library serves Aspinwall?
The Cooper-Siegel Community Library at 403 Fox Chapel Road, (412) 828-9520.
Where is the Aspinwall borough office?
The borough office is at 217 Commercial Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15215. The phone number is (412) 781-0213.
Thinking About a Move to Aspinwall?
Whether you are buying in Aspinwall or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Aspinwall 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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