Overview & Orientation
Castle Shannon is a borough in Allegheny County, in Pittsburgh’s South Hills, about 6 miles south of Downtown. It covers about 1.6 square miles. Castle Shannon is known for its seven light rail stops, Hamilton Park, the Castle Shannon Library, its Fire Department Carnival, and the Keystone Oaks School District.
Where Castle Shannon Is
- County: Allegheny County
- Municipality type: Borough, incorporated on December 20, 1919. See Castle Shannon on Wikipedia.
- Size: About 1.6 square miles
- ZIP code: 15234
- Bordering communities: Baldwin Township (north), Pittsburgh’s Overbrook neighborhood (northeast), Whitehall (east and southeast), Bethel Park (south and southwest), and Mt. Lebanon (west and northwest)
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| South Hills Village | 5–10 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 15–20 minutes |
| Oakland | 20–25 minutes |
| Robinson Town Centre | 25–30 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 30–40 minutes |
| Monroeville | 35–45 minutes |
A Brief History
The borough’s name is believed to come from “Castle Shanahan,” an early farm in the area. The Pittsburgh & Castle Shannon Railroad ran through the town from 1871 to 1950, and its right-of-way is now part of the light rail line. A street plan for the town was laid out in 1872. See the borough history.
The Castle Shannon Incline carried riders up Mt. Washington from 1890 to 1964. Castle Shannon became a borough in 1919, and it grew as a South Hills suburb along the trolley and rail lines.
Notable Landmarks
- Castle Shannon station: A light rail station with a large park-and-ride lot
- Hamilton Park: The borough’s main park, with an upper and lower section
- Castle Shannon Library: On Myrtle Avenue
- Castle Shannon Municipal Building: At 3310 McRoberts Road
- Library Road (PA Route 88): The borough’s main commercial road
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
- Early 1900s homes: Many homes date from the borough’s growth along the rail and trolley lines.
- Mid-century homes: Neighborhoods built in the decades after World War II
- Apartments and condos: Found along Library Road and near the light rail
- Near transit: Many homes are a short walk from one of the borough’s light rail stops.
Types of Homes
Castle Shannon’s housing includes early 1900s homes, mid-century houses, and apartments and condos near Library Road and the light rail.
Prices and availability change daily. That means the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Castle Shannon.
Schools
Public Schools
Most of Castle Shannon is served by the Keystone Oaks School District, which also serves Dormont and Green Tree. A small part of the borough is in the Bethel Park School District.
- Myrtle Avenue Elementary School (K–5), 3724 Myrtle Avenue
- Keystone Oaks Middle School
- Keystone Oaks High School
School assignment depends on address. Confirm with the district.
Other Schools Nearby
- South Hills Catholic Academy
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- Community College of Allegheny County South Campus (West Mifflin)
- University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and other Oakland campuses, about 20 to 25 minutes away
- Duquesne University and Point Park University (Downtown and the Bluff)
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 88 (Library Road): The main road through the borough, north toward Pittsburgh and south toward Bethel Park
- Willow Avenue and Castle Shannon Boulevard: Toward Mt. Lebanon
- U.S. Route 19 and PA Route 51: Reached through neighboring communities
Public Transit
Castle Shannon has seven light rail stops: Castle Shannon, Memorial Hall, St. Anne’s, Willow, Arlington, Killarney, and Smith Road. The Red, Blue, and Silver lines all run through the borough. Castle Shannon station has a park-and-ride lot of about 500 spaces, and Memorial Hall has about 340. See Pittsburgh Regional Transit.
Walkability & Bikeability
The streets near Library Road and the light rail stops are the most walkable. For ratings at a specific address, visit Walk Score.
Things to Do
Parks
Hamilton Park
The upper park is at 3601 Grant Street. The lower park, Mastandrea Field, has a splash pad. See parks and recreation.
Riehl Park, Municipal Park, and O’Brien Field
More borough parks and fields.
Recreation
- Splash pad: At Mastandrea Field in lower Hamilton Park
- Fields and courts: At the borough’s parks
- South Park: A large county park a short drive away
Annual Events
- Community Day
- Pour in the Park
- Fire Department Carnival (July)
- Halloween Parade
See the borough website for current dates.
Dining & Shopping
- Library Road: Restaurants, shops, and services
- South Hills Village: A large shopping center 5 to 10 minutes away
Library
The Castle Shannon Library is at 3677 Myrtle Avenue, (412) 563-4552.
Local Services & Resources
Castle Shannon Municipal Building
3310 McRoberts Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15234
Phone: (412) 885-9200
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday
Website: csboro.org
Council meetings: The second and fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. See borough council.
Utilities
- Trash and recycling: Waste Management
- Water and sewer: Contact the borough office for providers at a specific address.
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Castle Shannon Police: (412) 885-9300
- Fire: Castle Shannon Volunteer Fire Department, 3600 Library Road, (412) 884-7913
- EMS: Medical Rescue Team South
Hospitals Nearby
- St. Clair Hospital, 1000 Bower Hill Road, Mt. Lebanon
- UPMC Mercy (Uptown)
Permits & Zoning
Permits and zoning go through the borough’s planning and codes office, (412) 885-9200, extension 104. Call before starting a renovation, fence, deck, or addition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Castle Shannon in?
Castle Shannon is in Allegheny County, in Pittsburgh’s South Hills.
What school district serves Castle Shannon?
Most of the borough is in the Keystone Oaks School District. A small part is in the Bethel Park School District.
Is there light rail in Castle Shannon?
Yes. The borough has seven light rail stops, served by the Red, Blue, and Silver lines.
Where can I park and ride in Castle Shannon?
Castle Shannon station has a park-and-ride lot of about 500 spaces, and Memorial Hall has about 340.
How long is the drive from Castle Shannon to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 15 to 20 minutes. Traffic varies by time of day.
What parks are in Castle Shannon?
Hamilton Park, with a splash pad at Mastandrea Field, plus Riehl Park, Municipal Park, and O’Brien Field.
Who collects trash in Castle Shannon?
Waste Management.
Where is the Castle Shannon library?
The Castle Shannon Library is at 3677 Myrtle Avenue, (412) 563-4552.
Where is the Castle Shannon municipal building?
The municipal building is at 3310 McRoberts Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15234. The phone number is (412) 885-9200.
Thinking About a Move to Castle Shannon?
Whether you are buying in Castle Shannon or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Castle Shannon listings, or reach out to our team.
Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark
412-214-9494 | pittsburghhometeam.com
Explore Nearby Communities
- Mt. Lebanon (homes for sale)
- Dormont (homes for sale)
- Bethel Park (homes for sale)
- Baldwin (homes for sale)
- Whitehall (homes for sale)
- Upper St. Clair (homes for sale)
Written by Mike Pastor, Team Leader, Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark | PA License RS328638
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