Overview & Orientation
Avalon is a small borough in Allegheny County on the Ohio River, about 6 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, just off Route 65. It covers about two-thirds of a square mile. Avalon is known for its California Avenue business district, its early 20th-century homes and brick streets, Avalon Park and Community Pool, the Avalon Public Library, Light Up Avalon, and the Northgate School District, which it shares with Bellevue.
Where Avalon Is
- County: Allegheny County
- Municipality type: Borough, incorporated on April 7, 1875, after separating from Kilbuck Township
- Size: About 0.69 square miles, including about 0.62 square miles of land
- ZIP code: 15202
- Bordering communities: Ben Avon Heights and Kilbuck Township (north), Bellevue (east), and Ben Avon (west). Neville Township, on Neville Island, sits across the Ohio River to the south. See Avalon on Wikipedia.
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 15–25 minutes |
| Ross Park Mall | 15–25 minutes |
| Oakland | 20–30 minutes |
| Cranberry Township | 25–30 minutes |
| Robinson Town Centre | 25–30 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 25–30 minutes |
A Brief History
The area was settled around 1800. In December 1874, property owners voted to separate from Kilbuck Township, and the borough was incorporated in 1875. It was originally called West Bellevue. The name Avalon comes from the legendary isle, the “land of apples,” because the area had orchards. See Avalon history.
A streetcar line reached Avalon around 1900, and service ran until 1966. Just offshore, the Davis Island Lock and Dam opened in 1885 as the first dam on the Ohio River. It was replaced by the Emsworth dam in 1922, and the site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Notable Landmarks
- California Avenue: The borough’s main street and business district
- Greenstone United Methodist Church: A 1906 church at 939 California Avenue, named for its green stone
- Church of the Epiphany: A 1912 to 1913 black stone church that received a Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation plaque in 2023
- Davis Island Lock and Dam Site: The site of the first dam on the Ohio River, now used by West View Water Authority
- Avalon Public Library: Founded in 1940, at 317 South Home Avenue
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
- Older homes: Original American Foursquares and stick-style homes line brick streets, along with homes from the mid-20th century.
- Common features: Brick exteriors, covered porches, stained glass, and pocket doors
- Condominiums: Avalon has several condo buildings, including The Summit, Chaize Place, The Kingston, and Hampshire House.
- Sale and rental rules: Sellers need a sewer dye test and an occupancy inspection, and rentals need a borough rental permit and tenant registration. See the borough FAQ.
Types of Homes
Avalon’s housing includes detached homes, townhouses, condos, duplexes, and small apartment buildings, ranging from historic homes to mid-century raised ranches.
Prices and availability change daily. That means the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Avalon.
Schools
Public Schools
Avalon is served by the Northgate School District, with offices at 591 Union Avenue, (412) 732-3300. The district serves Avalon and Bellevue.
- Avalon Elementary School, 721 California Avenue
- Bellevue Elementary School, 435 Lincoln Avenue, Bellevue
- Northgate Middle School and Northgate High School, 589 Union Avenue
Elementary assignment depends on address. Confirm with the district.
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- Community College of Allegheny County Allegheny Campus (North Side) and North Campus (McCandless)
- University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and other Oakland campuses, about 20 to 30 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
- Ohio River Boulevard (PA Route 65): Runs through Avalon, connecting south to Interstate 279 near Downtown and north to Interstate 79 in Glenfield
- California Avenue: The main street through the business district
- Interstate 79: Reached at Exit 66 in Glenfield
Public Transit
Pittsburgh Regional Transit Route 16 Brighton ends at the Avalon Loop on California Avenue and runs to Downtown. Check the PRT trip planner for current routes and schedules.
Walkability & Bikeability
California Avenue, the library, and Avalon Park are close to the borough’s residential streets. For ratings, see Walk Score for Avalon, PA or enter a specific address.
Things to Do
Parks
Avalon’s parks and shelters are listed on the parks and recreation page.
Avalon Park and Avalon Community Pool
At 708 New Brighton Road, with the borough pool and three rentable shelters, one with a full kitchen.
South Birmingham and North Birmingham Tot Lots
Small playgrounds at 201 South Birmingham and 698 North Birmingham.
Stone Soup Garden
A certified wildlife habitat garden at Hemlock Street and South Chestnut Avenue.
Recreation
- Avalon Community Pool: Summer swimming at Avalon Park
- Shelter rentals: Three shelters at Avalon Park for gatherings
- North Park: A large Allegheny County park to the north
Annual Events
- Light Up Avalon (December): A holiday event on California Avenue with a tree lighting, Santa, and a night market
- North Boroughs Community Day: A shared community day with music, food, and fireworks
- Halloween parade: Starting from Avalon Elementary School
See the borough website for current dates.
Dining & Shopping
- California Avenue: Restaurants, a grocery store, and a local market
- Lincoln Avenue in Bellevue: More shops and restaurants next door
- Ross Township: Larger shopping centers 15 to 25 minutes away
Library
The Avalon Public Library is at 317 South Home Avenue, (412) 761-2288. It was founded in 1940. See the borough library page or the library website for current hours.
Local Services & Resources
Avalon Borough Building
640 California Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202
Phone: (412) 761-5820
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday
Website: boroughofavalon.org
Council meetings: Held at the borough building. See the website for dates.
Utilities
- Trash and recycling: Waste Management, 1-800-866-4460. Trash is collected Thursdays and recycling every other Thursday.
- Water: West View Water Authority, (412) 931-3500. See utilities.
- Sewer: ALCOSAN, billed through Jordan Tax Service
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Avalon Police: Non-emergency (412) 761-0353. The station, at the rear of 640 California Avenue, is staffed around the clock. Avalon Police also serve Ben Avon.
- Fire: Avalon Volunteer Fire Company, 629 New Brighton Road, (412) 766-2244, serving since 1898
- EMS: Northwest EMS, (412) 331-2600
Hospitals Nearby
- AHN Allegheny General Hospital, 320 East North Avenue, North Side, a Level I trauma center
Permits & Zoning
Building permits and code enforcement are handled by Harshman CE Group, (724) 993-4505. See codes. Zoning questions go to the zoning officer through the borough office, and a joint planning commission reviews plans. See planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Avalon, PA in?
Avalon is in Allegheny County, on the Ohio River about 6 miles northwest of Pittsburgh.
Is Avalon, PA the same as Avalon, NJ?
No. This page covers Avalon Borough in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, ZIP code 15202.
What school district serves Avalon?
The Northgate School District, which serves Avalon and Bellevue. Avalon Elementary School is on California Avenue.
How long is the drive from Avalon to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 15 to 25 minutes, usually by Ohio River Boulevard. Traffic varies by time of day.
How did Avalon get its name?
The borough was first called West Bellevue. It was renamed Avalon, after the legendary “land of apples,” because the area had orchards.
Does Avalon have a community pool?
Yes. Avalon Community Pool is at Avalon Park, 708 New Brighton Road.
What do I need to sell a home in Avalon?
The borough requires a sewer dye test and an occupancy inspection. Contact the borough office for details.
Where is the Avalon Public Library?
At 317 South Home Avenue, (412) 761-2288.
Where is the Avalon borough building?
The borough building is at 640 California Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202. The phone number is (412) 761-5820.
Thinking About a Move to Avalon?
Whether you are buying in Avalon or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Avalon 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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